AMUSEMENT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 40, 15 February 1913, Page 5

AMUSEMENT.

WIRTH’S CIRCUS. It hardly seems twelve months since last Messrs Bros, brought their show to Stratford, yet such is the case, and last night every one had a keen recollection of the previous year’s triumph, when the Flying Jordans gave the “star” turn. On Friday night the circle was crowded with a very appreciative audience, special trains having brought large numbers in from the country. Wirtus’ has not changed—much—during the year, but there is at least one new turn. Seldom has such a sensation been produced here, as, when last evening Hilary Long, “the upsidedown” wonder, perched on a J6ft. platform, prepared to slide on his head down a thin wire. This daring feat was twice accomplished in safety, and on' the second occasion the up-side-down wonder main earned his balance to the very end. Another trick by this artist, that of getting down stairs on his head, proclaims his act as one of the most sensational ever witnessed by Australasian circus patrons. The American cowboys claimed attention by the rattle and the noise of their entrance, but their acts were nothing above the standard usually seen at such shows. In fact, the cow-boy business is being a little bit overdone. The public are tired of it, to say the least. It is different with that clever family Bastiens. ' They have improved Mmir _ act wonderfully, and last night they won much applause and golden opinions for their exceedingly clever turn. Performing elephants, polar bears that do everything but talk, clowns that make up for the polar bears! deficiencies, trapeze artists, tight-rope walkers, bare-hack riders, and other attractions passed away the evening pleasantly. Patrons did not go home altogether pleased with the show. The performance was over shortly after ten o’clock, and the general opinion was that Wirths’ was not improving.

Of the performance at Inglewood, on Thursday night, the Record writes: “Wiribs’ advertised Greatest Show on Earth gave its performance on the old .circus ground in Standish street last night. There was a good attendance notwithstanding the threatening weather, but the performance was by no means up to its usual standard, and unless something very much better than last night’s work is given to the public, Wirths’ advent will nut bo anticipated with anything approaching to pleasure in the future.”