JAKE SHEARS REVEALS TOUCHING TRIBUTE TO LATE BARRY HUMPHRIES AHEAD OF CABARET DEBUT

Jake Shears has revealed the touching tribute he’ll be making in honour of the late Barry Humphries as he gets ready to make his debut in the theatrical production of Cabaret.

In April this year, it was announced that Barry – also known by his drag alter ego Dame Edna Everage – had died aged 89 following complications from hip replacement surgery.

Tributes poured in for the performer from around the globe, with many remembering all of the accomplishments he achieved throughout his life.

On Thursday’s The One Show, Scissor Sisters star Jake appeared on the programme alongside singer Self Esteem, real name Rebecca Taylor, as the pair discussed their upcoming roles in Cabaret, which is playing at The Kit Kat Club in London’s West End.

Presenter Alex Jones brought up the fact that several well known actors have played the Emcee before Jake, including Alan Cumming and Barry.

‘It’s big shoes to fill, yes,’ Jake, 44, responded.

‘Barry Humphries is in one of my all time favourite movies and he plays a German gameshow host and his accent has been living in my head forever and it’s kind of been how I’ve been learning to have my German accent other than our dialect coach.’

Jake, who previously starred on Broadway in Kinky Boots, explained that in the Emcee’s dressing room, all of the previous actors who played the role put up their inspirations for all to see.

‘The amazing thing about the Emcee’s dressing room is that all the Emcees put up our inspirations on the wall. You walk in and everyone leaves their stuff there,’ he shared.

‘You see pictures of everyone from Bowie to Alan to people in Weimar, Germany and it’s really special. So I hope to leave my mark in there as well and Barry Humphries is going to be up on that wall.’

When it was announced that Jake and Self Esteem would be starring in Cabaret, excitement levels among fans went through the roof.

‘THIS IS INCREDIBLE,’ The Great British Bake Off star Michael Chakraverty commented on the announcement post on Instagram.

‘ABSOLUTE VIBES,’ added radio host Lauren Laverne, while Strictly Come Dancing star Layton Williams simply put: ‘MAJ ✨.’

The One Show airs weeknights from 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Are you a Soaps fan? For exclusive spoilers and interviews, sign up to Metro's Soaps newsletter

2023-09-14T21:29:13Z dg43tfdfdgfd