Grand Olympic Circus
The Grand Olympic Circus was active in the Cape Colony in 1866-1869.
Also referred to simply as Santanna's Circus.
Founded and managed by F. Santanna, it initially used a temporary premises in Roggebaai, Cape Town, when he opened toward the end of 1866. Some performers of the Le Roy and Duret company also joined his circus, including Alfred Ray, R.S. Cooper and Mrs Cooper, Ray to perform as clown, performing comic acts such as The Two Clowns (possibly his own creation).
Apparently Santanna was arrested in 1869 for a knifing incident and sentenced to five years in prison.
The popularity of Santanna's Circus is said to have led to the introduction of special trains to the suburbs of Cape Town in 1866.
Sources
F.C.L. Bosman, 1980. Drama en Toneel in Suid-Afrika, Deel II, 1856-1916. Pretoria: J.L. van Schaik: p.213, 242, 293
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