WIRTHS’ JUBILEE

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 80, 28 December 1929, Page 14

WIRTHS’ JUBILEE

EVOLUTION OF THE CIRCUS. Wirth’s Circus always provides a distinctive feature of the city’s amusement every’ two years, but this year a special effort will be made to surpass all previous entertainments, for this is. the Circus Jubilee Year, and it is the intention of Messrs. Phil and George Wirth, the only survivors of the original company, to see that it is made really memorable. Wirth’s name has figured largely Jn Australian entertainment since 1878, when Mr. John Wirth and his four sons, Marry. John, Phillip and George, opened a show, assisted by a few Japanese performers in the School of Arts in Tamworth. Fifty years ago, in the Old Paddy’s Market, where the Capitol in Sydney now stands, this baud of. entertainers opened a show, in a rather small way, each of the family appearing in three turns during each performance. From such a small beginning the organisation grew, till the circus now travels with 128 people. The success of this great organisation is due in a large measure to the proprietors recognising that there must be an harmonious working of all connected with it, and also that a circus has not only its amusement side, but also its educational value. The circus will open in Wellington on Saturday. January 4, in the Winter Show Buildings. Matinees will be held on Monday, and everv afternoon at *..30. At the cost of £5OOO, Wirth Bros, have bought the greatest Pure White lolar and Brown Bear act in the world, which will be seen positively at every performance. Some of the new artists are: The Lias Troupe of six Risley Acrobats, said to be the highest salaried artists in the world; the Flying La Mars are described as making Sydney’s hair stand on end with their extraordinary trapeze work, and the Three Arconas made many thousands gasp with astonishment at their wonderful balancing feats, Ihe beautiful Betty Arcona also, fully substantiated her claim to the title of ‘ the most daring woman in the world. Claudia Alba, world’s famous feminine athlete, and partner, and Mr. P. Wirth, junr.; trained horses and ponies arc with the show; also the Santey Duo, aerial torpeads. Then there are new trained animal acts, while Miss Madeline is famous for her serpentine dance on horseback; also Miss Gladys High School Horse,” and Miss Doris’ “Golden Horse. Fully a score of other turns round out a beautiful programme which is preceded by an hour allowed for the inspection of the animals in the n ]^ n " agerie. whose numbers have been added to since the show visited this town, and includes two black panthers, two baby leopards, six white Polar bears, and five Brown bears. The Zoo opens from 4 to 5 p.m. The box plan is at the Bristol.