WIRTH'S CIRCUS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 53, 4 March 1901, Page 5

WIRTH'S CIRCUS.

OPEXIXG PERFORMANCE

After an absence from Auckland of some nine years, it was not surprising to find a very large audience assembled at Wirth's circus on Saturday night, when the Auckland season was opened. In the drama, the romance may give way to the problem play, or vice versa, but the circus maintains its hold on popularity year after year. In spite of counter attractions, the huge tent at Freeman's Bay was packed on Saturday night, and patrons had to be turned away from the popular parts before the performance began. The large audience were unanimous in their approval of the excellence of the show presented to them.

In their absence from Auckland the Wirth Bros, a*nd their circus have been in many parts, and seen many things, and in the course of their travels have added many novelties to their show. The first tent contains the menagerie, and in it are to be seen linns, tigers, bears, monkeys, an elephant, and a camel. This last creature is by far the strangest of the collection, and looks 'the personification of dreamy self-satisfaction. The rmin tent is a very large one, with plenty of seating accommodation, and is well lighted with acetylene gas. The first item on the programme was a slack wire performance by Miss Libra, a lady who showed herself a thoroughl adept at the business, and who gained the I hearty applause of the audience. A skipping rope dance by Baby Phyllis came next, and proved a very pretty item, the young lady showing considerable skill in her "turn." Master lAlec Wirth, in his hurricane hurdle act, displayed horsemanship of no mean order, and was deservedly applauded. The next item was riding by a bear. Jack, ns he is called, showed himself thoroughly at home on horseback, and caused a good deal of amusement by the way i*i which he jumped the hurdles, and lit again on his charger's back, .lack then proceded to have a tete-a-tete meal with another bear, dressed as a lady, whose deportment was the cause of considerable amusement. These two were waited on by. a baboon, whose antics were extremely ludicrous. Mr Carl Wirth; who trained these animals, deserves great praise for the state to which they have been brought. A couple of comic interludes— appealing more especially to the younger part of the audience—were followed bj some splendid "goings-on" on horseback by Messrs John Welby Cooke and Carl Wirth. These gentlemen rode two horses and performed all sorts of feats of agility and strength on their way round the ring. This I item was one of the best of the evening. Mr F. Valazie, a beautifullyproportioned athlete, delighted the audience with his lightning crupper ad ; while some splendid jumping was shown by a greyhound rejoicing in the name'of Fly. Miss Marizies showed herself a most skilful river in net juggling act on horseback. Another comic interulude , and a somersault act by a baboon were followed by what was perhaps the best item on the programme, hand bainucing by Mr. Fred El Zobedic. This gentleman, who rejoices in the title of world's champion hand uaiancer, comes from Barnum & Bailey's show, and is justly regarded as one of the "stars" of the-company. Slight in "build," he yet possesses abnormal strength in his arms, for he has no difficulty in balancing himself on one or both hands and twisting his body while doing so. In this position he jumps from bar t.o bar, and climbs ladders, and balances himself by holding on to a tube with his mouth. The act ends in a dance executed in this inverted posture. The Australian brumbies, the Princess, Elsie, iuaud and the Colonel, are old, favourites, and their evolutions drew forth hearty applause. The Transvaal stallion, "Monerieff," next gave a most interesting exhibition of his intelligence in carrying articles and in finding hidden handkerchiefs. The next act, a boxing exhibition by two ponies, was a distinct novelty, and quite brought down the house. Those two pugilists are named Corbett and Fitzsiminons, and light with the regulation gloves. Their animated bouts drew forth encouragement 'from 'ail pal"ts of the house, and everyone laughed when they sat down in chairs and submitted to the attentions of their seconds. The light ended in one of the ponies being knocked down," and since he did not rise within the customary ten seconds, he was counted out. The next act, a performanceon the triple horizontal bars, by Messrs. Moultpn, Yanlette, Guillune, was certainly the prettiest of the evening. These gentlemen performed the most daring flights, Mr. Moulton being perhaps the moat graceful. One of the most difficult feats on the three bars was performed, a somersault from the full circle on the outside bar, over the middle bar. Mr. John Welby Cooke. billed as "England's Champion Jockey Act Rider," another "star," gave a particularly fine exhibition of fancy riding, .and was loudly applauded. The-climax of his act was to jump from the ground on to his horse's back, with his feet bound in baskets, while the horse was jumping a hurdle. Mrs. Edith Wirth's five-horse picture act was another excellent item. Ghumi Sah, the elephant, performed several clever feats, and then proceeded to give an exhibition of bucking. Any man or boy was offered £1 if he could stayon Ghumi's back for three miuutes, but though several tried, none succeeded. Miss Adele gave a clever exhibition of .balancing on a rolling ball. The programme was concluded by Mons. Sotlkie entering a cage containing three forest-bred tigers, and putting them through their paces. During the evening fun was provided by the clowns. ' the Oldeens, George the Droll, Valizie and Dummy Russell, whose fooling, though hot exactly original, was very entertaining. The circus bond played throughout the evening. The programme was a splendid one from start, to finish. 1 During the week performances will be given twice daily, in the afternoon and evening. The season closer on Saturday.