SPLENDID SHOW

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11733, 22 January 1924, Page 6

SPLENDID SHOW

WIRTH BROTHERS’ CSIRCCS. NOVEL AND VARIED. No matter how jaded seekers after amusement may have become in their pursuit of pleasure they can always bring a fresh and unsatiated appetite to the enjoyment of a good circus, for the lure of the sawdust ring still holds its powers over young and old in spite of every form of • competition. This was strikingly apparent when one saw the huge crowd wtiioh filled the- spacious tent of Wirth Brothers’ Circus when it opened last night at Cable street, near the Taranaki street wharf. Always seeking novelties in order to maintain the high standard they have set for themselves in catering for the entertainment of the whole of Australasia, Wirth Brothers regularly scour the civilised world for the very best, and as a result of their last efforts some new and very thrilling acts are presented for the first time in Now Zealand. One of the most humorous acts seen for a long time is that presented by the boxing ponies. Two graceful and intellL gent creatures named "Jack Dempsey” and "Georges Carpentier” box two exciting rounds. Large gloves are fitted on to their forefeet and, rearing up, they give a thrilling exhibition. Then Carpentier is knocked out and down he goes in real stadium style, while fiis vanquisher counts him out by tapping the floor of the ring the regulation number of times. . , Prince Guiseppi Bignali, the smallest jockey and comedy artist in the world, gives a wonderful display of trick riding, and was loudly cheered for his efforts by the appreciative spectators. A new addition to the company, the Flying Lloyds from America., give a daring display of acrobatic turns m mid-air, triple-somersaulting, double-twisting, and reverse flight into space. This is undoubtedly a very fine act of its kind and, either in the circus ring or out of it, would be hard to, beat. Evans and Perez, recently imported from France, give an almost unbeliev able display of balancing exploits 30 feet in mid-air on frail slender, and dangerous perches, and a wonderful Risley act, concluding with giving a representation of the sinking of the battleship Hogue, going down with colours flying. The trick jockey act by the English performer, Alfred Olarke, was an entertainment in itself, and the spectators were astounded by his unique feats of horsemanship. One of his tricks was somersaulting from the ground to the bare back of a cantering horse, and he is claimed to be tho only man in the world to perform this feat. Highly clever and amusing is the act of the Hughes family of trick cyclists, who play basketball on bicycles, more easily and skilfully than the ordinary person oould do it afoot. In fact, there are so many astonishing acts figuring on the lengthy programme that a detailed description of each, would be impossible, but all are pre-eminent in their own particular line. Included on the programme are the Egochago troupe of bull-fighters from South America; Big Alfredo, Spanish clown, and trained dogs from Cuba, Havana, Minne Wharton and Louie, Carmelle Duo, jugglers extraordinary. Then there are Miss Eugenie Pearl, a clever lady rider; Mimi, the wonderful strong girl, whose feats

with a partner much heavier than herself must be seen to be believed; and the mighty Muldoon. In addition, there are a number of animal acts, including a performance of military drill by a sextette of Australian-bred Arab horses, under the direction of Mr A. Christie. The zoo, which travels about with the circus, i 6 really a complete show on its own, for a wonderful variety of strange beaste from all parts of the world are gathered together there. The first impression made upon the mind on entering the menagerie is one of surprise at its magnitude. Admiration for the unbounded resources of its zoological wealth soon give way, however, to an enchanting sense of being surrounded by the most curious and wonderful in the animal life of nearly every counfry on the globe. It makes no difference wether the spectator is interested in the animals of the forest or jungle, or in those that frequent the hot desert 6ands, or live in the stagnant waters of tropical streams. Everything here is spread before him, a feast for the eye and study for the mind. Neither does it matter whether the visitor 6e a student of natural history or erely a casual observer of zoological subjects; the instant he enters the menagerie his interest is captured and held the whole time. A matinee will be given this afternoon, and the circus will be open each evening during the succeeding days of the week.