GRAND OPERA HOUSE.

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 132, 15 December 1928, Page 7

GRAND OPERA HOUSE.

There is much dancing and sweet melody In the J. C. Williamson musical comedies, "Tho Girl Friend" and "Hit the Deck," which are to be staged at the Grand Opera House opening with a matinee on Boxing Day. A London musical comedy favourite in Annie Croft plays tho lead In both productions. She made an instantaneous hit in Australia. The company supporting her includes Reginald Sharland, a leading man from tho principal London theatres, as is also Leo FranMyn, who has made a great hit in tho part that has, in London, made Gcorgo Goo famous. Other well-known people in tho cast are Gus Bluett, May Beatty, and her daughter Bunny, James Hughes (last here with "Rose Mario"), Billio Locltwood, Mary Itigby, Jack Dunne, Winnio Tate, Leslie Donaghey, and, together with tho popular chorus and ballet of Australian youth and beauty, make an offering that should appeal to all theatregoers. "The Girl Friend" was a great success in Australia, and ono critic said:— '"Tho Girl Friend' has given us a leading lady with a pretty voice, excellently controlled. Accompanying tho voice is a natural charm. The Australian public will want to keep Annie Croft for a long while and you cannot blame them. 'The Girl Friend' is a musical play that swings along at a great pace, . with many a diverting side issue from the main plot which hinges on n lover who realistically misses a train in the first beautiful scene." .The second piece, "Hit the Dock," is a naval comedy, but so different. Tho box plans open on Friday next at The Bristol for tiio season of fourteen nights and flvo matinees.