THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN CIRCUS.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1148, 15 September 1882, Page 2

THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN CIRCUS.

Messrs. Woodyear and Ross, the proprietors of the above entertainment, opened last evening to a crowded canvas house. The large tent which had been put up opposite Mr E. K. Brown’s store at the corner of Custom-house and Childers streets, was absolutely crammed, and in fact extra seats had to be provided. The opening act was the entree entitled “The Halt of the Bedouins,” which was a most pleasing spectacle and gave evidence of the treat to follow. Signor Bartolo then gave his celebrated contortion act which may be described as marvellous. How any man with bones can twist himself about into the shapes and attitudes this clever performer does is surprising. This act elicited, as it well deserved, rounds of applause. Master Jack Cousins was the next to appear in an act of horsemanship, and gracefully and skilfully jumped over banners and through hoops. During this act Mr Max Rinkle kept the audience in roars of laughter. His jokes had the merit of, for the most part, being new and were related in a most amusing manner. A horizontal bar performance followed, and we certainly congratulate the artistes, Messrs Tyndall and Alberto, upon the success they achieved. Each feat was executed in a style we have rarely witnessed, and proved conclusively that the performers are gems of the first water in their profession. Mr Cuzco as Clown was exceedingly funny, and delighted all present by his attempts to imitate the previously mentioned gymnasts, although now and again he showed that he himself was no novice in the art. A very handsome horse, appropriately named “Snowflake,” was then introduced by Mr Geo. Gilham. This animal, which is perfectly white, at the command of its trainer trots, walks, gallops, waltzes, lies down, and, in fact, gives evidence of intelligence as well as of perfect training. The next item was a slack wire performance by Mr George Mo Donald. Standing, apparently, on nothing, this clever funambulist appears to be as much at home us most people are when safely walking on Mother Earth. The wire is so small that it is imnotiueabie, and the skilful performer appeared to be walking hi mid-air, recalling to one's mind that poif.ion of a nCgio camp song, “ What

sort of shoes is dem de angels wear, that i they can walk about up yonder in de air ?” This act was exceedingly clever, and deserved the applause it elicited. It was followed by the “Olympic Gladiators,” by Messrs. Gilham and Shiels, on two horses. Each feat was neatly executed, although some of the positions were most difficult. The company then appeared in a tumbling act, which was much appreciated, and consequently loudly applauded. The handsome little pony Sultan, under the direction of Mr George Gilham, elicited general encomiums not alone for his appearance, but for the manner in which he performed his part of the evening’s entertainment. In this act Mr C. Hare appeared as Clown, and he certainly seemed to have a most intimate acquaintance with the pony. Messrs. Tyndall and Alberto followed on the trapeze, and astonished all by their perfection in this most difficult act. The smoothness and grace of this performance must be seen to be appreciated. “Australia’s Pride,” young Jack Cousins, followed, and was loudly applauded. He vaulted over hurdles and on to his horse with as much ease as one steps on to the kerbing of a footpath. Signor Bartol then went through his wonderful glass trick. Placing a glass containing water upon his forehead, he laid down, turned and twisted about, passed himself through hoops head first, feet first, and, in fact, in almost every conceivable manner. On arising he removed the glass, and threw away the contents. He then placed it on the ground and bending back seized it by his teeth, and regained an upright position. After a short interval, the afterpiece of ‘ ‘ the sports of England,” concluding with a steeplechase, sent the large concourse of spectators home delighted. The entertainment is undoubtedly of a superior character. The several performers are excellent in their respective lines, the horses are far and away better than those generally seen in the ring. Messrs Woodyear and Ross may justly boast that they have secured a “constellation of stars. ” An excellent band performed during the evening. The circus will only play two nights more, and those who did not attend last night, should not lose the opportunity of seeing it before its departure.