[2] In 1834, he established his own circus company, gradually shifting from performer to director of equestrian dramas and trainer of ring animals.
[5] The enterprising manager welcomed a National military demonstration of the Battle of the Alma to Astley's Royal Amphitheatre in January 1855.
[9] When the proprietor's lease ended, William Batty sought to increase the rent or sell the property; unwilling to pay more, Cooke decided to leave Astley's.
[2] On January 16, 1860, Niblo's Garden under Nixon's management was opened for its first show with a mixture of American and British acts including the Hanlon-Lees, performing under Cooke's Royal Amphitheatre.
[12] The company made its first trip to Boston from March 5 to April 6, 1860, showcasing equestrian acts from Astley's alongside Ella Zoyara.