Who is Dolly Diamond?
I’m just your average run of the mill woman who wants to be Queen.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Nothing! I try to live my life exactly the way I would like it to be. At times we all have to do things we don’t want to, but I try to make those occasions few and far between. (And I drink heavily whilst doing them)
Who inspires you and why?
My mother Iris was my greatest inspiration. My Dad was too, but we lost him recently, somewhere in Glen Waverley. We keep putting up the posters but it’s not a very recent photo.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
We can all make a difference in how we live our lives. What we say and do to each other and the level of respect we give one another. If I was Queen Of Moomba I’d do my best to get more involved with spreading a little bit more love in this great city of ours. I’d also name a day after myself… it’s all about give and take.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I live in Melbourne and I’m finding it difficult to find anywhere better, except in July/Aug when I visit London… just so I can keep my accent up.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
The Cabinet Bar in Rainbow Alley.
What are you currently reading?
Emails & Real Queen Of MOOMBA script. No bloody time for anything else.
What are you currently listening to?
I can’t get going without an Enya medley. I need to Sail away to a bit of Orinoco flow before I can even function. And anything old school from Marcia Hines & Donna Summer.
Happiness is?
A sell out show…laughing. It’s also great friends, red wine… laughing. Laughter is very important.
What does the future hold for you?
Well I kind of have my heart set on being The Real Queen Of Moomba. I also want to live life to the full, I also want more sex.
Michael Dalton (creator of Dolly Diamond) was born in the UK and his professional career began as a 10 year old when he played the title role in Oliver! (West End London).
He immigrated to Australia in the 80’s with his family and lived in Melbourne and attended Ringwood High School, Box Hill TAFE (Drama) and Rusden (Drama). Joining a cappella group The Phones, Michael performed nationally for 4 years. Appearing numerous times on Hey Hey It’s Saturday and as weekly regulars on The Bert Newton Show.
In 1990-2000 Michael began his relationship with The Rocky Horror Show performing in and staying with the production as it toured Australia and New Zealand (understudying Riff Raff and The Narrator). He then moved back to the UK appearing in many productions across the UK and Europe, playing the role of Rocky.
Michael was backing singer with Julian Clary in Australia & UK for 3 years, and also toured with Richard O’Brien in Disgracefully Yours, West End, Edinburgh Festival and the Bottom Line in New York. Michael played The Naked Maid in Naked Boys Singing in the West End. Since then he has worked steadily as a solo singer / performer internationally (UK, Europe, SE Asia) at various clubs & corporate events.
In the late 90’s, Michael created the character of Dolly Diamond, and has performed as her across the UK, as well as seasons at Chapel off Chapel (2004-08), Sydney Mardi Gras, Adelaide Feast Festival and the Chill Out Festival. He also appeared as a series regular on the children’s television show Dick and Dom for the BBC, and also presents on Studio Q (Ch 31) and various shopping channels in the UK including: Bid TV, Price Drop TV and Speed Auction TV.
In 2013, Michael performed his one man show You’ve Got Male, an autobiographical story, as part of the Midsumma Festival. He was also a part of the cast of The Three Of Us, which sold out in it’s run at Fortyfivedownstairs in 2014, along with Luke Gallagher and Rachael Dunham.
Dolly Diamond, The Real Queen of Moomba – a new comedy cabaret show is being presented as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival at Trades Hall: 7 – 19 April 2015. For more information, visit: www.comedyfestival.com.au for details.
Image: Dolly Diamond