BARTONS' CIRCUS.

Evening Star, Issue 15138, 20 March 1913, Page 8

BARTONS' CIRCUS.

Tho perennial attractiveness of a circus to the adult as well as to the adolescent and juvenile mind might offer, an interesting study to tire psychologist, who likes to trace back simple reactions to recondite beginnings. The plain truth, however, would appear to be that, while modern audiences have been vigorously indoctrinated by the managerial megalomania- for scenic realism, and elaborate concealment of the machinery effecting that realism, there still remains in us all the child’s desire “to sec the wheels go round”; and a circus is the only form of entertainment which is carried oh literally under the eye of the public. In a word, it is sometimes pleasant to drink at the fountain instead of from the filter.

But, “to cut the cackle and come to the bosses," Barton’s Circus, which opened a season at tho Oval last night, should be assured of success. For, if there is no one act that could rest unchallenged upon the pedestal of the “star,” there are at least a dozen of the twenty offerings that reach a very pleasant level of excellence. The horses are all fine beats, in spelndid training, and the trick riding of tho artists who have the disposition of this cardinal feature of circus entertainment is clever and adroit. “ FrankLno,” for example, throws flipflaps ’ and forward and backward somersaults upon a cantering beast with such deceptive ease as to cheapen the effect of his act except in the eyes of those who know. Ihe only act of vaudeville complexion is that of Hanley, Marguerite, and llanlcy, a trio of gymnasts, tumblers, and equilibrists, who dispense sensation broadcast. The magnificent proportions of the lady of the troupe, and the amazing strength she displayed while acting (as it were) as a pedestal for the tumbling and balancing of the two male members aroimed the large audience to enthusiasm. There are two sensational achievements in this act. the first is that in which the invenilo member, f after a lofty tumble, lands upon the man s shoulders and falls rigidly till ho is supported between the other two—beau to head with the woman and feet to the forehead of the latter. The second is even, more amazing, the two men holding , , thelr teeth a cord round which the lady circles. Miss Kathleen Baker figured largely on tiie bill, first in a high trapeze act, next on tne wire, and lastly upon horseback. Her versatility was proved bv the excellence of each contribution. Perhaps the skim of the milk was her balance upon the precarious foothold of the wire while, playing an operatic selection. AVe have already said that the horsemanship was good. Special features were the barerfnb a K -,? f Mv I ' r;lIlci - s barton and the really brilliant comedy hurdle act bv the Dum-Dum trio, who managed some sensalonallv awkward falls that made the pulse jump like a frightened woman. The Hun. fohnT V hU ® ilver , Kin g> trained bv Mr John Tyhell, showed a beautiful picture in 1 P™ ml , on a of tho best turns m the show So. also, the vicious mule Barney causea a good deal of fun. One of tho amateurs who tried to master him hj a ! )y . n0 means hjo P el eas show--1,10 ' vnoie business is dangerous: bit the public to deal with ’ ■ '’, te t!l | lt bites, and strikes inf, r!L tU ‘ ge< - V h l 1 r er ° ,s no med to enlarge tui ther upon the features of this show beyond saying that the clowning is g oo d throughout, and the offerings of the remaining artists Ba Torino (contortionist), Mena Aal (stockwhip cracker), and the Daltons ( comeuy acrobats) —very acceptable. Ihe, show will be repeated to-night. Spoand Monday 3 are a,,nounced Saturday