In May 1803 whilst they were members of Thomas Shaftoe Robertson's Lincoln company he had married the actress Melinda Bullen (1781–1870) in the actors' church of St.Peter Mancroft in Norwich.

[1] Some of the other towns on the circuit included at various times Alford, Bourne, Caistor, Folkingham, Grimsby, Holbeach, Holden, March (also built for him), Melton Mowbray, Mildenhall, Southwell and Upwell.

Sims brought a company in November 1806 to open the theatre on 1 December with The Soldier's Daughter and The Wags of Windsor.

[2] Mr Smedley announced the opening of the 1826 season at the New Theatre on Monday 26 March 1826 with the Comedy of Speed the Plough and My Spouse and I.

[3] The 1827 season opened for a fortnight on Monday 16 April with the comedy A Bold Stroke for a Husband and The Forty Thieves, Paul Pry and The Liar on Wednesday, and Romeo and Juliet with Return'd Killed on Friday.

[4] The newspaper report for the April start of the 1828 season stated "It is nearly 14 years since Mr. Smedley first managed the theatre in this town".

On Wednesday Evening, May 25th, for the benefit of Mr Smedley, The GREEN MAN, IS HE JEALOUS?, and HUNTING a TURTLE.

DE COUR have the honour to inform the nobility and gentry of Sleaford that they intend exhibiting in that town their extraordinary Magical Illusions, Cabalistic Mirror, Feats of Strength, Balancing, and the Dancing of the Dinner Plates.

[7] In January 1840, Joseph Smedley, comedian, was licensed to open the theatre, Sleaford for a period not exceeding sixty nights.

[8] A newspaper announced a short season and lighting by Gas: MR. SMEDLEY respectfully informs his friends that he purposes commencing a very short Season on Monday (being the Fair) April 20, 1840, with an entirely new Company, who will perform the IDIOT HEIRESS, and BLUE BEARD on Wednesday, NICHOLAS NICKLEBY with ROSINA ; and on Saturday the 25th.

[17] In the October Harriet Waylett 'the Queen of the English ballad, accompanied by Mr. George Alexander Lee and Mr J. W. Hammond gave a concert to a well attended house.

[24] The 1849 season opened on 5 November under the direction of Mr. Kinnear, among the company Mesdames Kate Palmer, Doyle, Bland and Melville, Messrs. Pennet, Holsten, Shaw, Watson, Nash, Wolfenden, Miller and Pascal.

[32] Through a variety of donations and grants it was converted into the town's first infant school by local builders Parry and William Kirk, at a cost of £1,085.