Date with history: Circus rolls into town with dazzling display

NEWSOME'S Circus opened for the winter season on Nicolson Street on November 26, 1883, offering "unbounded satisfaction" for visitors.

"The clowns revelled, as usual, in amusing tricks and dialogues bringing forth roars of laughter with the wonderful performances of an educated pig," the Evening News reported.

"The acrobatic clowns, on a lofty tower of chairs, showed much coolness in daring and difficult situations.

Hide Ad

"The gymnasts improved on the ordinary horizontal bar exercises by a number of movements both graceful and attractive.

"Mona Dansie, a Continental equestrian excelled in somersaults and other feats on horseback."

Visitors were also treated to displays by a "couple of beautiful performing ponies" as well as The Duke of Edinburgh - a "magnificent" horse who exhibited a fine performance for the eager crowd.