I lived in Newcastle as a child, and remember asking my mother about a poster stuck to a telegraph pole. It had an image of a very young Barry Humphries, advertising his show "A nice night out" ( I think). She immediately said his show was "riske" and of "dubious morality". I silently wished I could have gone. That Australia, BH's Menzies, Melbourne and Moonee Ponds Australia, has gone forever. How lucky were we to have him hold a humorous mirror up to early Australian society.
In a recent visit to Melbourne, I visited Christowel St, Camberwell, including Barry’s childhood home. The Silver Birch trees, English lawns and glorious homes are still there. No gum trees, no Wattles. Thank you Bazza, your contribution was without peer. RIP.
Barry was so gracious in his admonition; "Forgive me, you may not use those words in connection with my mother, anymore than I would take the liberty of so describing your mother". 18:40
