The 1840s offered few prospects of entertainment. Many hotels had already opened to cater for travellers and these were used to hold meetings. Church meetings were often accompanied by social events, for example, 70 people attended a "tea party" when the Wesleyan Chapel opened in 1848.
By the 1850s, Ipswich had at least one hall, a brick building in East Street, constructed for George Thorn who let it out for visiting entertainers. It was known as Thorn's Billiard Room so it presumably also held a billiard table. Miss Flora Harris sang in Thorn's billiard room in 1854, as it was the only hall in the area at the time. In upper Brisbane Street, near the intersection of West Street, there was a long, narrow timber building which was used as a bowling alley. An entertainment often mentioned by pioneers was the appearance of an acrobat who walked a tight rope strung across the intersection of East and Brisbane Streets.
The Ipswich Choral Society held their first public practice on 22nd October 1856 which was largely attended. The conductor was Mons. A. Roeckel. The following year, Rev. J. Mosely led the society in a performance of sacred music in the School of the Episcopal Church.
Today, our city offers a rich and diverse range of entertainment. However, way back when….
One of the highlights of early colonial life was the arrival of the circus to town. In March 1857, Monsieur La Rosiere's Licensed International Circus visited Ipswich, performing behind the North Star Hotel. Edward La Rosiere Hughes died in Ipswich on 5 July of that year at the North Star Hotel at the age of 33 and he was buried in the Ipswich General Cemetery on 6 July 1857. After the death of Edward the company was dissolved. La Rosiere's widow, Ann remained in Ipswich, marrying Daniel Collins in 1858. In 1858 the Australian Circus held performances in Town behind the Crown Hotel. The North Australian's account of the circus on 14 September 1858 stated:
The Ipswich people have gained a character for appreciation of talent in the various amusements offered to them, and we do not doubt that they will patronise this excellent troupe most liberally.
Men and women of Ipswich had an opportunity to meet and to dance at a number of ball's held in the Town including the Bachelors' Ball and the Race Ball. A ball was held at the Music Hall on 31 October 1857. They could also enjoy visiting groups such as the Brisbane band who played for two nights on the open ground near the Royal Hotel. They performed a number of selection and popular waltzes in the Botanic Gardens.
A meeting was held at the Crown Hotel in July 1858 to discuss the formation of an Amateur Dramatic Society in Ipswich. Mr. Warren proposed the first resolution which was seconded by Mr. Chubb: That a society be formed to consist of acting members and honorary members, for the purpose of presenting public representation of dramatic performances, giving lectures, and other entertainments of a dramatic, literary, and scientific character," which was carried unanimously. A committee was formed to carry out the resolution and to prepare rules and regulations for the Society. The Ipswich Amateur Dramatic Society's first performance held on 21st September 1858, was opened by Mr. Wakeling.
Source: https://www.pictureipswich.com.au/
