BAKER BROS' CIRCUS.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 December 1915, Page 8

BAKER BROS' CIRCUS.

A SPLENDID SHOW. "THE GLOBE OF DEATH." There are few tilings which possess such a magnetic influence anil which stir up audi joyful recollections as mention of a circus. To young people a circus means complete banishment of school and work, and for ol&ir folks the circus retains its call, though perhaps they will not admit it. There is always something good to see at a circus, for as time goes on more shows enter the lield of competition and the showmen are compelled to leave no corner of the world unexplored in their persistent endeavors to unearth something new and something more spectacular or daring than what has gone 'before. It was with feelings of eager anticipation that a large number of people visited Baker Bros.' circus at New Plymouth on Saturday afternoon, and again on Saturday evening, and they were rewarded with a splendid entertainment. Baker Bros.' circus does not provide a great collection of wild animals aril a budget of'ring events in which horses figure prominently, but if it does not fit the imagination in this respect it has acts which have, no difficulty in thoroughly pleasing spectators. In fact, though the company is one. of small numerical strength, it is one of unusual versatility and excellence, and one single act— of Death"—entitles the circus to rank with the best, shows that have been seen in New Plymouth. This act is truly one of those performances which should be seen to be appreciated, fof bare description of it fails to emphasise the skill and daring which is employed. The performers are a boy and a girl—the Staigs—who are adept cyclists, and they perform their act within a large steel globe, with a diameter of about 22 feet. The performers, with cycles, ride around the interior at a rapid rate. Sometimes the two career round the sphere at the same time. The speed increases and .they swirl anil circle madly up and around. Thenbodies quickly change from the parallel to right angles with the floor, and they swirl round the sphere at a terrific speed. The performance with the motor cycle is a truly wonderful achievement. With the machine the rider swirls across the entire circumference of the structure at a mad, lightning-like velocity, up, over and down. It is a phenomenal performance, and to the spectator it contains something that for a fraction of a second is alarming and thrilling. The 1051b motor-cycle, travelling at the rate of the fastest railway train, exerts a great pressure on the globe. It. is stated that the cycle makes 2200 revolutions a minute.

The other performers ably assist to maintain the high standard of the performance, Happv Jaekles is a clown who adds considerable merriment to the entertainment, and lie introduces two cleverly-trained monkeys, who carry out a number of highly interesting t v ieks, La Belle Gertie and Miss Barbarina are clever young ladies, who perforin a variety of interesting acts. One lady displays considerable skill on the tight rope, while the other is responsible for some splendid balancing acts. Kadova, a Japa'nese, is a particularly versatile acrobat, and shows himself to 1 be uncommonly at home 011 a tight rope and 011 other aerial contrivances. Fred Carlson was responsible for an entertaining musical act. The show Is well worthy of a visit, and those who have not already seen it should take the opportunity of doing so to-night, when the final performance will be given. The location of the circus is the old tennis courts in Devon Street west.