“THE GIRL FRIEND” WILL BE PLAYED AT THE THEATRE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18629, 5 December 1928, Page 7

“THE GIRL FRIEND” WILL BE PLAYED AT THE THEATRE.

There is much dancing and sweet melody in the J. C. Williamson musical comedies, “The Girl Friend'’ and “Hit the Deck.” which are to be staged at iiie Theatre Royal, commencing on Thursday, December 13. A London musical comedy favourite in Annie Croft plays the lead in both produc<JLions. She made an instantaneous hit in Australia and one critic says: “When Annie Croft smiles the whole world smiles, too.” The company supporting her includes Reginald Sharland, a leadi; g man from the principal London theat. :s, as is *o T. .o Frank•lvn, who has a great hit in the part that has, in London, made George Gee famous. Other well-known people in the cast are Gus Bluett, May Beatty, and her daughter Bueny, James Hughes (last here with “Rose Marie”), Billie Lockwood, Mary Rigby, Jack Dunne, Winnie Tate, Leslie Donaghey, and, together with the popular chorus and ballet of Australian youth and beauty, they make an offering that

should appeal to all theatregoers. “The Girl Friend” was a great success in Australia. and one critic said: “Is gaily

chasing after ‘Rose Marie’ records.” lie goes on to say: “‘The Girl Friend’ deserves well of playgoers for enabling them to make the acquaintance of Annie Croft. So often do imported musical comedy stars fall disappointingly short of the encomiums of theatre managers that we approach them for the first time full of misgivings. Satur day’s premiere at the Theatre Royal was a pieasant surprise. ‘The Girl Friend’ has given us a leading lady with a pretty voice, excellently controlled Accompanying the 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 manv a diverting side issue from the main plot, which hinges on a lover who realisti (.ally misses a train in the first beautiful scene. Such charming little diversions as pyjama-clad girls listening to the inimate detail of a sweet lady’s love affair, and quaint goings on in a railway station, find a gorgeous climax in a swell garden of a swell hotel.” The second piece, "Hit the Deck,” is a naval comedy. The box plan arnmgements for both productions are Advertised.