Albert Smith's Panorama of China
The Panorama of China was a panoramic theatrical illusion devised and originally presented in word and mime by Albert Smith (d.1860), ostensibly showing and describing a trip from Mont Blanc to China. Originally exhibited at the Egyptian Hall in Piccadilly, London, in 1859, shortly before Smith's death in 1860, it appears to have gone on an international tour afterwards.
Despite the original creator's demise, the physical panorama itself was brought to South Africa in 1863 as part of the repertoire of a company led by J.F. Finlayson (who also acted as narrator of the panorama and was the musical director) Mr Bowmer, Madame Bowmer and Miss Whitfield. The machinery arrived late, so the panorama was only presented in July of the year. Apparently a great success in Cape Town.
The company broke up after the presentation and nothing more is heard of the Panorama of China in South Africa.
For a description of contents and presentation of the show, see the review in The Moreton Bay Courier (Brisbane, Queensland, : 1846 - 1861) of Saturday 9 July, 1859: p. 4[1]
