What could possibly follow such a thrilling week in Albury, where I was lucky enough to see the opening of a new musical for which I'd written the music? What excitement could possibly match the joy of seeing 1000 Alburians leaping to their feet in appreciation of the wonderful work of the cast, crew and musicians on "Strange Bedfellows"? What could possibly wake me up after the four-hour-rain-drenched journey down the never-changing Hume Highway back to drizzly Melbourne?

Enter: Australia's own megastar, Dame Edna Everage. My job was to accompany the Dame, as she performed "What My Public Means to Me" at the legendary Derby After Dark party. Unfortunately Dame Edna was not available for rehearsals in the afternoon, but her manager, Barry Humphries, turned up to the soundcheck to talk me through the whole procedure. He was very friendly and a true professional. Although I have to admit that I was a bit concerned when, later that night, Dame Edna appeared, but her manager was nowhere to be seen. This was disappointing.

But after years of watching her on television, I am happy to report that Dame Edna is every bit as glamorous in real life as she is on the small screen. Amongst the A-listers swanning around the room, Dame Edna stood out from the crowd. And then she left the building.