GLAMOUR OF THE “BIG TOP"

Wanganui Chronicle, 5 February 1949, Page 2

GLAMOUR OF THE “BIG TOP"

Barton's Circus Opens In Wanganui

Featuring in bewildering profusion a long and talented list of star performers and excellently trained animals, Barton's International Circus opened its Wanganui season last nigt.t and gave a packed gallery a thrilling nights entertainment. From first to last the programme went without a hitch, and held the close and admiring attention of both adults and children. Whether it was the inimitable antics of bedaubed clowns, the superb work and skill of aerial acts or the more boisterous rodeo episode, the strange mysticism of the circus weaved its embracing spell. The show went away to a good start with an impressive grand parade. The Leotards trio performed aerial acts and feats of balance which had to be seen to be believed. An incredible display of muscular control, and double dislocation by one of the trio was one of the highlights of an outstanding act. Equally outstanding, though in a different sphere, was the work of Elimar. He juggled hoops, balls, clubs, a hat and tennis racquets with a flawless perfection that gave the illusion that it was all so easy. His piece-de-resistanee came when he baffled the audience by duplicating all this while balanced on a slack wire.

Maximo, the drunken cyclist, fully lived up to his reputation as the most noted trick cyclist to visit the Dominion. Some of his feats were astounding. Don and Buddy (fancy trick roping) and George Ausling (stock whips) gave sound performances which called for marked timing and precision. "Silver,” a truly educated horse, also won well deserved applause for the animal and his master, Don.

Then there was the act of Diane, aged 4, the youngest performer in show ’ business, and James. They came in for a special round of appreciation from an enthusiastic audience. Diane is a daughter of Oscar, the clown.

An artistic aerial ladder act was performed by Delores, Dawn and Babette. The whole show was cemented together by an excellent troupe of clowns. Whether just mooning around or tom-fooling, with their many-sided antics they performed a good job in keeping with the tradition of their profession, keeping the crowd amused. There will be two matinees today, one at 11 a.m. and the other at. 2 p.m. The final performance will be given tonight at 8 o’clock.