SOLE’S CIRCUS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 45, 3 December 1949, Page 6

SOLE’S CIRCUS

PINE PERFORMANCE

WORTHY OF BETTER PATRONAGE One of the best entertainments witnessed in Ashburton for a longtime was Sole Bros.’ circus and performing animals, at the Ashburton Domain last evening. . Every act possessed brilliance and intricacy which, in .The opinion of many who attended, has not. been equalled by any other travelling show.

It is difficult to prevent a show of this kind from becoming monotonous, but with last night’s programme arranged as it was, the interest was held at all times. Animal lovers were excellently catered for, the animals performing in polished style, the attainment of which must have required years of careful training. One 6C the features of the evening was a high perch and ladder performance by the Four Ridgways, an act which kept the audience amazed at its seeming simpleness. A male member of the group excellent in balancing a ladder from all parts of liis- head and shoulders, and to complete the act, allowed a feminine member to climb to the top. As if this was not sufficient, she performed a variety of acts in and out the rungs of the ladder, but still it balanced perfectly. A double-ti’apeze act by “Dorothea” and “Dimpi” was a masterpiece of timing, and fully merited the applause which it received.

A change in the atmosphere of the show was provided by “Bailey’s Posing Dogs,” perhaps the act requiring most patience. One picture portrayed by these dogs, entitled “Off to the Hunt,” featured each with the left paw raised, but not a move did they make.

Another of the many stars was “Joe Eroni,” who was at his best in the wire walking act. After walking backwards on the raised wire a few times, Eroni thrilled the audience with a series of back somersaults, still landing on the wire. During the evening he demonstrated*' how to somersault over an elephant, as well as an exhibition of trick and fancy whip cracking. Also prominent, as is customary, were the clowns, with their weird antics and wise-cracks, and even these were in a higher class than those attained by others. To describe any one particular performance by the animal-s as being exceptional would be difficult, as all were of a very high class, in fact, of a class not previously witnessed in Ashburton. They included trick ponies, a pony balancing on a see-saw, a monkey riding a pony and performing elephants. The programme was presented this afternoon, and will he repeated this evening.