By TANIA PHILLIPS
DENISE Drysdale is one of the most versatile performers in Australia and that versatility will be on show in Coolangatta this weekend.
The grand dame of Australian entertainment is in town for the next five days as one of the ambassadors (along with Lucky Starr) for the Cooly Rocks On Festival not that it is all about smiling and waving to the crowds.
“I arrive Thursday and then I have a show in the Marquee on the beach that night,” she said during a chat earlier this week.
“It’s a tribute show to JOK. On Friday I have a Ladies do Brunch and on Saturday night I’m doing a show with Normie Rowe and Tony Worsley at the Coolangatta and Tweed Heads Golf Club.
“I’m so lucky to still be doing what I’m doing at 64 and a half.”
It’s probably fair to say when she started going to dancing lessons back at the tender age of six, Denise probably wasn’t thinking that it would turn into a life-long career. Back then it was just a chance for her parents to get her out.
“My mum and dad had a pub in the ’60s,” she explained as she apologised for her persistent cough which she attributes to years of passive smoking including performing in clubs .
“That’s how I started dancing. In those days they had 6 o’clock closing so they would send me out to dancing to get away from the smoke (and the drinking).”
Denise has been performing ever since – both on stage and screen. Her most recent television gig was The Circle on Channel 10 – a show she admits loving – except the early mornings.
“If I could do a show at 1.30pm I’d be happy,” she laughed.
Denise is now based on the South Coast of NSW – recently moving there after years of living in Victoria.
“I love the Tweed I would have moved there but it’s too hot in the summer,” she said.
So instead she is making an action-packed fun filled visit to “catch up with friends” and join in all the excitement of Cooly Rocks.
Who: Denise Drysdale
Where: Cooly Rocks On
When: Check the program for details.
