NEIL’S REVUE COMPANY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 August 1938, Page 2

NEIL’S REVUE COMPANY

♦ “HELLO POPEYE.” While a tremendous amount of interest is naturally being taken in the first appearance here of Mr Billy Costello, from whom the character of Popeye the Sailor was created, and whose voic/e is the original voice of the famous Max Fleischer Cartoons, the artists who have been engaged by J. C. Williamson Theatres for Frank Neil’s Hollywood revue, “Hello Popeye,” which is to be presented at the Regent Theatre on Tuesday afternoon next, commencing at 3.30, and on Tuesday evening at eight o’clock, include a number of the best known London and New York performers. Billy Costello became enormously popular in Sydney and Melbourne, and it was generally acknowledged that in his specialty act he is even more entertaining than on the screen. Among the artists who are associated with Mr Costello are Syd Page and Joey Porter, two of the most humorous comedians who have ever appeared under the banner of Frank Neil, and they are supported by Miss Peggy Earle and Miss Ruth Rudie, and it is said that the four of them create roars of laughter the whole time they are on the stage. Miss Rudie gives one of the cleverest and most unique dances ever witnessed on the Australian or New Zealand stage. Another feature turn is that presented by the Elite Trio. Their act was acclaimed in Sydney as the last word in artistry in terpsichore. Set in a garden of glamorous girls, the Elite Trio present an ever-changing series of movements. Mr Billy Rayes created a furore in Sydney in his patter and comedy juggling act. Horrie Dargie is said to be a wonder of the chromonica, and the Kermonde brothers are amazing acrobatic marvels. The Ritchie brothers are brilliant tap dancers, and other artists include Kay Zammit, a delightful soprano, and Mavis Ritchie, a brilliant young soubrette, and Betty Lambert, a delicious Australian comedienne. The famous Tivoli ballet and chorus are, as is usually the case with Frank Neil’s shows, a feature of “Hello Popeye.” The box plans are at Perry’s.