The air was wintry and cold in San Francisco last night and it was full of Christmas. Gary and I spent time in the city to see Dame Edna live on stage at the historic Post Street Theatre.  Gary won free tickets to the show through a promotion though a local radio station 92.7.  The tickets to our delight garnered us front row seats!

We saw Dame Edna performed on stage a couple of years ago in San Francisco.  We have watched her show on the BBC America Network on TV.  We also loved her when she appeared for a short while on the TV hit Ally McBeal.

Her show opened up with a tabloid like newsreel running a scandalous piece on her life. It was hilarious and that set the tempo for the rest of the night. Dame Edna used her wonderful ability to engage her audience and make it a part of the show. She selected three women and 1 man for this show that she relentlessly picked on and brought up to the stage. It was signature Edna.

Her musical numbers was sung in her raspy, pitchy falsetto voice.

You see, Dame Edna is not really a “She” but is a “He.”

For over 50 years, Australian Barry Humphries has played the over the top character.  Not considered a drag performer, Humphries is straight, married and a father.  First appearing in 1955, Dame Edna has become an icon whose popularity has grown over time.

Edna’s infectious humor was evident in the show we watched and I had not laughed so hard for so long in such a long time. She is good for the soul.

The “Dame Edna Live and Intimate in Her First Last Tour” show will continue to run in San Francisco until January 4, 2008.

Dame Edna Official Web Site:  www.dame–edna.com