BARRY HUMPHRIES - DAME EDNA GIVEN KEY TO MELBOURNE

DAME EDNA GIVEN KEY TO MELBOURNE

BARRY HUMPHRIES' comic creation DAME EDNA EVERAGE has been honoured with the key to the city of Melbourne, Australia. Humphries, 72, has been playing Everage since 1955, although Melbourne is celebrating the character's 50th anniversary. The city's Lord Mayor JOHN SO presented Everage with her honour at yesterday's (23AUG06) ceremony. Speaking at the event, Everage said, "I was born in this lovely town and I've never had a key to it. I've always snuck in while the door was ajar." So added, "Through her humour Dame Edna has changed the way Melburnians think and laugh about themselves. For 50 years she has been putting Melbourne on the international comedy map."