So it will be a win-win situation for the Melbourne-based cabaret act and audiences when he returns to Perth for Fringe World Festival 2016.
Dalton’s new show Dolly Diamond: Alive and Intimate is pure cabaret, with live singing and lyric changes to classic songs from Que Sera Sera to Love is in the Air.
“Dolly likes to really get to know her audience; there’s always a few gems out there,” Dalton said.
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READ NOW“She’s not backward in coming forward, but as much as she picks on the crowd she’s never cruel, unless they really deserve it – latecomers, talking, on the phone.”
Dalton, who is a radio presenter on Melbourne station Joy 94.9, created the Dolly Diamond character in the late 1990s and has since toured throughout Australia and the UK.
He is accompanied by pianist Mark Jones, who “plays and sings while Dolly swans around in front of the audience soaking up the spotlight”.
“We’d known each other for years but hadn’t worked onstage together,” Dalton said.
Dalton was in Perth during the recent festive break and said that he could not wait to return here with his show, running from February 9 to 12 at Circus Theatre, Perth Cultural Centre.
“I can’t wait to get back to Perth,” he said.
“I was here quite a few years ago – once when I was in a production of The Rocky Horror Show with Jason Donovan and also as Julian Clary’s backing singer.
“It’s my kind of place; great weather and friendly people.
“How could you live in a place like this and be a miserable bastard? You should put that on your car number plates.”