Dame Edna gets keys to Melbourne

Dame Edna (r) was presented the award by Lord Mayor John So (l)

Dame Edna Everage, the comic character played by Barry Humphries, has been presented with the keys to Melbourne.

The purple-haired star was presented with the honour - suitably decorated with her trademark spectacles - by the city's Lord Mayor, John So.

"I was born in this lovely town and I've never had a key to it," said Everage. "I've always snuck in while the door was ajar."

Humphries, 72, has been playing Dame Edna since 1955.

However, Melbourne is celebrating the comic character's 50th anniversary. Dame Edna said she preferred "a round figure, darling" at yesterday's ceremony.

'Gigastar celebrity'

For 50 years she has been putting Melbourne on the international comedy map John So Lord Mayor of Melbourne

Referring to herself as a "gigastar" (one thousand times a megastar), she revealed the highlight of her career had been meeting the Queen.

"I didn't think it would be, because I was one of the original republicans," she said.

"And, like most republicans, I was hoping for the job of president."

Presenting the award, Mr So proclaimed the comic character Melbourne's "first lady".

"Through her humour Dame Edna has changed the way Melburnians think and laugh about themselves," he said.

"For 50 years she has been putting Melbourne on the international comedy map."

The comedian will premiere a new show in the city in December.