What Dame Edna Says

Dame Edna Everage’s pet possums from show biz were on hand for her L.A. debut at the Shubert Theatre last week. Several lingered for the post-performance fete for the international mega-star, gladiolus fiend and counselor to Royals.

Her Dameship, a.k.a. actor Barry Humphries, traded her trademark wisteria wig and sequined chemise for a pink-lined black blazer for the party at the St. Regis Hotel hosted by Venice magazine. Between bites of chocolate eclair, Dame Edna related how her handlers “groveled” to lure her to L.A. “They said I should share my infinite wisdom and beauty tips with my adoring fans. Besides, there’s nothing more exciting for an elderly entertainer than to find a neeeeew audience.”

Among the possums spotted were Humphries’ wife, Lizzie Spender--she’s the daughter of poet Stephen Spender; Angela Lansbury, Ann Miller, Victoria Tennant, Chase Mishkin, Lorna Luft, Tava Smiley and Rita McKenzie.