Astley's Amphitheatre (Dublin)

Established by Philip Astley, it was Ireland's first circus and, in later years, was known as the Royal Hibernian Theatre.

[1] Philip Astley used his fame and military connections with Capel Molyneux to obtain a patent in 1788.

[5] In 1794 Astley rented the theatre to William Parker and Benjamin Handy with the permission of the Lord Mayor of Dublin.

As audiences were small, and the show's box-office takings suffered, Grimaldi donated his salary to help pay for the renovation of the theatre.

The Dibdin company, with Grimaldi, transferred to the nearby Crow Street Theatre where they performed a benefit concert in aid of Astley's.