Following a tug-of-war between NSW and Victoria, the Sydney Opera House has been revealed as the venue for a state memorial service for the late comedian Barry Humphries.
It will be held on Friday, December 15.
Barry Humphries on tour in 2018.
The announcement follows a political row that erupted when it was revealed the Victorian government’s offer to host the event had been knocked back by Humphries’ family. That news came amid reports Humphries was deeply hurt following the International Melbourne Comedy Festival removing his name from the event he co-founded after his controversial off-stage comments he made about the transgender community.
The memorial will be co-hosted by the Australian and NSW governments, and in partnership with the arts community from across the country, including Humphries’ home state of Victoria.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Monday that Humphries’ death had been a “huge loss to the arts community”, while NSW Premier Chris Minns described him as “one of our nation’s greatest ever comedic talents”.
“He was a true master of his craft, and his legacy will continue to live on through the unforgettable characters he brought to life on stage and screen,” Minns said.
“The Sydney Opera House is a fitting location for what promises to be a memorable send-off given the venue’s significance in Australian arts, culture, and entertainment.”
Humphries passed away in Sydney on April 22, aged 89, following a celebrated seven-decade global career. He had been in hospital since January following hip replacement surgery; however, it was subsequently revealed he had also been living with cancer for several years, though he had hoped to recover for a planned return to the stage.
He was best known for his iconic characters including Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson, as well as being a renowned author, actor and satirist.
The memorial will bring together dignitaries, family, friends and fans from across the country and around the world to celebrate his career and achievements.
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