DEATH OF MR HUTCHINSON, CARDIFF.
Mr David Hutchinson, who was for over a quarter of a century inseparably identified with circus life in Cardiff, and enjoyed an unique popularity, died on Wednesday at his residence in Park-street, after a protracted illness of a complicated character. The deceased had not taken any active part in the direction of the Circus for several years past, but his interest for its success was only diminished by increasing infirmity, followed by his painful illness. Cardiff people will, however, long hold Mr Hutchinson in agreeable remembrance and perhaps nothing could be more touching, as showing how thoroughly he realised that his end was fast approaching, than a remark made by him a few weeks ago, when the work of demolishing the Circus in Wood- street was entered upon, to the effect that by the time all the timbers bad been taken down, he would be down. Mr Hutchinson was the founder of the original Circus which stood at the corner of Wood-street and St. Mary-street (the site of the present Theatre Royal), but in keeping with Cardiff s rapid march of progress, it was not to be expected that a wooden structure would be tolerated in the most central thoroughfare, and therefore the building which has just disappeared was erected by Mr Hutchinson 14 years ago at the juncture of Westgate-street and Park-street. His professional career was in many ways remarkable, and, as usual, the members of his family trained to follow in their father's footsteps. Mr Hutchinson was married twice, and has left a widow and four daughters-om; of whom is well known as Madame Tayleure, whose husband was formerly associated with Mr Hutchinson in partnership, but eventually became sole proprietor of the Circus which has now disappeared. Another daughter is the wife of Mr J. Haynes, now in business- as a tobacconist in Bute-street, but who some years ago enjoyed a considerable reputation as "the boneless clown." The deceased's grandson (Mr Taylor) is now managing I his father's circus, which is on tour in Pembrokeshire, and is due, at Cardff in about three weeks. Mr Hutchinson's benevolent disposition as an entertainment caterer was well known in the town and district and several institutions have derived considerable pecuniary assistance as the result of the benefits" which he organised.
Cardiff Times 19th April 1890
Welsh Newspapers Online
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It took two years to build it (the bus depot) on the site of Messrs Hutchinson and Tayleure's Circus, another part of our town's history with a link to Temperance Town.
David Hutchinson and his son-in-law Joseph Taylor (Tayleure sounded more exotic) lived there and opened the circus in November, 1870, star turn Signor Napoli the Italian Hercules "the strongest man in existence".
They gave way to the new Post Office.
On the site of what was once the General Post Office in Westgate Street stood Hutchinson's and Tayleur's wooden circus theatre.
Madame Tayleur, who was something of a performer herself, used to lash herself to a horse and ride around the ring. On one occasion she slipped and she was carried twice around the ring underneath her horse. One of the circus acts performed there had to be stopped after some of the ladies in the audience screamed and fainted.
A Cardiff clown called Joey Haynes would climb to the top of the building and pretend to lose his hold and fall to the ground. It was really a dummy that fell, but the scene was so realistic that it had the ladies reaching for their smelling salts.
Extracts from Wales Online 12 AUG 2010
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MESSRS. HUTCHINSON AND TAYLEURE'S CIRCUS. THE SUMMER TOUR
Messrs Hutchinson and Tayleure's Circus 11at now left Cardiff for the annual summer tour, which will be commenced at Newport to-night (Monday), and continued at the same place on Tuesday. The spirited proprietors have with them a powerful company of gymnasts, equestrians, and clowns, who will moat certainly be received with popular applause wherever they go. The horses are well trained, and, in short everything necessary to the complete success of a circus has been gathered into one focus. The establishment after leaving Newport-where the ever welcome Dick Turin's Ride to York will be produced-will proceed to Pontypool on Wednesday, while to Abergavenny Thursday and Friday have been devoted. Brecon will be reached on the Monday following, and from thence Messrs Hutchinson and Tayleure propose to proceed to Welshpool, Newton, Knighton, Hereford, etc. The Transfield family form a portion of the company.
South Wales Daily News 14th April 1879
Welsh Newspapers Online
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MESSRS HUTCHINSON AND TAYLEURE'S CIRCUS, CARDIFF.
The success which the efforts of Messrs Hutchinson and Tayleure have met with will, no doubt, account for the plucky manner in which they have commenced the circus season in Cardiff. On Monday evening the programme included the wonderful performance of Herr Blitz, who has been re-engaged for a limited time. As a jester Croueste has but few rivals, and the " Black Princess," by her daring flights from a bare- backed horse, gains rounds of applause. The merits of the work of the Rasselas family have been before alluded to in these columns. From the enthusiastic reception awarded to them we should think Messrs Hutchinson and Tayleure will secure the Rasselas family, at least, for a time, if this is possible. Old friends, such as Frank Jennings and Albert Wells, are always sure of welcome here. The Infant Jockey has sufficient confidence in himself-and justly so-to carry him through as well as the most exacting manager could desire.
Cardiff Times 19th November 1878
Welsh Newspapers Online
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THE CARDIFF CIRCUS.
The programme announced by Messrs Hutchinson and Tayleure for this week is of a description calculated to fully sustain the popularity already gained by their place of amusement. There appears nightly three flying wonders, named Rolla, Alonzo, and Prince Mite, whose clever trapeze performances elicit demonstrations of approval from all parts of the house; this exhibition in itself being of a character worthy of extensive patronage. A novelty will be found in the appearance, in Dick Turpin, of Mr Croueste. the popular jester, who seems to get more like Wallett every day. The other artistes are of t high order of merit, and the band is up to the iii ark, Messrs Hutchinson and Tayleure have ever had a great reputation for the number and excellence of their stud, and this season they are in advance o( all others. Consequently the equestrian performances are sustained with extraordinary spirit. Such a programme as that underlined for the present week, affords something agreeable to everybody, and those who have not already visited the popular institution in Westgate-street Cardiff, should do so at once.
South Wales Daily News 27th November 1878
Welsh Newspapers Online
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THE CARDIFF CIRCUS.
An unmistakeable welcome back again was accorded to Messrs Hutchinson and Tayleure's company of artistes at the Circus in Westgate-street on Saturday night. The house, which has been cleaned and re-decorated while closed for the summer months, was full to overflowing. All the old favourites were heartily applauded, and the newcomers were received with the approbation their services deserved. "Jose," whose skilful and daring riding it is impossible not to admire, was cheered again and again, and the little lady- Mdlle. Maggie,"-in whose company he appeared, must have been both flattered and encouraged at the reception accorded her. Though Mdlle. Maggie," only joined the troupe in April, while tenting, she has, under Mr Tayleure's care, attained wonderful proficiency in the equestrian art, and bids fair to become a star rider some day. The work on the wire-rope, and the marvellous agility of some of the performers on the cross-bar, were greatly applauded. The clowns and grotesques included the first appearance of Morella and Miss Lizzie Rhodine, who, in what is described as a musical variety entertainment, delighted the audience so much with their accomplished manipulation of different musical instruments that an encore was positively insisted upon. In response to repeated demands, Morella, with his concertina gave a pleasing imitation o{ church bells, bands of music, &c. Frantze, Carl Ritter, Sam Pugh, and Jem Diey, the other clowns, are highly diverting. The Silbons, who are said to be among the greatest gymnastic artistes in the world unrivalled on the flying trapeze-are amongst the new company Messrs Hutchinson have with praiseworthy enterprise gathered around them. No doubt, by their careful attention to the wants of the public in the way of amusement, they will secure a large measure of patronage throughout the winter. It is only right to add that the stud of horses is as complete as could possibly be desired.
South Wales Daily News 27th November 1879
Welsh Newspapers Online
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HUTCHINSON AND TAYLEURVS CIRCUS.
An attractive programme has been provided at the above popular place of amusement for the ensuing week, and intending visitors may anticipate aa enjoyable and high class entertainment. The Silbons, described as the greatest gymnastic artistes in the world," will perform some clever and sensational feats, including a flight through boons of fire and double somersault. while in mid air. Mdlle. Jessie, the renowned equestrienne from the Continental circuses; Mdlle Clara whose delineations of character on horseback are very faithful and pleasing; and the Leoni Brothers, the daring acrobats, will appear for the first time. Mr James Allen, England's great horseman champion." has been re-engaged and Mons Morella and Miss Lily Rhodine will appear in an entirely new performance. In addition to the above, a staff of "funny" clowns - the jester, the musical, the eccentric and the "indiarubber" -will continue to keep the circle in a roar. With such a first-rate combination of talent, Messrs. Hutchinson and Tayleure ought to receive a large share of public patronage.
South Wales Daily News 24th November 1879
Welsh Newspapers Online
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WALES DAY BY DAY
Patrons of the old circus in Westgate-street, Cardiff, will be interested to know that their favourite clown, Mr. Joseph Haines-or, as he was always -called Joey Haines-is still in the town, and very happy and well. He is an earnest Church worker, but that doesn't deter him from being funny amongst his friends. One of Joey's favourite ring jokes was telling how he got over the difficulty of sharing a bottle of ginger- beer between three-" I gave Billy the cork; the other fellow the bottle and I drank the ginger- beer myself." And then the band played and the horses galloped off.
The Western Mail 20th June 1892
Welsh Newspapers Online
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