Joan

New Zealand

UPDATE

TRUE STORY

Since the article in Tranvestia No. 63, I have continued to have a full life in cabaret and clubs and last week reached a very rewarding stage. I was invited to a conference of the 36 entertainment clubs from all parts of New Zealand, in Dunedin. On the final night the top twenty-two items in New Zealand were presented as a programme, attended by the Mayor and Council and a large audience in the Town Hall. I was No. 19. so felt happy in the theory that the best is kept until the end. Sheer van- ity? I made up carefully in my hotel and took more than usual pains with make up and clothes. My wig, which is a good one, was styled beautifully in an extravagant night club style. The Manager and Reception had asked to see me when I left. Three Committee men called for me and we went down in the lift - it was the biggest and most modern hotel in Dun- edin, with many American tourists. There were several people in the lift and to have some fun I spoke to them in my deepest voice. The looks of astonishment and then relief as I explained to them. I wore a leopard skin coat and brown knee boots as my costume was at the Town Hall. The Reception staff and some visitors enjoyed a few minutes fun one woman trying to explain to her husband that I was really a man. His side glances amused us all. We departed. My dresser was an elderly man of 73 — a lawyer, who in his younger days had acted for many years as a female im- personator in Wellington. He was careful and gentle in helping me into my costume and doing me up. He said afterwards that it filled him with nostalgia to see me in my underthings and smell the theatre make up again. My heart warmed to him for I believe bringing back memories of his own moments in theatre made him happy. I do hope so. Before the show we were instructed "No Encores." When I went on I gave them the full treatment with everything I had legs, bosoms, and hips. I felt just right to do so and will describe my costume: Black Velvet leotards cut very high on the hips and with patterns of gold sequins, gilt chain loops

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