Lewis’s Australian Hippodrome

Toured in Asia during the 1860s.

From this comment: “Mr. Hernandez is an old favourite here, having visited this place with Lewis’ Australian Hippodrome” [Straits Times, June 8, 1861, p. 2], it seems the troupe had appeared in Singapore before 1861, but no details are known.

It definitely gave some performances in Singapore in November 1861. “The Troupe will, we are informed, give only six performances, as they propose proceeding to Hongkong by the mail steamer on the 29th current.”

“We learn from Mr. Lewis of the Australian Hippodrome, under date, 30th September. He is at present at Batavia and will make the round of Java before coming on to Singapore…” [Straits Times, October 10, 1863, p. 2]

“Lewis’ Australian Hippodrome is also here just now, for a week or so; the first performance came off last night and was a good display.” [Straits Times, January 9, 1864, p. 1] This seems to be the troupe’s last appearance in Singapore.

In 1866 a troupe named “Mr. Cousin’s Australian Hippodrome” came to Singapore. It is not known if there was any connection with Mr. Lewis’ Australian Hippodrome.

“We were glad to find that the last performance of Mr. Lewis’s troupe in the Australian Hippodrome was exceedingly well attended. Mr. Lewis’s entertainments, we may safely say, have given entire satisfaction to all who have seen them, and have gone far to redeem this class of amusement from the disrepute into which it has lately fallen. We think it right to acknowledge the receipt of one hundred and ten dollars from Mr. Lewis to pay for the tombstone he has ordered to be erected on the grave of Hernandez, who died here when in the service of Mr. Risley. By request of Mr. Lewis we have not made this acknowledgement until his performances are ended, as he feared our readers might suppose it a species of advertisement.” [Straits Times, November 30, 1861, p. 2]

“Mr. Lewis’ Australian Hippodrome opens this evening; and as his troupe and stud are larger than any that have previously visited Singapore, the display will be a very fine one. Mr. Lewis’ present circus is certainly the finest that has yet ventured Eastward… Last night’s performance will doubtless establish the success of the troupe here. The house was a good one… To our thinking, the tight rope performance could have been second only to the feats of the veritable Blondin.” [Straits Times, January 9, 1864, p. 2]