Royal Australian Circus.

Southland Times, Issue 4494, 5 December 1882, Page 2

Royal Australian Circus.

Few pleasures equal that of the youngster enjoying his tirst sight of a circus, lie may in after years witness the performances of the greatest actors on the stage, hut their finest exhibitions cannot move him anything like so strong^- us did the daring deeds of the horse rider.-*, the hold feats of the fly rs on the trap- 7,e, and the whimsical absurdities of the clown. A circus is no sooner announced to appear than the whole youthful element is in a ferment, and till the widi'd-for evening arrives, it is hardly to be controlled. Needless to say this element was well re— prcspnk'd at Osborne's paddock yesterday on th-; opening night of Woodycar and Ross's Royal Australian circus. In fact, notwithstanding the inch-m-mcy of the weather, the large tent was crowded with au audience which watched the performance throughout the evening witb unflagging interest. The performance commenced with an equestrian procession, led by Miis Annie Wilson, the graceful tearing of the circus steeds being very much admired, fiiibsei-iiently they were put through Iheir paoos. three of them being ridden bare-backed by Professor Gilliam, who was loudly applauded for his s-kill. A similar fribute of applauso was also obtained by Jack Cousins for feats of horsemanship equally during. Interspersed \yith these equi's'rian performances were an exhibition on the bar by Harris and Tyndal, and on the trapese by the last' named athlete ; an entertainment of scientifio tumbling by Willie Matthews, as

also by Signor Bartolo, whose extraordinary feats of contortion amused his audience immensely ; some capital specimens of Japanese juggling by Jo Kitchie ; and last but not least, the irresistibly comic efforts of Cuzco, the clown. The. musical part of the programme was provided by a brass band, conducted by Mr J. Tyrrell, which contributed as much as anything to the suecesß of the performance. A.j^aetiiion of- the eatertainment will bo givocT fcnii^f evening.