When the circus came to town
Adams’ Circus: Clowns, Acrobats, and Colonial Applause
In the autumn of 1864, Geelong welcomed a week of wonder as Adams’ Circus pitched its tent and dazzled the town. Eschewing exotic animals, the company offered a refined spectacle of equestrians, acrobats, clowns, and gymnasts — proudly billed as “the most talented company ever to visit Australia.” With performances tailored for both adults and children, and ticket prices scaled to suit every pocket, the circus became a highlight of the season. The Geelong Chronicle captured the excitement in glowing reviews, singling out the daring feats of Madam Henriques and the comic brilliance of the clowns, urging all to attend before the troupe moved on.
In 1864, Adams’ Circus came to Geelong for one week only. But it was not a circus with wild animals from Africa. Adams’ Circus advertised that they had equestrians, lady equestriennes, clowns, gymnasts and acrobats. In fact it was self-described as “the most talented company ever to visit Australia“.
The circus gave five evening performances and a daytime performance on the last day to ensure school children could attend. First class seats were three shillings; second class seats were two shillings; and “nurses and children half-price“.
In reviewing the first performances, the newspaper reporter did not want to single out any particular acts but then, of course, proceeded to do just that! “The gymnastic feats of Myers and Wallace are very excellent, as was the double act on two horses of Mrs Adams and Mr Griffiths“.
The reporter’s highest praise was reserved for equestrienne, Mrs Henriques: “Above all, we must mention the great equestrianism of Madam Henriques, whose great and extraordinary leaps through the smallest paper balloons are the theme of universal praise and admiration. We believe she is the best lady equestrienne that ever was seen in the colonies“. High praise, indeed!
A review of another performance stated that Madam Henriques “especially distinguished herself’” It also rated the clowns highly; “they were very witty and amusing“. Mr Myers, the young equestrian, performed “feats of unrivalled skill“.
A new program was announced for the last day’s two performances, including Mr Myers performing “Voltigeur of the Andes” and Madam Henriques, “a graceful and daring act of horsemanship“. Members of the company were also to perform “French vaulting over six horses“.
The Geelong Chronicle urged the public to go to the circus before it left town. “We can do no better than advise that portion of the public who have not yet been, to pay the circus a visit. There will be a performance in the afternoon for the benefit of the juvenile portion of the community.“
