CIRCUS SEASON OPENS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20078, 26 October 1939, Page 3

CIRCUS SEASON OPENS

PERRY BROS.’ TROUPES TRAPEZE ACROBATS WIRE WALKING FEATS The glamour of the sawdust ring and the canvas top was at its best last night, when Perry Bros. Circus and Zoo opened their Gisborne season on a section next to the OkiUt dairy tactory.

One of the most sensational turns of the evening was put. on by the Flying Dunbars, who performed their daring feats 40ft above the ground. By perfect timing and co-ordination they caught each other in mid-air after leaping from the flying trapeze, flic principal regaining his trapeze after swinging in suspension on the hands of another performer. The Laeonas also put on a fine exhibition on the trapeze, including in their turn some feats never seen in Gisborne before, including one in which the girl was suspended horizontally, supported from above by the feet of the other.

On one tight rope, the Roberdillas provided an unusual variety of acts, dancing, bouncing and somersaulting. It is claimed that Albert Roberdilla is the only wire-walker in the world who is able to do both the forward and backward somersaults from an upright position. He topped off a sterling exhibition by riding a bicycle both forwards and backwards along the wire.

A splendid troupe of female tumblers put up a great performance, the comedy element being introduced when the funny men tried their hands at the game, while Professor Leon came on with a loam of performing sheep. A performing dog, _ which walked with hind legs ' in the air, a clever juggler, and a lariat expert combined to hold the interest of the audience.

The zoo, with 18 cages of wild animals and a string of elephants, was one of the features of the circus, and during the performance two tigers were put through their tricks. A further performance will be given to-night, and a matinee has been arranged for Saturday afternoon. Ail children attending the matinee will receive free rides on the elephants. The zoo is open from 4 to 5 p.rn. each day for the feeding of the animals.