AustLit

One of several concert parties formed during World War I, The Sentimental Blokes presented a typically vaudeville style entertainment, heavily-laden with comedy, songs, dances and sketches. The troupe was organised sometime around 1916/1917 under the leadership of (Producers) Lieutenants W. J. Walsh and W. M. Blake and stage manager Sergeant W. J. Goodall. Right from the start the star attraction was female impersonator Private Lindsay Kemble, who the Aussie writer describes as the company's 'trump card.' Another key performer was basso Roy Glenister.

As with other ANZAC concert parties, the 'Blokes' remained in Europe and Great Britain for some time, entertaining troupes that were still required as part end-of-war peacekeeping and security measures. On 4 July 1919 the company even performed for His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales (Burra Record 3 September 1919, p.2). After the troupe was disbanded and its members demobilised, Lindsay Kemble returned to Australia and briefly toured his own variety company before joining the Mademoiselle Mimi Diggers. In the late 1920s he teamed up with fellow female impersonators Tiki Carpenter and Charles Holt in the reformed Smart Set Diggers. Another 'Blokes' performer, Roy Glenister was also associated with the Smart Set Diggers between 1920 and 1923.

[Source: Australian Variety Theatre Archive]