FUN AND THRILLS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 58, Issue 4104, 23 February 1949, Page 5

FUN AND THRILLS

CIRCUS IN PAEROA ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL NON-STOP VARIETY SHOW There was a good attendance for the first performance of Sole Brothers’ Circus held on the Paeroa domain last night. Of course, as 'is always the way, the circus provided most thrills for the children and the varied programme kept the youngesters fully entertained throughout the night.

The wild animal act featuring a lion and two lionesses under the control of Andrew Sole was, of course, one of the highlights of the show. Dimpi St. Leon, “ queen of the high trapeze,” entranced the audience with her daripg trapeze act while the Eroni brothers featured high leaps. The balancing act by the Ridgways was both clever and breathtaking.

Great versatility was shown by Joe Frotii who demonstrated tight-wire walking and later, trick and fancy whip-cracking. Performing ponies, monkeys and high jumping dogs held the spectators’ attention, but perhaps the most amusement was caused by those consistent show stealers, the clowns, who romped and tumbled in their gay costumes to the great delight of small children.

The well-known Australian radio performer, Miss Shirley Thoms, was heard in popular yodelling solos, while Dorothea showed her agility as a contortionist.

Five and a half tons of elephant cavorted into the ring as Topsy from Siam, aged 60 years, and Betty from Malaya, a mere 22 years, proceeded to delight the crowd. Apart from their value as entertainers, these elephants are probably the most versatile members of the cast as, when the show is over and the tents are packed up, Topsy and Betty become maids-of-all-work. Where strength is required they are on the job. They help to break down the show after the last performance; they push the vehicles away to a flying start on cold mornings when mechanical methods jib; if a truck stalls on a hill they leave their cosy cab at the rear of the convoy and push the resting vehicle to the top. They are undoubtedly the most good natured and versatile animals in the circus and they earn money for their owners by various means.

The circus is perhaps the best organised business in the world ■ today. Efficiency, co-operation and speed combine to make a fast moving programme of events which hold the attention of the audience from the commencing wild animal act to the singing of “ God Save the King.”

Sole Brothers’ Circus compares most favourably with any of the past. It will be showing- again tonight in Paeroa. SUCCESS AT NGATEA LARGE CROWD ATTENDS Some 2000 people gathered under canvas on Monday night to watch Sole Brothers’ Circus perform at Ngatea. Extra seats were continually being provided as fresh cars and bus-loads of people arrived. It is ten years since Sole have been on the Plains, the managertold a Gazette representative, and he and the rest of the cast were astounded at the number of people who arrived from far and near to patronise their show. COROMANDEL SHOW TWO-NIGHT PERFORMANCE On Friday and Saturday last Sole Brothers were in Coromandel to entertain both young and old with their popular nrogramme. Approximately 500 people attended the performances each night. Buses, taxis, trucks and cars brought patrons from Colville, Whitianga, Manaia, Whangapoua and Kennedy Bay, and all seemed thoroughly to enjoy the entertainment. During Saturday afternoon the merry-go-round and side-shows did a good trade, while at lunch-time on Friday the school children gathered around to wjfctch the proceedings, showing great interest in the horses and All of the animals appeared t<>*be in a very healthy conspeaks well of the management. conversation with the manager, a uazette representative learned that there were 54 in the personnel of the circus, one of the older members having been in Coromandel some fifty years ago when travelling with a small menagerie and circus.