Editing Circus clown (section)

====Matthew Sully====
Matthew Sully, a prominent English [[Harlequin]], [[Acrobatics|tumbler]] and singer at [[Sadler's Wells Theatre]] in London, joined Ricketts' company in the summer of 1795.  He became particularly well known for his hit song, "Four and Twenty Periwigs."  Later that fall, they were joined by the man recognized as the first "American-born" circus clown and professional dancer, [[John Durang]].  Much of what we know about Ricketts's enterprises we owe to Durang's detailed memoirs.  The new clown was an accomplished actor and [[acrobatics|acrobat]], and his variations on the classic comedy riding act "Tailor's Ride to Brentford" were extremely popular.