SOLE BROS.' CIRCUS.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 November 1921, Page 5

SOLE BROS.' CIRCUS.

A BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENT. That a good circus still holds its attractions for young and old was evidenced at Sole Bros.’ opening performance at New Plymouth last night. Long before the opening item a large crowd had gathered, every available seat being taken. Dull moments were conspicuous by their absence, as act followed act in one continuous chain of new sensations and fresh surprises. Acrebats, aerial performers, bare-back and somersault riders, trick horses and ponies, and the inimitable clowns all combined to give the show distinction, with an atmosphere of wholesome humor. The clever and graceful work of little Edna Sole, aged 9, quickly won appreciation as she performed feats in midair which almost beggar description. Later she was seen in conjunction with Miss Ethel, when their marvellous aerial evolutions thrilled and delighted the onlookers. In tumbling and somersaulting Miss Edna was also quite at home, her most popular performance in this direction probably being the feat of standing on her hands on the outstretched arm of another. Miss Ethel was the central figure in a picturesque equestrian scene, in which she showed her abili to skip on the back of a cantering horse, and to jump over tapes in like manner. A

clever contortionist exhibition was given by Miss Baker, who performed the almost impossible feat of bending backwards from two chair's and picking up with her teeth*a handkerchief from the floor. On the tight-rope, too, she was seen to advantage, in many difficult “stunts.” Two prominent performers were Kit- - chy and Cliffy, who found no inconvenience in turning somersaults and skip- - ping with stilts on, whilst their act of 1 somersaulting, interlocked, off three tiers of tables tq the ground and back again, was most clever. The back of a galloping horse seemed the natural habitat of the two Sole Bros., wno, in the garb of jockeys, performed double somersaults thereon, and leaped with ease on to the backs of a horse at full gallop. Their thrilling items held the audience enthralled throughout. The Wests, brother and sister, were also first-class equestrian performers, the grand climax being reached when Mias West climbed on to her brother’s shoulders as they were tearing at full speed round the ring. The trick horses ana ponies showed evidence of careful training, and their turns wore much appreciated. The numerous clowns, with their amusing antics and breezy whimsicalities, quickly established themselves in popular favor, and added much Io the evening’s enjoyment. The concluding number introduced the champion high-jumping dog. Whisky, which, wr:hout apparent effort, cleared gradually increasing heights, culminating in a splendid leap over the bar when held 15 feet 6 inches above the ground. The ringmaster throughout was Mr. W. Sole. With the circus there is also a menagerie, consisting of 10 cages of wild bea-sts, who appear to be well cared for and kept in splendid condition. The animals include lions, lionesses, leopards, the only puma to be landed In New Zealand, monkeys, and bears. A special novelty is a nine weeks’ old lioness, bom in Auckland, and believed to bo the youngest of its kind in captivity. Sole Bros.’ Circus is a bright sljow. which can well be recommended to all .who have not yet seen it. To-night the |final performance in New Plymouth will be given. The location is Devon Street UStet. office.