DAHLIN! IT’S THE JEANNE LITTLE SHOW! is coming to the Shirley Burke Theatre in a fitting tribute to the beloved Australian entertainer, performed with great aplomb by Melbourne’s own Caroline Ferguson on 24 November.
Weaving together song and story, DAHLIN! IT’S THE JEANNE LITTLE SHOW details Jeanne’s humble beginnings raised by a single mum, to being a Gold Logie award winner in 1976. Jeanne was well known for her remarkable career on the small screen, then in cabaret and theatre internationally and finally into her long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
The Australian mum, who could talk to anyone, became an overnight sensation on Australian television after a one-off guest appearance led to a regular spot on the Mike Walsh Show in the 70s and 80s. She interviewed the likes of Bob Hawke and Tom Selleck and was interviewed by Sir Michael Parkinson on UK television. But her ‘overnight’ success ruffled feathers within the television industry, and no one congratulated her when she won a Gold Logie.
Yet, Jeanne was a trailblazer for women in the Australian media landscape, not to mention women in comedy.
Jeanne was unconventional in every way. Before Lady Gaga, Jeanne was famous for the extraordinary costumes she created each week before her appearance the Mike Walsh show – toast, chips, garbage bags and sausages – nothing was off limits or too daring for Jeanne.
Jeanne’s successful yet unconventional marriage to interior designer Barry Little, reflected the community that she and Barry lived and worked in. The couple were fixtures in the queer scene and marched in the early Mardi Gras parades. Jeanne was constantly inspired by the underground drag scene in Sydney of that time.
DAHLIN! IT’S THE JEANNE LITTLE SHOW! Is written and directed by Kieran Carroll and starring Caroline Ferguson (pictured), this high-energy performance will feature a delightful selection of hit songs from various eras, with beloved tunes by Marilyn Munro, Marlene Dietrich, and more. The songs complement the narrative, which is a heartfelt homage to Jeanne Little’s unique spirit and legacy in the Australian entertainment industry.
Caroline Ferguson is a Melbourne radio presenter, voice-over artist and performer. She has appeared in television commercials, theatrical productions, short films and web productions, and has trained with Impro Melbourne, The National Theatre Drama School and St Martins Youth Arts Centre.
Kieran Carroll is an award-winning Australian playwright who writes dramas, biographical works, adaptations and comedies. He has had twenty-five plays produced in Australia, America and England and has received writing residencies around the world including the prestigious Yaddo in Saratoga Springs, New York. Recent productions include the highly successful Sons of Sun (Sydney Opera House, 2014 – 2018) and In The Mens (La Mama Courthouse, Melbourne, 2017).
DAHLIN! IT’S THE JEANNE LITTLE SHOW!
Sunday 24 November, 2pm
Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd, Parkdale
https://www.kingstonarts.com.au/Whats-On/all-events/dahlin-its-the-jeanne-little-show
