Karen was born on the 4th of December 1931, in Sydney, Australia. There began a life destined to take her from Sydney to Istanbul, New York to Paris, performing in front of the cream of the entertainment world. On 4th December 2011, there will be the mother of all birthday bashes at The Venue in Jomtien.

Matt Munroe, the singing star who performed “From Russia to Love” in the 1963 James Bond film, said, “l have to meet that person”, Karen, gracious as ever, accepted the invitation to dine and enjoyed another starry evening whilst entertaining the table and rubbing shoulders with the likes of Johnny Ray, Rosemary Clooney and Debbie Reynolds. Some of those names have since faded, but back in the 60’s these people proved you had to have talent to survive in show business. Karen’s talent is evergreen.

At the age of 80, when rnost of us have taken off the wig and moisturized the makeup off our faces, to sit back to enjoy the fruits of our labours, Karen still performs. The sound of an overture makes her pulse quicken and there is a rush of blood when the M.C. announces, “And now the star of the show, the main reason for you being here, the one and only…Karen!” The thunderous applause is addictive for this stately octogenarian; a frocked galleon that sails the stage to delight.

The first time Karen “frocked up”, she was 18 years old, and most demure, like a Princess! However, she thrived on the competition for the most spectacular appearance and became increasingly bold and flamboyant. Karen, renowned for her dignified manner, was the ideal hostess for the many “gay” venues that would later drench the harbourside capital. The now famous great white way known as Oxford St in Sydney was described as Karen’s Castle, where the queen of Sydney’s gay life and her followers decreed new laws, much to the frustration of the establishment. Those laws freed up the lives of thousands who would later become the voice of an emerging new era of gay liberation.

Karen was the logical choice to reign over her new “Kingdom”. She opened a club called “The Purple Onion” in Sydney and Karen starred, M.C’d and was the guiding hand of the shows’ artistic production. The partners of the new club expressly wanted this, not only as a vehicle for artistic expression, as well as a place to call their own, but also as a venue where Karen’s humor, wit, and an appreciation of glamour would be applauded by her followers. Dressing as a woman in her daily life by this time had consumed Karen, there would be no turning back. Living like a real lady was the art.

The Sydney “gay scene” had found a home, a place where people could be themselves. The club quickly became a ‘must see’ when in town. Its notoriety had spread to mainstream society and soon straight people were demanding front row seats. The club became a famous celebrity haunt; any night could see Rudolf Nureyev, clinking champagne glasses together with John Lennon, Paul McCartney, or Frank and his bodyguard. A television film crew organized a documentary to show the success of this new generation, filming the cast getting ready as well as the show itself, Karen was asked, “What’s going to happen when the novelty of you dressing up wears off? What do you think you’ll be doing when you’re older?” Many at the time doubted drag was here to stay. Karen’s life is the answer.

Karen’s creative flair is legendary, spending hours trimming, cutting and sewing to get just the right look and adding her own special outrageous style for her adoring public. They are never disappointed. After nightly performances, Karen with other cast members went out to relax, have a few drinks, and catch up with friends and to see who was in town that week. These people would turn up at the club, wearing glamorous outfits. On many occasions, fashion writers would sketch Karen’s designs, which would turn up the following days in the magazines and fashion papers, and heralded as the “in” fashion of the season, Karen did not complain: she confused them by complimenting their taste in fashion!

Karen also had her own television show. Being a qualified milliner, she would create outrageous hats for the racing crowd; one famous doctor’s wife had a whole collection flown to England and wore them at Ascot. They caught the eye of the paparazzi, and made the next day’s headlines in the London Times. “Wear chooks on your head, colour your hair purple and green, whatever you do don’t try to compete with the Australian, Dr Northcote’s wife’s hat!” Karen ran her own successful millinery business for many years as well as performing nightly. Credited as Australia’s first professional milliner starting at the age of 16, at The June, a landmark millinery business in the heart of Sydney, she was happy to share artistic ideas with colleagues. One such dear friend is Freddie Fox, who went on to become famous as milliner to the royal household, HRH the Queen mother, Queen Elizabeth the 2nd as well as many other ladies of the royal court, and still is.

One of Karen’s first appearances on stage in Thailand happened some 10 years ago at a piano bar in Pattaya. There were other acts on the same card that night and Karen was billed in between the fire-eating act and the magician! Karen decided to open with one of her favourites, her signature tune: “My Way.” A large crowd had gathered and the show was very entertaining. When it was time for Karen’s number, the lights slowly softened, a voice announced, “and now the star of the show- won’t you please give a warm welcome to Karen…” As Karen entered the stage, the musical introduction began, the audience applauded, and then Frank Sinatra began singing! Ever the professional, Karen saw the opportunity for a few laughs and carried on until the number finished. The crowd loved it. The Thais still don’t know what to make of Karen, but they love her all the same.

Jerry Herman a well-known musical songwriter wrote the music and lyrics to such great musicals as Mame, Hello Dolly, Le Cage Aux Folles, and Dear World, but somehow he could have been writing about Karen’s life. Karen is your Aunt Mame, she’s Dolly, and she’s the owner of La Cage. Every day that goes by Karen cherishes, and no day is wasted, she understands “Life is a banquet.”

When Karen decided to become involved in a serious relationship, it just happened to be with a person 13 years youngermaybe in the hope that he could keep up with her lifestyle. That relationship has blossomed and endured for more than 48-years, and is as strong today as it was when a 16 year old boy from Bondi first set eyes on the person that was to be such a big influence on his life.

It is often said, “You only get out of life what you put into it.” lf that’s true, this person is due rich rewards. Karen has spent the last 80 years contributing to positive outcomes, not only for herself but also for many around her. She touches the heart, lifts an otherwise dull existence, is so willing to smile in the face of adversity and fights for what she believes is the right to be recognised as who we are and not what society demands. Join in the celebration of Karen’s 80th birthday at The Venue, be pleased and excited to be in such illustrious company and help turn another page in the book of this fabulous woman.

Want more? Read the complete issue online or visit a local venue and pick up a copy.