“HELLO POPEYE”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 August 1938, Page 2

“HELLO POPEYE”

FRANK NEIL’S HOLLYWOOD REVUE. CLEVER CELEBRITY ARTISTS. Features of “Hello Popeye,” Frank Neil’s Hollywood Revue, which was presented at the Regent Theatre last night were the many celebrity acts, the attractive ballet and the beautiful stage effects. These and other entertaining items combined to make the performance as a whole a most enjoyable one of considerable merit.

The appearance of Billy Costello in the famous cartoon character of Popeye the Sailor was greeted with warm applause. He exhibited the amazing flexibility of his voice in song in which he accompanied himself on the ukelele, singing both in his natural and his Popeye voice. After having visited England, South Africa and Australia, he is to return to Hollywood at the conclusion of his New Zealand tour.

Billy Rayes, described as America’s greatest comedy juggler, upheld his reputation with some amazing and effortless juggling with balls and ninepins, carried out to the accompaniment of a steady stream of patter and jokes which kept the audience well amused. He even danced and sang and still continued to whirl things around quite unconcernedly. The Elite Trio provided a novel and clever turn, in which the girl of the party was swung about by her two male companions in a most amazing and hair-raising manner. Daring as this act was, the performers were stiU able to introduce a certain amount of humour into their actions.

Other items of outstanding merit were the Kermond Bros, acrobatictumblers; the Ritchie Bros in an Egyptian nightmare and in the latest steps and dances; and Horrie Dargie, whose demonstration of the possibilities of the mouth organ showed that he was a brilliant player. The principal comedian, Joey Porter appeared in a number of sketches in which he never failed to raise, a laugh. He was ably supported by Syd Page. Others appearing in comedy roles were Peggy Earle and Ruth Rudie.

Betty Lambert, Kay Zammit and the Frank Neil Girls were responsible for some especially effective and beautiful ballet scenes, which were gracefully executed in a blend of harmonious stage colouring. Wally Reynolds and his orchestra contributed in no small measure to the success of the production.