The Sunday Mail
Bette steps out!
JESSICA LAWRENCE
10apr05
BETTE Midler breezed around Brisbane City yesterday, buoyant after a blazing start to her first Australian tour in more than 25 years.
Setting out just before 11am, the Hollywood singer and actor did some window shopping, swept through several books and clothes shops and sampled some local culinary delights.
When approached by The Sunday Mail, the sassy 59-year-old was browsing a book entitled Achieving Excellence.
The night before, the Divine Miss M wowed fans with her Kiss My Brass show at the Entertainment Centre.
When asked for her reaction to the rave reviews for her Broadway-style show, Bette answered politely: “I don’t read reviews but, thank you, that’s lovely. I had a great time last night and I’m enjoying Brisbane.”
Dressed in dark denim jeans, a black hooded top, blue shades and hairband, Bette strolled almost unnoticed down Ann St and through the Queen Street Mall. One woman who did recognise her said: “I wanted to say hello but I didn’t want to bother her . . . I do love her, though.”
First stop for Bette was buying a magazine in Central Railway Station, then a quick check of a cute pink knit in Supre before stopping for lunch at a mall cafe. A bocconcini salad and cappuccino later, Bette paid the bill and left a $4 tip.
Manager of Milano cafe, Ernesto Zucchi, said: “She was in here a couple of days ago with some friends. She really is very nice.”
But the entertainer missed an obvious encore.
After leaving the cafe, her Wind Beneath My Wings played on the music system.
“We had to wait for her to leave before we could put it on,” a waiter said.
