Performing Fleas
Exchange Hall 1889
21st September 1889 was the day the circus rolled into town. The flea circus.
‘The fleas are of a Russian variety, and are much larger than the ordinary kind.’
For the adult ticket price of 1 shilling, audiences could witness fleas performing at the word of command, fencing with swords, driving vehicles, drag models of ships ‘and other remarkable things.’
‘On a table enclosed by a fence of glass may be seen a miniature hansom cab. On the box seat is perched a sedate looking flea, holding a whip and reins. In the shafts of the cab is a flea of the lively species, who answers to the name of Jack. At the word of command Jack starts off in real earnest and drags that cab across the able at a rapid rate.’
Accompanying the flea performance was ‘the Cyclorama’ – beautifully painted and realistic pictures of the Battle of Waterloo, defence of Rorke’s drift, the surrender at Sedan and the hurricane at Samoa. In an age when entertainment typically had to be created by the family at the home, this would have been an affordable diversion for the many who thronged to the twice daily performances.
A week later, the proprietor added the following to the show, creating a new reason to visit:
‘As a special attraction waxworks will be on view, representing notable persons in the murdering and other professions, guaranteed true to life. Also there will be shown a kitten with two bodies, two tails and eight legs, four baby alligators; and various other remarkable things “two numerous to mention”.
The 5th October was the last day of performances for the fleas and the exhibition was packed up. It opened in Christchurch on 12th October.
A note on flea circuses: the first recorded circus was performed in the 1820s. The technique may use either real fleas harnessed with a gold or copper wire around their neck or fake fleas with the use of electrical, magnetic and mechanical devices coupled with lose real fleas to maintain the illusion.
References:
(1889, September 18). Evening Post, 2
(1889, September 21). Evening Post, 2.
(1889, September 23). Evening Post, 3.
(1889, October 5). Evening Post, 2.
(1889, October 12). Star, 2.
Waxworks. (1889, September, 30). Evening Post, 4.
Evening Post (Wellington, N.Z.). The wonderful performing fleas! The world's greatest novelty! The biggest wonder of the age! / Printed at the Evening Post Office, Willis Street, Wellington, [ca 1889].. Ref: Eph-C-VARIETY-1889-01. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23196522