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New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1589, 7 October 1920, Page 37

Charles Holt had a big compliment paid him in Melbourne for his girl impersonation. It was while the Prince was there, and the Press gave a smoke concert at the Grand Hotel. By permission of the Taits he went to fulfil an engagement after his own show. “I wore a ‘stunning’ gown, a delicate mauve crepe de chine, cut very low and adorned with ostrich feather trimming, and a smart black satin opera coat. I strutted in, secure in the glory of fine clothes and greasepaint. Everyone stopped smoking and gave me a most attentive eye. Unconcerned, I began my song—a Marie I loyd number, ‘l’m a Good Girl Now.’ There was a yell of laughter from them all as they detected the impersonation, and before I got to the end of the first verse I was rushed with champagne! Going home (which was close by) I had a bit more fun. A would-be admirer of the opposite sex—l mean my own sex, oh, well, you know what I mean—with a sidecar stopped me. ‘I think I know you/ said he, working up politely to a conversation. ‘No, you don’t,’ said I, putting on my deepest baritone accents. ‘l’m an Aussie Digger and I’ve been singing for the Prince.’ I got my ride ail the same!”

Amy Evans, the famous Welsh soprano, and Fraser Gange, the celebiated Scotch baritone, who appeared here some ten weeks ago, are announced to give a series of farewell concerts in the Town Hall, commencing on October 9. Both of these artists created an immensely popular impression upon the occasion of their previous visit here, so it is a foregone conclusion that the return season will be welcomed by all musical enthusiasts.

The Australian Smart Set Diggers scored tremendously with Auckland audiences, and after their final performance to-night play the following North Island towns: — Hamilton, October 7th; Taumarunui, Sth; Feeding, 9th; Marton, 11th; Palmerston North, 12th; Dannevirke, 13th; Hastings, 14th; Napier, 15th; Waipawa, 16th; Masterton, 18th and 19th; Pahiatua, 20th; Wanganui, 21st; New Plymouth, 22nd and 23rd; Waitara, 25th; Eltham, 26th; Hawera, 27 th and 28th. » s * s One of the features of “Tiger Rose,” the fine three-act play of the Canadian North-west to be seen here on Thursday next under the J. and N, Tait direction, is the brilliant and vivid characterisation. In the old factor Hector McCollins the audience recognises a type whose pioneering spirit has made the future of big primitive countries like Canada and Australia. Then there is Constable Michael Devlin. one of those excellent upright and fearless souls who made the reputation of the Canadian North-West Mounted Police. Another fine figure in the plav is the French-Canadian Pierre La Bey, who is one of Rose’s admirers and who lingers in the background, creating a musical atmosphere with his violin.

“The brother of Amy, Eileen, and Dolly. That’s who I am!” laughed jolly George Castles, the Aussie Digger, who fulfils his billing as operatic tenor so pleasingly, besides entering gaily into the frivolity of the ensembles. Mr. Castles, like his sisters, studied singing in Paris under the famous M. Bouhy, and came out under engagement to J. C. Williamson in 1908, making his first appearance in New Zealand with “The Blue Moon” Company. He has made three trips to the United States, concert work and vaudeville claiming him for some good engagements. At a dinner at the Waldorf, given to President Wilson by the “Knights of Columbus,” he was the only singer, and he has many interesting reminceses of that occasion. He joined up in the early stages of the war, and was one of the Fourth Division Concert Party (the present Smart Set), which was formed from boys of the different units just after Paschendale. They played in the hospitals, rest camps, and to the boys practically in the firing line. At the memorable Te Deum service, held at Amiens Cathedral after the armistice, Mr. Castles sang Gounod’s “Ave Mafia” with Mr. Albert Torzillo accompanying on the harp. “I have never sung at anything more impressive than that,” he says with feeling. This brother to the three Castles has the happy family resemblance, which soon enlightens the audience as to his identity. * sjs # Miss Dorothy Brunton had a warm reception on her arrival in Melbourne from London, a large crowd waiting on the pier to greet her. She has a twelve months’ engagement with J. C. Williamson, Ltd. * * * * Mr. Duncan Neven’s tour' with Dolores lasted two years and a-half. During that time every town in Australasia was visited with the famous singer, and only three return seasons played—Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. Dolores, after a rest in France, talks of touring South Africa before returning once more to Australia. * * * * Lew James, recently on the Fuller circuit, is at present, in Johannesburg. At latest advice he was appearing as Abe Potash in “Business Before Pleasure.” . His wife (Reina Selma) was also in the cast. * * * * A new feature has been introduced into the J. C. Williamson revue, “The Passing Show of 1920,” at Melbourne Her Majesty’s. This is a comedy "ketch entitled “Strike Home,” and, dealing as it does with the effects of the prevailing epidemic of strikes and its effect in the household, is of timely interest. The sketch has been written by a Melbourne journalist.

The Censor of. Films celebrated his fourth official birthday on September 16. 1920. During his four years of office he has seen 16§ million feet of film, or, roughly, 31721 s miles. In the last year he put through 3t million, or 718 miles.

In “Tiger Rose” the Taits have a rain and thunderstorm so realistic that you reach for your coat, wish you had your umbrella, and want to send for all the plumbers in the town.