Circus Joseph Ashton
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Circus, Entertainment |
| Predecessor | Ashton's Circus |
| Founded | January 1, 1847 in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia |
| Founder | Thomas Mollor |
| Headquarters | Not specified , Australia |
Area served | South Australia, Western Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea |
Key people | Michelle Ashton, Joseph Ashton, Jordan Ashton, Merrik Ashton |
| Products | Circus performances, entertainment shows |
Number of employees | 180+ |
| Parent | Ashton family enterprises |
Circus Joseph Ashton, originally known as Ashton's Circus, holds the distinction of being Australia's longest-running circus, having been founded in 1847 in Hobart, Tasmania. The enterprise was initiated by Thomas Mollor and later purchased by James Henry Ashton in 1850, initially operating under the names Royal Amphitheatre or Royal Circus.
During its height, Ashton's Circus employed more than 180 staff members, cared for 80 animals, and conducted tours across New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. After James Henry Ashton passed away in 1889, his son Fred assumed control, with the business remaining a family legacy spanning six generations. Presently, the circus is managed by Michelle and Joseph Ashton alongside their children Jordan and Merrik. In 1998, Joseph launched Circus Joseph Ashton, which became the family's main brand following his grandfather’s retirement in 2000, marking the retirement of the original "Ashton's Circus" title.
The troupe primarily performs throughout South Australia and Western Australia. Among its notable past employees is former television figure Tommy Hanlon Jr.
The Ashton family also operates other entertainment ventures such as Ashton Entertainment, Infamous the Show, Lorraine Ashton's Classic Circus, and Circus Xsavia.
See also
External links
- The Penny Gaff – chronicles of circus and travelling show history in Australia.
- Ashton's Circus photographs, State Library of Queensland – images captured in Brisbane during August 1988.