“THE GIRL FRIEND” COMPANY PLAYS IN THE DARK.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18639, 17 December 1928, Page 6

“THE GIRL FRIEND” COMPANY PLAYS IN THE DARK.

FINE IMPROMPTU WORK WHEN LIGHTS FAIL ON SATURDAY NIGHT. Lights are not indispensable to a musical comedy. That is * a lesson which the J. C. Williamson company at present appearing in the city, taught a Christchurch audience in the Theatre Royal on Saturday night, when in the middle of the second act of “The Girl Friend,” the lights failed. The company, and more particularly two of its members. Miss Billie Lockwood and Mr Leo Franklin, came through the test with honours. It was just when -the plot was at its thickest that the lights began to dim and then, suddenly; went out. For a moment there was confusion and nervous laughter, then the company led by Mr Reginald Sharland and Miss Annie .Croft, swung into action - perhaps it would be better to say sang into action. for it was with several lively choruses from the comedy that they entertained the audience for some minutes. This could not be kept up indefinitely, however, and as the light remained out it became necessary for some one to fill the breach. Mr Leo Franklin, as Jerry. the hotel clerk, and Miss Billie Lockwood, as Jennie, the telephone girl. were quick to accept the responsibility and for over a quarter of an hour kept things going with their impromptu < hatter. A hurricane lamp found its way into Mr Franklin's hand and from the light of this Miss Lockwood told of her “boy friend.” “Freddie. the manufacturer of receptacles for garbage.” and of the presents he had given her. Several times the light came on, only to die out again; several times Mr Franklin got rid of “ the damn thing.' his lantern, only to find it necessary again, and through it all the pair kept the laughter going. At last, when Mr Franklin had to tell the audience that they had had the last «*f his "laughs." some gas lamps were fund in the circle, and by their lights the chorus were able to take up the comedy again. With the light in perfect order, Mr bus Bluett was able to furnish an explanation. "What made the lights go cut?” he asked the company. Nobody could supply the answer. “Gus Blew—it” Ije said, and got his reward in the roar of laughter which followed. At the conclusion of the performance Miss Croft thanked the audience for the reception, which they had given the company in their efforts to carry on the performance "under difficulties.” They had made her and the company feel quite at home. She then referred to the illness of his Majesty the King, and asked the audience to join with the company in singing the National Anthem.