CIRCUS OPENS AT WHAKATANE: LARGE AUDIENCE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 13, Issue 41, 14 January 1949, Page 5

CIRCUS OPENS AT WHAKATANE: LARGE AUDIENCE

Bright & Breezy Non-Stop Variety The circus .is here again at Whakatane and judging by the size of the crowd that attended last night’s opening performance its entertainment value and fascination is not lost. From all-over the surrounding district large numbers of people, undeterred by the rain, travelled in to see the big top. Well known throughout this country and Australia, Sole Bros,’ Circus arrived at Whakatane early yesterday morning from Te Teko, where they had had a very successful show on Wednesday night. Driving -through the town first, the procession then made for the Domain where, in quick time, trucks were unloaded, tents erected and animals brought out to be fed and cleaned. Curious Onlookers Gaily coloured stalls and the huge waterproof “big top” measuring 140 feet by 90 feet, were soon standing ready for the evening performance. Curious onlookers made their way to watch proceedings, but rain soon dampened; their spirits, although many children watched all that went on with evident enjoyment. From an early hour last night a large crowd queued for tickets. By the time the performance was due to commence the tent was filled to capacity. With the very first act it was evident that the crowd had come to enjoy themselves and in this, they were not disappointed. Trick acts, performing animals, clowns, followed in quick succession. 'Perfect timing of non-stop variety had the crowd on edge wondering what was coming next. Performing Lions The lights dimmed for the first act, : ; tension held the atmosphere and there were a number of nervous movements from certain parts i of the audience as three performing lions growingly obeyed their trainer. They were finally hauled away in a mobile cage by elephants.. Then followed display after display ' Monkeys, ponies, dogs and • elephants all had their turn, with the elephants especially popular. 'These ponderous beasts Weighing somewhere in the vicinity of five or six.tons cavorted round the an N almost agile manner Their tricks were* highly appreciate^ The three Ridgways balancing act was a clever performance while with his sister Jean Marie Joe Eroni gave a clever demonstration of fancy whip cracking and hign jumping.

'Feminine Stars Rythmical contortionists Dorothea Williams, and trapeze actress Dimpy St. Leon, were the feminine -stars and their graceful movements showed a perfect control of the body. The show moved on in a bright, breezy fashion with nearly everything ohe associates with the circus. Idiotic clowning, breathtaking and. clever tricks, intelligent animals and waltzing elephants combined to make this circus one of best yet to visit 1; this district. The well known radio artist, Shirley Thoms, was an outstanding attraction. Her clear singing and unusual yodelling was a favourite with the audience. Her voice was not unfamiliar to those who listen to broadcast request sessions. This is leer first New Zealand tour. Performances will be repeated tonight, tomorrow afternoon and finally tomorrow night.