Melbourne theatres to dim their lights to honour Barry Humphries

Theatres across Melbourne will dim their lights tonight to honour the life and legacy of the late Barry Humphries.

The legendary Australian entertainer died in Sydney on Saturday after complications from hip surgery

Lights will dim at 7.45pm, a time-honoured tradition that's reserved only for the most influential and significant figures of the performing arts community.

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"We celebrate the life and legacy of Barry Humphries. His iconic characters have graced (and disgraced!) our stages for his whole career, appearing at almost every theatre in Melbourne," Marriner Group chief executive Jason Marriner said.

"This includes a three-week sold-out season at the Princess in 1999 and several appearances at the Comedy Theatre in the 1960s and 1970s."

Humphries, who was at least as well-known as Dame Edna Everage and the other iconic characters he created as he was as himself.

Marriner described Humphries as a towering figure in Melbourne's arts industry.

"Humphries was also pre-eminent in the campaign to save Melbourne's heritage theatres, loudly arguing to protect the Princess and Her Majesty's from the wrecking ball," he said.

"His influence can be seen and felt in every performance, and every time we walk through the theatre doors."

The Arts Centre, Princess, Comedy, Forum and Regent Theatres will all participate.

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