Circus

From 1833 when two ropewalkers performed in Sydney, circus skills have provided popular entertainment. By the 1850s thousands watched circus performances outdoors and in purpose-built theatres. The travelling circus was prompted by goldrush crowds far from the cities, and became the default when circus men found it was easier to change audiences than to change repertoires. Sydney seasons were regular annual engagements for many of Australia's circuses well into the twentieth century. Strong links were formed with international performers, and exchanges between the American and Australian circus worlds were frequent.