AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 79, 1 April 1908, Page 7

AMUSEMENTS.

WIRTECs emeus. A crowded audience greeted the initial performance of Wirth Bros.' circus last night in Freeman's Bay, and the resources -of the leviathan tent in which ot was held were taxed to the utmost to accommodate the spectators. There is a subtle charm about any circus—the triumph oi man over brute beast—that is irresistible. Messrs. Wirtb's circus, however. is not the old-time circus that we were accustomed to, but it is a combination of feats of extraordinary daring, marvellous skill, and intrepid courage. A great many of the turns provided have been seen in Auckland before, but they are always worth seeing again. Beginning with a grand parade of elephants, gorgeously garbed, sacred cattle, camels, horses, etc., the performance continued with a clever exhibition of manoeuvring on horseback, in which some striking evolutions were carried out by a troupe of eight ladies and gentlemen. Then came the children's circus by the Christies (three boys and a girl), a. decidedly clever performance. Senor Marco's troupe of performing Bengal tigers were then put through a series of interesting gymnastics, including tight rope walking, jumping hurdles, riding on horseback, etc. The item was greeted with deafening applause. The performing elephants, five in number, under Captain Burrows, gave an astounding exhibition of their intelligence. The word of command was obeyed by the whole troupe with military precision, and the antics of the baby elephant "Jumbo" with the biggest elephant of the troupe were exceptionally clever; but the height of enthusiasm was reached when the big elephant emitted ear-split-ting shrieks at his trainer's command, and in addition played a month organ. One of the most thrilling items of the performance was a troupe of performing animals, consisting of six full grown lions, a Russian bear, two wolves, and a leopard. This strange assortment of animals, under the direction of Herr S. Batty, were put through a variety of evolutions, whilst Miss Vera Robson walked about fearlessly amongst them. Some of the animals kept up an incessant growl, and there was a palpable expression of relief from the audience - when Miss Robson emerged uninjured - after lying on the ground between two , growling lions, with sundry other animals round about. At the conclusion an ; ovation was accorded the intrepid trainer and his plucky assistant. Hubert kemaso's great risley act with barrel and 1 table created great interest, Tying on ■ his back on a table,- this clever artist : does some remarkable spinning with a • barrel and an ordinary table, the motive 1 power being his feet. Another turn of a ' decidedly novel character was an equestrian acrobatic act by the Ozzapardi trio, • who came into the ring in a dog cart and ' pair. The ordinary circus attire was disI carded for conventional dress, and the lady's performance proved that the modern skirt is no bar to gymnastics, taking flying leaps on and off the horses' backs apparently with the greatest of . ease. The Flying Herberts, aptly named, have been retained by the management for the present tour, and the excitement during their daring _erial flights was intense. A perfect storm of applause greeted the performance. The clowns, without which no circus would be complete, were responsible for much new business, and their clever tumbling was a continuous source of merriment. Miss May Martin, a very young lady, gives one the appearance of being made of mdiarubber, and her marvellous contortions were bewildering. Amongst the equestrian items, special mention may be made of Miss Marzile's juggling on horseback; John Welby Cooke's champion jockey act, •which included jumping on to a horse barebacked, with his feet encased in baskets; Miss P__lipina's somersaults bareback; and the dancing horse Major. Music was supplied by the circus band, under Bandmaster Smith, in a manner that was entirely pleasing. In addition to the evening performances, matinee performances will be given every afternoon until Saturday, when the season closes. OPERA HOUSE. The Opera House was well filled last evening, when Fullers' Vaudeville and Musical Company presented their present week's varied and attractive entertainment for the third time. The clever performances of '"Xes Reggiardos" (juggiers), Miss Brightie Smith (comedian), and other artists, were accorded hearty plaudits, and'the musical and vocal items intersperse, were also well received. A number of biograph pictures were also shown. The programme will be repeated throughout the week. HIS MAJESTY'S _________ The picture entertainment, provided by Messrs. MacMahon, at His Majesty's Theatre, attracted a large and appreciative audience to the theatre last night. The programme is of exceptional merit, and humorous items predominate. The entertainment will be repeated to-night.