Play bill

This illustrated playbill printed in red and black announces performances of Ducrow's 'equestrian and dramatic spectacles' to be performed at Sadler's Wells throughout the week beginning 18 July 1832. The celebrated showman Andrew Ducrow (1793-1843) had various stage roles - tightrope dancer, contortionist, animal trainer, choreographer and costume designer. In his shows at Astleys and other London venues including Sadlers Wells, he added clowns, jugglers, acrobats and exotic animals, recruited from theatres, fairgrounds and menageries. Above all, he was known for his amazing feats of horsemanship, which he combined with his talent as a mimic.