Ricketts' Circus, 1793-1800

First Circus in America

In his short American career John Bill Ricketts managed to establish the first American Circus, befriend President George Washington, tour the East Coast, Canada, and the West Indies with his company, and present America a new genre of entertainment that blended equestrian feats with theatrical performance. Rickettss abilities as a master-rider set the tone for the Circuss immediately succeeding his own. He established equestrian acts as the highlight of the circus, and throughout the early 19th century most circuses followed his paradigm. Executing acts like Flying Mercury and Egyptian Pyramids thrilled voyeurs that appreciated daring horsemanship. While falling into financial ruin by 1799 Ricketts contributed a great deal to both American entertainment and culture. The common household names of Barnum and Bailey, Ringling Brothers, and Cirque de Soleil owe their success to the pathway Ricketts treaded. In Americas adolescent years, Ricketts offered an unprecedented spectacle that the American audience has loved ever since.

Circus World began as an offspring to "The Greatest Show on Earth". It was launched in 1984, and quickly overtook Rangling Bros. and Bernum & Bailey in popularity by 1991. You can expect clowns, jugglers, horse acts, and wild animal acts. On a good evening, the circus has an estimated crowd of 24,000 spectators.

Circus World travels across the United States from May to August. They make 18 stops per season, and only in cities with huge populations. The only day the circus don't perform is on Sunday. That day they use to travel to other cities. Performers in the circus display physical skill, courage, and talent. While circuses vary in size, content, or presentation, the goal is always the same: to entertain and excite our audience.

1946 heralded the first ever Billy Smart's Circus which appeared at Southall Park and then toured alongside Smart's Funfair. It became incredibly successful with the post-war general public and featured regularly on the fledgling BBC television programme. Televised Christmas and Easter Circus extravaganzas followed and made Smart's Circus the most famous of all circuses travelling in the UK.1956 saw Billy Smart appear on the 'This is Your Life' programme. Smart was a man who led and lived the circus life to the full and was known for his larger-than-life presence, big fat cigar, Stetson hat and ebullient personality. He continued to bring his colourful circus to the masses throughout the 50's, 60's and into the 70's. He died in showman's style having just led a parade through the streets of Ipswich.

At the height of its powers Billy Smart's Circus toured the whole of Britian with a huge 6000 seater big top, an army of international circus artistes, and a 200 strong host of elephants, lions, horses, polar bears, camels, sealions, and chimpanzees.

In 2001, some thirty years later, Billy Smart's Circus is back on the road with a modern and sophisticated Spectacular bringing circus thrills, fun and laughter to new generations. 2005 features added surprises and innovations from this internationally acclaimed all-human production.