Dame (Stan) Munro
Stan will launch his book "The Life of a Showbiz Dame" this Saturday night the 24th of January 2026 at 5.00pm in the Senior Citizens Centre, Bloore Street Kyogle.
Watch the launch live from 5.50pm by clicking below.
Life of a Showbiz Dame
from Child film star to Drag Queen………
"Life's too short not to shine, darling so grab your heels, your crown, and your courage, and get ready to strut."
— Stan Munro
Hailing from the valleys of Wales, born in 1941, Stan Munro burst onto the scene as a dazzling female impersonator, drag performer, and comedian. His journey to stardom began precociously at just 13, touring the world with the renowned Francis Langford Boys Choir, where the seeds of his future theatrical prowess were undoubtedly sown.
The glittering stages of Kings Cross, Sydney, beckoned in 1963. Munro became one of the original, iconic cast members of the internationally acclaimed cabaret sensation, Les Girls, alongside the legendary Carlotta. It was here, amidst the sequins and spotlight, that Munro also championed Polari, weaving its vibrant slang into the very fabric of the performers' language and popularizing it far and wide.
Vintage Drag in Mint condition refers to a popular Australian stage show starring legendary performer Stan Munro, celebrating his decades-long career as a leading drag comedian, touring regional towns and sharing hilarious, poignant stories of his life and famous friends like Danny La Rue. The phrase "mint condition" itself means perfectly preserved, like new, originating from coin collecting to describe items without flaws, but here it refers to the show's pristine quality and Stan's enduring star power despite his age.
By 1970, as Les Girls took Melbourne by storm, Munro ascended to lead the troupe, captivating audiences as their compère for an incredible seven years. His groundbreaking spirit shone through even behind bars, as he made history as the first female impersonator to perform at Pentridge Prison.
Beyond the Australian spotlight, Stan’s dazzling presence graced stages across Asia, Europe, and the United Kingdom, cementing his status as a truly international phenomenon.
His star continued to rise on screen too. In 1973, Munro charmed audiences on The Graham Kennedy Show, interviewed by Bert Newton following a show-stopping performance by the Les Girls cast. He also left his indelible mark on Australian cinema, starring in the 1970 Jeff Bridges film Yin and Yang of Mr Go, and later in Alvin Purple, where he trailblazed as the first female impersonator to be featured in an Australian film.
From Humble Beginnings
Rising from hardship in Wales to performing with the Francis Langford Singing Scholars at just thirteen
Scandalous Romance
A summer love affair with Are You Being Served? star John Inman that defied convention
Iconic Performances
Dazzling audiences with the legendary Les Girls across Sydney and Melbourne's golden drag scene
Arriving in Australia from the UK in 1963, Stan Munro initially forged a path as a dancer and acrobat, showcasing his versatile theatrical talents. However, it wasn't long before the vibrant world of female impersonation called to him, a move that would define his legendary career.
Known affectionately as ‘Dame Stan Munro,’ at 84, he stands as arguably Australia’s oldest performing drag queen, a testament to his enduring passion and stage presence.
"I starred in and compered Les Girls in Sydney and did seven years with Les Girls in Melbourne," he shared, reflecting on his time with the iconic cabaret. Les Girls was more than just a show; it was a cultural phenomenon in Kings Cross, known for its groundbreaking performances, lavish costumes, and the incredible talent of its cast members like Stan and Carlotta. It carved out a unique space for drag artistry, captivating audiences and pushing boundaries in an era when such performances were still emerging into mainstream acceptance.
"It wasn't long until I was doing female impersonating and I have travelled the world with it ever since. I have been around the world so many times working and it has never cost me anything." This global touring solidified his status as an international performer, taking his unique blend of glamour, wit, and performance to stages across Asia, Europe, and the UK, exposing diverse audiences to the magic of Les Girls and his individual artistry.
He said one of his favourite comedians was Sir Les Patterson, who he based a lot of his material on. Sir Les Patterson, the boorish cultural attaché created by Barry Humphries, was known for his outrageous and satirical humor. Munro masterfully absorbed this influence, crafting a stand-up comedy style that was sharp, observational, and often delivered with a mischievous glint, making his acts truly unforgettable.
"I sing in my own voice; I do a lot of Shirley Bassey numbers, but 70% of my act is stand-up comedy," he revealed. This distinctive blend of powerful Shirley Bassey-esque vocals with cutting-edge stand-up comedy was a hallmark of his performances. It allowed him to showcase both his vocal prowess and his comedic timing, offering audiences a dynamic and engaging theatrical experience.
"I am well known for my very good legs, and I'm still performing at 72." Even into his senior years, Stan’s legendary physique and energetic stage presence were points of pride. His dedication to fitness and the art of performance meant that audiences continued to be mesmerized by his agility and the sheer joy he brought to the stage.
"And I don't intend to stop; I'm very fit because I have been active all my life." This unwavering determination underscores Stan Munro's profound love for performing. His resilience, boundless energy, and commitment to entertaining have kept him in the spotlight for decades, serving as an inspiration to many and a living legend in the drag community.
"Life's too short not to shine, darling - so grab your heels, your crown, and your courage, and get ready to strut."
— Stan Munro
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