Bill for Astley's Amphitheatre, 1777
Date1777
CultureBritish
MediumPrinted, ink on paper
ClassificationEphemera
Credit LineTibbals Circus Collection
Object numberht4004087
This bill for Astley’s Amphitheatre at the Foot of Westminster-Bridge dates to the summer season of 1777. The equestrian program is described with rich detail, giving the 21st century eye and idea of what the earliest circus performances were like. The show began with one of Astley’s students and quickly progressed to leaping feats performed by the master riding astride two horses. By Act III, Mrs. Astley is performing an array of stunts comparable in difficulty to those of the men. Her third trick, riding between two horses, is probably the scene illustrated at the top of the bill.
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