My Royal Amphitheatre opened in 1795 after the previous building
had burnt to the ground. The Amphitheatre had a stage with a
proscenium arch in addition to the circus ring and the two were interlinked
by ramps so that the horses could run on to the stage from the
ring. I thought this an ingenious design, which heightened the
possibilities for tricks and dramatic effect. Oh, the excitement
of sitting close to the ring with horses swishing past your
face as they cantered up a ramp just a few inches away!
Unfortunately the wooden building was lit by candles - a terrible
fire hazard. The circus burnt down again in 1803 much to my
chagrin. The fire started in the lamp room where some fireworks
from the previous evening’s performance had been carelessly
discarded.
In 1804 Astley’s was rebuilt for a third time. Each time the
theatre was rebuilt the interior became more ornate; we had
more money for the finer details of taste! I even ensured that
the stages were strengthened to take the weight of more horses
and increase the dramatic potential of my acts.
I continued to collect new acts from home and abroad. Clowns,
ropewalkers and tumblers complemented the equestrian entertainment.
Despite the privilege of our royal title the press were not
always so flattering about our entertainment at Astley’s.
Mr Philip Astley’s Introduction to The First Circus in England
