Former Chewton resident and beloved Aussie entertainer Stan Munro is set to return to Castlemaine this Friday to launch his new book Stan Munro –Secrets of a Showbiz Dame.
From the grey streets and isolation of the Welsh valleys, to the glittering stages of Sydney’s Kings Cross, Stan Munro has lived a life larger than any spotlight could capture.
Secrets of a Showbiz Dame is a dazzling memoir of survival, reinvention and unapologetic authenticity told with the wit, warmth and wicked humour of a true drag legend.
After a launch in his hometown of Kyogle last week, Stan will launch the new book co-written with William Brougham at Stoneman’s Bookroom this Friday afternoon, and Hares & Hyenas at the Victorian Pride Centre in St Kilda on Saturday ahead of the Australia-wide launch on March 24.
Stan said he was thrilled to be returning just in time for the highly anticipated 50th anniversary of the Castlemaine State Festival.
“Not long after first arriving here in Castlemaine I actually put together a show for the Castlemaine State Festival and this spearheaded five years of work. So the event holds a special place in my heart,” Stan said.
Stan said the memoir had been 10 years in the making.
“William travelled up from Sydney to my current home a Kyogle (in the Northern Rivers region near Byron Bay) to visit me on three or four occasions and even travelled to Castlemaine with me making video and sound recordings and documenting my story,” he said. “However, we were unable to find a publisher. Everyone kept saying the subject was too ‘niche’.”
A chance meeting with one of Kyogle’s newest residents and independent publisher, Leanne Murne of Planetary Press and Publishing, catapulted the long-held project into reality and in just nine short weeks it went from a manuscript to a beautiful realisation.
“The image on the cover was taken by Jodie Harris and was a finalist in the National Photographic Portrait Prize at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra, which is currently touring the country,” Stan said.
The book details the challenges and trials of his early childhood and his first performances singing at 13 with the Francis Langford Singing Scholars through to the dazzling heights at the pinnacle performing with the original Les Girls cast in Sydney and the golden drag scene in Melbourne, his time in Castlemaine and everything beyond.
Stan has performed across the globe and also starred in the 1970 Jeff Bridges film Yin and Yang of Mr Go, and Alvin Purple featuring American actor Burgess Meredith (of Batman and Rocky fame) where Stan was one of the first female impersonators to be featured in an Australian film.
“I was estranged from my family long ago. But here in Australia I found my home and a created a new family. I love mixing with people,” Stan said.
“I recall when I was leaving Chewton around 17 years ago, a gay man approached me a thanked me for making the community ‘more acceptable’.
“he said ‘We have a lot to thank you for’ and that really brought a tear to my eye.”
“On my last visit to Caslemaine 18 months ago, we played a packed show at the Theatre Royal and it was such a special moment. A homecoming.”
At 85 Stan is still sparkling.
“Life’s too short not to shine, darling so grab your heels, your crown and your courage, and get ready to strut.”
You can catch Stan at Stoneman’s Bookroom at 3pm Friday. He will be conducting signings and a Q&A.
