“HELLO, POPEYE”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 August 1938, Page 2

“HELLO, POPEYE”

FRANK NEIL’S REVUE. The following was written by an Auckland critic of the opening New Zealand production of Frank Neil’s Hollywood Revue, “Hello Popeye,” to be staged by J. C. Williamson Theatres at the Regent Theatre on Tuesday night, with a matinee on Tuesday afternoon, commencing at 3.3o:—Excelling previous Frank Neil’s productions, the revue “Hello Popeye,” met with an enthusiastic reception from a large audience. An attractive ballet, colourful dresses, remarkably effective lighting and sets, and a large number of celebrity variety artists made the performance one of unusual merit. Heading the company is Billy Costello, known by his voice throughout the world as the voice of the famous cartoon character Popeye the Sailorman, and his appearance on the stage was greeted with warm applause. Appearing in the guise of Popeye, his voice was immediately recognised as that of the wellknown screen character and in the group of numbers in which he was heard he exhibited the amazing flexibility and distinctive quality of his voice. Accompanying himself on the ukelele, he sang several songs, interspersing his numbers with the inimitable patter familiar on the screen. One of the most novel turns was given by the Elite Trio, Hollywood adagio dancers. ■ Another admirable performance was given by Billy Rayes, who combined humour- and juggling with great success. The young English comedian, Joey Porter, was a popular figure throughout the entertainment. The possibilities of the mouth-organ were well illustrated by Horrie Dargie. Clever acrobatic tumbling by the Kermond Brothers proved popular, and the Ritchie Brothers, two eccentric dancers, were received with applause. Syd. Page, with Peggy Earle and Ruth Rudie, provided an enjoyable 10 minutes with an exceedingly bright turn, combining humour and dancing. The box plan will be opened at Perry’s on Friday morning at 8.30 o’clock.