Barry Humphries Lights Up Opera House

The Sydney Opera House was lit up to honour the late Barry Humphries, following his state memorial service organised by the NSW and Federal Governments which was held in the Concert Hall today (December 15).

The 89-year-old entertainer, who passed away earlier this year, was honoured by an extraordinary array of celebrities ranging from King Charles to media mogul Rupert Murdoch, Elton John, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh.

A message from King Charles was read by the Federal Arts Minister Tony Burke. The Monarch recalled Dame Edna Everage's unexpected visit to the royal box during a charity gala event which created a "unique sensation where fear and fun combined".

In a video message from the UK impressario Cameron Mackintosh recalled how Barry Humphries appearance as Fagin, in a revival of the musical Oliver! was transformed, (and went 20 minutes over-time) when he was given permission to ad-lib about his Australian connections.

Film maker Bruce Beresford spoke about the creation of the movie The Adventures of Barry McKenzie and recalled about Humphries' early days as an actor in London.

"He ran from a nearby pub and managed to reach the theatre just as the curtain opened. The only problem was that he was in the wrong theatre.''

Beresford attended a function at Australia House in 1972 and noted how Humphries was paying close attention to an Australian diplomat. A short time later the same diplomat appeared on stage as Les Patterson.

Humphries' children took part in the service. Tessa Humphries read a poem her father wrote, "Wattle Park Blues", which she described as a love letter to Melbourne.

Sons Oscar and Rupert described the joy of watching their father transform into Dame Edna. Rupert said "my favourite smell growing up was that of nail polish remover."

"We sat in the back row of of the theatre praying that this was not the night he went too far."

Entertainment at the service included excerpts of Weimar Republic cabaret music performed by the Australian Chamber Orchestra.

The final performance at the service was a re-broadcast of "Song of Australia".

Watch it here.