Timeline for Barlow
1820 March. Available information suggests that Barlow was born in Micklehurst near Stockport in Lancashire, England.
1837 Barlow's first Entertainment in Dublin, Ireland. No details known.
1843 September 11th. A Robert Barlow married a Jane Matthews. This would seem to be Barlow and Jane.
1844 July 8th. Barlow performing at the Royal Amphitheatre/Royal Adelphi Theatre, Sheffield Yorkshire, West Riding. Circus Venue. Called here Dramatic. [From Juba Project Website].
1845 December 21st. Barlow performing at the Grand Harmonic Hall. Grapes Tavern, Great Suffolk-Street, London. Also called Surrey Music Hall, London. He performed at the opening of this venue. This puts Barlow among the first of the Music-Hall performers. Music-Hall as it's usually defined today.
1846. In this year the first of Barlow's Songbooks was published. It was called: Barlow’s Nigger Melodist by W.R. Barlow.
1846 January 6th-9th & 20th-23rd. Performing at the Grand Harmonic Hall. Grapes Tavern/Surrey Music Hall, London. Called here Concert. [From Juba Project Website].
1846 June 7th. This is the date Barlow and Jane were married according to their Diamond Wedding anniversary celebration. It must be wrong.
1846 December 3rd. Before this date Barlow was performing at the Portobello Gardens at Portobello, Ireland. No details known.
1846 December 3rd & 4th. In Dublin, Ireland. Performing at Jude's New Assembly Rooms, Grafton Street, opposite Wicklow Street. On the same bill as General Tom Thumb (1838- 1883).
1847. In this year the second of Barlow's Songbooks was published.
1847 January 1st to March 20th. Performing at the Grand Harmonic Hall. Grapes Tavern/Surrey Music Hall, London. Called here Variety or Minstrel Show. [From Juba Project Website].
1847 April 5th. Performing at Cremorne Gardens, London. Called here Variety. [From Juba Project Website].
1847 April 5th-May 1st. Performing at the Adelaide Gallery, London. Called here Variety. [From Juba Project Website].
1847 April 18th. A Rave review about Barlow's performance at the Adelaide Gallery, London. He was called the Inimitable Barlow.
1847 June 21st-August 27th. Performing at Cremorne Gardens, London. Called here Variety or Concert. [From Juba Project Website].
1847 October 4th-November 20th. Performing at the Adelaide Gallery, London. Called here Concert or Variety. [From Juba Project Website].
1847 December 27th & 1848 January 1st. Performing at Cider Cellars, London. Called here Concert. [From Juba Project Website.]
1847. Barlow's Nigger Melodist by W.R. Barlow now up to series 2.
1848. Pell’s Ethiopian Serenaders performing at the Vauxhall Gardens with Juba and a new "troupe brought out from New York", & Pell’s company at the Liverpool Theatre “attracting excellent houses in the last 5 weeks. They commence in Birmingham on Monday next.”
1848 January 3rd-8th. Barlow performing at the Grand Harmonic Hall. Grapes Tavern/Surrey Music Hall, London. Called here Variety. [From Juba Project Website.]
1848 February 13th. Performing at Harmonic Hall, London. Playing a Melodican (sic) This may have been a psalm-melodicon invented by Johannes Weinrich in 1828 and improved by L. Schmidt in 1832.
1848 March 19th on Wednesday next. Performing at the National Hall, Holborn.
1848 February 16th & March 27th-April 1st & April 3rd-8th. Performing at the Casino De Venise, London. Called here Variety. [From Juba Project Website].
1848 April 2nd. Monday and during the week. Performing at Casino De Venise 218 High Holborne. Grand Concert and Balridotto.
1848 July 31st-August 5th. Bristol and Clifton Zoological Gardens, Bristol, Bristol. Called here Variety. [From Juba Project Website.]
1848 August 21st. Bristol and Clifton Zoological Gardens, Bristol, Bristol. Called here Variety. [From Juba Project Website.]
1848 October 23rd-28th. Performing at Queen's Theatre Manchester, Lancashire. Called here Dramatic. [From Juba Project Website.]
1848 October 22nd. Around this date Performing at Queen's. "No change has occurred at this establishment". "American Barlow a la Black Julien". Note: Pell is performing at the nearby Free Trade Hall.
1848 November 13th & 14th Barlow performing at William Cooke's Royal Equestrian Tent, Oxford, Oxfordshire. Called here Circus. [From Juba Project Website.]
1848 November 15th. Performing at William Cooke's Royal Equestrian Tent, Farringdon, Hampshire. Called here Circus. [From Juba Project Website.]
1848 November 16th. Performing at William Cooke's Royal Equestrian Tent, Swindon, Wiltshire. Called here Circus. [From Juba Project Website.]
1848 (no exact date). Performing, as American Barlow, at Oxford and at the Theatre Royal, Tenby.
On the same bill: Violinist Mr Matthews, Miss Jenny Farmer, Mr Trenklee, Mr Cooper, Mr Kenny, Mr Moody.
1849 February 5th-11th & 12th-17th Performing at the Grand Harmonic Hall. Grapes Tavern/Surrey Music Hall, London. Called here Variety. [From Juba Project Website.]
1849 February 11th. A newspaper article notes that Barlow departs from England in six days. Is this a reference to a trip to America?
1849 February 17th to 1850 before the 27th of May. I believe this is the only gap where Barlow had time to tour in America and Canada.
1850 May 27th-June 29th. Performing at Royal Casino/Surrey Music Hall, Sheffield, Yorkshire, West Riding. Called here Variety. [From Juba Project Website.]
1850 September 9th-21st. Performing at Holder's Concert Room, Coleshill Street Birmingham, Warwickshire. Called here Variety and Minstrel Show. [From Juba Project Website.]
1850 September 23rd-28th. Performing at the Grand Harmonic Hall. Grapes Tavern/Surrey Music Hall, London. Called here Minstrel Show. [From Juba Project Website.]
1850 September 30th-October 5th. Performing at Holder's Concert Room, Coleshill Street Birmingham, Warwickshire. Called here Variety. [From Juba Project Website.]
1851 March 30th-31st. Warwickshire. Robert Barlow and wife, Jane, listed as lodgers on census. Barlow's occupation as Musician.
1851 May 5th-7th. Performing at Commercial Hall, Chelsea, London. Called here Variety. [From Juba Project Website.]
1851 May 5th-10th. Performing at Cider Cellars, London. Called here Variety. [From Juba Project Website.]
1851 May 19th. Performing at Cremorne Gardens, London, as American Barlow. With: G.W. Pell and Brandon Ledger as the Original Ethiopian Serenaders.
Barlow is not listed anywhere among the men of Pell's first troupe, but he was performing, at the same time, in venues near the ones where Pell's troupe performed. There are songbooks of Barlow's that say,
"American Barlow and the Ethiopian Serenaders. Popular and celebrated Negro Songs."
The drawing shows five performers. This illustration is the one used on songbooks of Pell's troupe which have signatures below each performer: Pell, Harrington, White, Stanwood, & Germon. This is an unsolved puzzle.
1851 November 24th-29th. Performing at Leffen's Saloon, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. (H. Leffen.) Called here Variety. [From Juba Project Website.]
1851. In this year Barlow's Songbooks are up to number four.
1851. Played at Drury Lane with John Lowe Lauri the father of George Lauri. John Lowe added the name Lauri. Barlow also played with George Lauri's grandfather. (Ref. New Zealand newspaper in 1893.)
1852 January 17th. Pell's Ethiopian Serenaders performing at Lyceum, London. No mention of Barlow.
1852 April 15th. A Mr Barlow was performing at Circus Royal, Bristol, Bristol. Called here Circus. [From Juba Project Website.] I believe this is the performer who toured with a troupe of ponies, dogs, and monkeys. He and his wife performed in the same areas as Barlow, often at the same time, in Australia and New Zealand after 1852.
1840s-50s. An undated chapbook was published in Glasgow. It was called Donald and His Dog. It contained a Negro and Comic Songster. Among the four songs is Lucy Neal as sung by Mr Barlow.
1852 September 2nd. Barlow and his wife Jane arrived in Melbourne on the SS. H. C. Kidston. There is a diary written during this voyage by a fellow passenger. Sadly there is no mention of Barlow. For a man who seemed so obsessed with performing, this seems strange.
1852 September 8th. Performing with Rowe's Circus. Third appearance of the Renowned Barlow. The same article notes that London audiences called him Prince of Ethiopian Comedians.
1852 September 13th. Performing at Rowe's Circus. Called the Inimitable Black Julien. Dancing the astonishing Juba Juba Dance.
1852 September, October, November. Performing with Rowe's Circus.
1852 October 14th & November 1st. With Rowe's Circus. Performing as a duo with John Riley. "...accompanying themselves on a variety of instruments." Riley was a musician, singer, minstrel, clown, and dancer.
1853 February 7th. Two separate performances. One at Rowe's Circus. One at the Mechanics Institution, Great Collins Street, "...by kind permission of Mr J A Rowe." Benefit for T. P. Bower. Barlow was named as a guest of Rainer's Ethiopian Serenaders. They were Rainer, Moran, Brower, White, Bryant, and Foans. Brothers Jerry and Neil Bryant toured Australia at this time, returning to America in early 1857. Also on the bill were banjo trio: Bill Birely, Gretchen (?), and Williams.
1853 May 12th. Barlow performing at Rowe's Circus.
1853 May 14th. Rainer's Original Ethiopian Serenaders performing at Noble's Circus. The venue was leased by this company for two weeks before leaving for Sydney. Last performance given as the 28th of May.
1853 May 27th. Barlow performing at Rowe's Circus. He sang his own composition called Rowe's American Circus.
1853 July 19th. Performing at opening of the Salle de Valentino, Melbourne. Thereafter performing nightly. The Salle de Valentino, late Noble's Circus, was owned by James Ellis of Cremorne Gardens. Barlow used a golden key to unlock the lands. He gave away small farms to the audience. These may have been models of some sort. Barlow often gave away small gifts during his performances.
1853 July & August. Performing every night at the Salle de Valentino. Performance as above.
1853 August 20th. Barlow's last night at Salle de Valentino.
1853 September 17th. Performing at the Queen's Theatre, Melbourne, as leader of Barlow's Sable Minstrels.
1853 September 21st-24th. Performing at Mr Crowther's Room, Terpsichorean Hall, Top of Collins Street, Melbourne, as leader of Barlow's Sable Minstrels.
1853 September 26th. Performing at opening of the Arcade in Lonsdale Street. Barlow sang two songs at the 3 pm Promenade Concert. He was named as the Inimitable Barlow.
1853 November. Performing with Burton's Circus, Castlemaine, Victoria. Burton was to go on to Bendigo.
1854 January 2nd. Performing in Castlemaine to crowded houses.
1854 June 12th. Performing at the Criterion Hall, Criterion Hotel, Melbourne. With the Criterion Band, Miss Olivia Hamilton, Mr A. G. Barsham, and others.
1854 July 4th. Performing at Rowe's Circus. Original sketch by Barlow. Recruiting for the Wars.
1854 July 11th. Performing at Rowe's Circus. Duet with Mr. Golding. Benefit for Edward Yeamans, Clown. Barlow performed a Comic Burletta with Yeamans called, The Rival Clowns.
1854 July 14th. Performing at Rowe's Circus.
1854 July 15th. Performing at Rowe's Circus. Performing his new piece, The Russian Invasion.
1854 July 18th. Performing at Rowe's Circus. Benefit for Barlow. First night of Barlow's "Feats of Strength with six half-under weights. See him and wonder at the performance." Introducing his Automaton. "First night of Barlow as a Vaulter, Tumbler etc. Feats of Leaping. Backward and Forward Bounding".
1854 September 26th to October 30th. Performing at George Lewis' Astley's Amphitheatre, Melbourne.
1854 November. Performing at Rowe's Circus.
1854 November 18th. An article in the Melbourne Argus mentions a portrait of W. R. Barlow. This painting seems to be lost.
1854 December 27th. Performing at Astley's Amphitheatre, Melbourne with Lewis's Circus.
1855 February 9th. Barlow's first performance at Bath's Hotel, Ballarat. It was a solo act performed, "...to all the elite of the diggings", Barlow used some songs written by a local man JM. This was James Mulholland, writer of the Burletta, The Siege of Sebastopol. The songs were written for Barlow. He performed the piece at the Salle de Valentino, Melbourne in November 1855. Other songs from this Burletta were: The Light Brigade; The Fall of Sebastopol; Red, White, and Blue; Romans and Greeks; The Union of England and France.
1855 February. Barlow was riding around Creswick with a German Band advertising his shows.
1855 March 2nd. Barlow was performing at Mr O'Shea's Grand Junction Hotel, St Kilda. With him was "his Brass Band and The Harmonicus Brothers". This is a name from an Indian folktale.
1855 March 3rd. Performing at Astley's Amphitheatre, Melbourne. With his Brass Band and The Harmonicus Brothers. It was Barlow's last appearance in Melbourne before his departure for the Victorian Gold-fields again.
1855 March 27th. Performing in Bendigo.
1855 July 4th. Performing nightly in Bendigo.
1855 August 15th. Performing at The Star Concert Hall Ballarat.
1855 October 22nd. Barlow's Melbourne house auctioned.
1855 Sometime around this year. Barlow and his wife adopted five-year-old Margaret Drummond. She was re-named Jane Margaret Drummond Barlow.
1856 Barlow and Jane living on small farm in Malmsbury, Victoria. Mollison Street.
1856 August 4th. An inquest was held at Malmsbury with Barlow as witness. Barlow found a body on the 3rd of August. His actual words are noted on the inquest document.
1856 October 20th. Performing at the Charlie Napier Hotel Ballarat. Hospital benefit. On the same bill: Julia Matthews and a long list of un-named performers. Barlow donated his services while all other professional performers were paid.
1856-1857. Joe Small was engaged as a singer by Barlow who met him at Beechworth. The pair toured the small towns around North and Central Victoria. The tour was cut short because Barlow had to attend business at home. Small gives a brief account of his connection with Barlow in his diary. He notes that Barlow was already a popular and well-respected performer.
1856 November 3rd. Barlow performing at Concert Hall of the Albert Hotel, Castlemaine, with Joe Small. Barlow played here often according to a resident of Castlemaine writing in 1876 about what she called the old days.
1857 No date. A policeman who was an old friend of Barlow's from Melbourne came upon Barlow while pursuing the outlaw Jockey Burns. This was in Carisbrook. Barlow was, "putting the roof on a house he was building". I believe this was actually Barlow's home in Malmsbury. There is a diary from Carisbrook that mentions Barlow as being in this town, but the writer doesn't say he lived there. I've not found a residence of his in Carisbrook.
1857 February 10th. Performing at the Kangaroo Theatre, Maldon as The Inimitable American Barlow.
1857 June 26th. Barlow's version of the song Know Ye the Land reprinted in the Portland Guardian. Sung by Barlow at a soiree in Casterton, Victoria. This is curious because Barlow's first visit to Portland, south of Casterton, was in September of this year. It's possible, if the date on this song is accurate, that Barlow took a sperate tour from Ballarat to Casterton and back before touring the Southwest.
1857 September 3rd. Barlow performing at The Duchess of Kent Hotel in Ballarat, Victoria. With Dan Golding, comic singer.
1857 October 11th. Barlow performing at Sefton's in Portland, Victoria. Barlow was joined on one occasion by Totten's Harmoneons. This was a minstrel troupe touring in the area.
1857 October 12th. Commenced performances at Mac's Hotel in Portland, Victoria.
1857 October 16th. Performing in Portland, Victoria. A poem by Barlow was printed in the local newspaper. It was signed Robert Barlow.
1857 October 30th to November 3rd. Performing at White's Assembly Rooms, Adelaide.
1857 October. Barlow wrote the song, Tommy Best's Coffin, based on a local story. See Tom Best and his Coffin by Marlene Greiner.
1857 November 6th. Barlow performing at the Port Theatre, Adelaide for one night only.
1857 December 7th-14th. Barlow placed a notice in a Portland newspaper about two horses that had been stolen or had strayed. A reward was offered. Barlow's name is given as Robert Barlow.
1857 December 16th. In Portland. A notice that Barlow's horses have been found near Hamilton. Barlow went there to collect them. In gratitude Barlow decided to give a benefit, previously cancelled for want of time, at the Portland Asylum.
1858 February. Melbourne. Performing with Rowe's Circus.
1858 April 15th. Performing at The Mechanics' Institute, Ballarat.
1859 May 2nd to 14th. Barlow performing at The Telegraph Theatre, Back Creek, Victoria. With Professor Bushell the great Electro-Biologist. The advertisement notes that this is prior to their departure for Sydney.
1859 June 17 to 24th. Except Sunday. Performing at Rosekilly's Lyceum, Creswick, Victoria. This was part of the Kent Hotel.
1860 November 5th. Performing at the Theatre Royal, Lamplough, Victoria.
1861 April. Barlow performing at Brown's Black Swan Hotel, Linton, Victoria, with John Cragin Rainer.
1861 April. Barlow performing at Smythesdale, Victoria, with John Cragin Rainer. This may be at The Eldorado Hotel.
1861 April. Barlow performing at Carngham, Victoria, with John Cragin Rainer.
1861 April. Performing at Rosekilly's Lyceum, Creswick, Victoria. Part of the Kent Hotel.
1861 September 14th. A notice was placed in New Zealand's Otago Times. The date and the name and location of the author suggest this is Barlow. It is about a legacy for a John Barlow. A carpenter who left Manchester for New Zealand in 1840. Could this be Barlow's brother? Could it be related to the death of Barlow's father?
1861 September & November. Performing at Rosekilly's Lyceum, Creswick, Victoria. Some of these performances were with John Cragin Rainer.
1861 October 9th & 10th. Barlow performing at the Golden Age Concert Hall, Beaufort, Victoria, with John Cragin Rainer and Vincent. Also on the bill were The Rocky Mountain Wonders: acrobats Messers Christoff, Foley, Parmer and Son.
In May 1869 at Bunbury, Western Australia, Walter Howson lead a troupe of performers under the name The Rocky Mountain Wonders. The only members were: Walter Howson; Signor Abecco, violinist; Nelson and Laurie, acrobats and trapeze artists; Mr Targett, actor; Mrs. Nelson, singer.
1861 September 26th. Performing at The Mechanics' Institute, Ballarat.
1861 October 1st and 2nd. Barlow performing at Brown's Black Swan Hotel, Linton, Victoria.
1861 November. Barlow performing at the Kent Hotel, Clunes, with John Cragin Rainer.
1862 July 16th. Performing at the opening of George Coppin's Apollo Music Hall, Melbourne.
There was a performance of the Opera Lucia di Lammermoor with other musical acts. On the same bill were: George Coppin, Joe Small, Mr W. Sherwin, Miss Kate Royal, Miss Royal (Kate's sister), Mr Tolhurst, Madame Carandini, Miss Chalker. Joe Small is listed in the opera cast but not Barlow or Coppin.
1862 July and August. Barlow performing at Coppin's Apollo Music Hall with the above performers.
1863 Some time this year Barlow and his wife (and presumably their daughter) toured in China. They were given safe passage to the front by General Gordon during the Taiping Rebellion. Barlow said they were shipwrecked off Formosa (now Taiwan). Everything was lost. Barlow stated in 1867 that the ship was attacked by pirates and that there were only a few survivors. He said the ship was carrying over three hundred people. There is no mention of it in newspapers at the time. Barlow performed immediately afterwards in China using improvised instruments. One of these was a xylophone made of "several bricks possessing a metallic sound".
1863 November 4th to 7th. Barlow performing in Fortitude Valley near Brisbane. No details. (Ref. Article, in the Brisbane Courier November 8th 1913, headed: Fifty Years Ago.)
1863 December 9th to 28th. Performing at the Royal Haymarket Theatre, Melbourne. Barlow gave his account of his recent adventures in China. He said he'd been shipwrecked. On the same program was the two act play: Anchor of Hope a Seaman's Story. Co-incidence? Clever programming?
1863 December 28th. Mention of a performance by Barlow in the Portland Guardian. Article illegible. Barlow was performing in Melbourne at this time.
1864 January 29th. Performing at the Star Concert Hall, Ballarat, Victoria.
1864 February 6th. Performing at the Theatre Royal, Ballarat.
1864 April 11th to 23rd. Barlow performing at the Theatre Royal, Ballarat. With Paul Maxey (Max Irwin.) and Walter Howson.
1864 April 18th to 22nd. Barlow performing with Maxey and Howson using the additional act called: The Minstrels of the Moon.
The Minstrels of the Moon were: Barlow; Paul Maxey; Walter Howson.
D. Symonds, the manager of the Theatre Royal, joined them, for one performance, on the 22nd. of April. They played Chinese instruments and called themselves: Bah Low, Maks He, How Song, and Sy Moons. D. Symonds left Ballarat for Melbourne in October 1864.
1864 April 22nd. Barlow and Company were joined by J. Y. Leslie "who has kindly consented to make his debut in the minstrel line." This would be J. Y. Leslie who was stage manager of a production at the Theatre Royal in July 1863. Also the man who had a benefit at the Theatre Royal, on the 10th of August 1864.
1864 July 2nd. Barlow performing at The Royal Princess Theatre, Melbourne. With "his talented Troupe", The Campbell Minstrels. Also appearing were the Minstrels of the Moon playing Chinese instruments. Chauncey Presley as agent.
1864 July 11th. Performing at the St Kilda Town Hall. With The Campbell Minstrels. Called "his Sable Troupe".
1864 July 13th. Performing at the Prahran Town Hall. With The Campbell Minstrels. Called "his Sable Troupe".
1864 July 15th. Performing at the Mechanics' Institute, Emerald Hill. With The Campbell Minstrels. Called "his Sable Troupe".
1864 July 16th. Performing at the Mechanics' Institute, Williamstown. With The Campbell Minstrels. Called "his Sable Troupe".
1864 July 19th. Barlow's name on a shipping list in Sydney with members of the Campbell Minstrels. Arrival in Sydney was on the 16th. Barlow's wife and his daughter are also listed.
1864 July 19th until August 13th. Barlow performing at the Victory Theatre, Sydney with the Campbell Minstrels. Also appearing were the Minstrels of the Moon.
July 29th's performance was to raise money for the Steam Fire Engine for the No. 2 Company of Volunteer Firemen.
1864 August around the 18th. Barlow performing at the Sydney School of Arts. With The Campbell Minstrels.
1865 April. While Barlow was touring in England the Campbell Minstrels were performing around the Maitland area using the Minstrels of the Moon as part of their act.
1865 January to May. Barlow performing in Islington, England. Called: The Great Barlow. Australian Barlow. The Original Blue Tailed Fly. The Inimitable Barlow.
1865 January 30th. Performing at The Philharmonic, Islington. Proprietors were Turnham and Adams. On same bill were: Minniehaha, the Great Optical Illusion by Professor Sylvester, Albert Steele, Harry Sydney, Miss O. Parkes.
1865 February 17. Performing at The Philharmonic, Islington. On the same bill: Mr George Allen conducting Locke's Music to Macbeth; Les Freres Nelson; Logrenia; Albert Steele; Jerry Wood, Irish comedian; Kate Howard; Harry Sydney, serio-comic; Professor Sylvester.
1865 March 14. Performing at The Philharmonic, Islington. On the same bill: Mr George Allen; Les Freres Nelson; Albert Steele; Harry Sydney; Miss Parkes; J. Watson; The Star Gymnasts of Europe; Professor Sylvester.
1865 April 2. Performing at The Philharmonic, Islington. On the same bill: The Wonderful Martinettes; Miss Latimer; Sisters Le Brun, comic duetists; Marcus Wilkinson; Miss Kate Howard, serio-comic; La Petit Blondin.
1865 May 28th. The London Era ran advertisement for Barlow at The Philharmonic, Islington that included this:
"...148th, 149th, 150th, 151st, 152nd, and last nights of the inimitable Barlow."
1865 August 7th. The Barlows left Gravesend on the Echunga bound for New Zealand.
1865 December 9th. Dunedin in New Zealand. Arrival of Barlow and his wife Jane on the Echunga from London. A note of thanks was published, to the ship's captain from the passengers. Among the names are those of Mr and Mrs. Barlow. Miss Barlow is not listed.
1865 December 13th to 23rd. Barlow performing at the Princess Theatre, Dunedin. With Foley's Californian Circus. Barlow is called the "chef d'ouvre". He has his own segment on the program.
The Otago Witness stated that:
1. Barlow's name was a familiar one on the Victorian Goldfields some years ago.
2. He is making his first appearance before a New Zealand audience.
3. Dunedin is his landing-place on his second visit to the Colonies. This suggests that Barlow was completing his first tour since arriving in Australia in 1852.
4. That he comes fresh from England with new material from London.
1865 December 23rd. Performing at the Princess Theatre Dunedin. Barlow's Benefit. A Three part program. Supported by the Circus Company. Barlow was to perform for three more nights and a Saturday matinee before leaving for Wellington.
1865 December 30th. A Wellington paper commented that Barlow may visit soon.
1866 December. Barlow was engaged to perform at Dunedin's Annual Fete in January 1866.
1866 December 30th The Otago Times in Dunedin:
"BARLOW...Also his great and original song, "THE BLUE TAIL'D FLY...."
This advertisement was run several times around this date.
1866 January 6th. Performing at Dunedin's Vauxhall Gardens. The occasion was the fourth annual fete of the Order of Oddfellows.
The performance followed a large parade through the streets of Dunedin from the Oddfellows' Hall. Members of most other organizations were also present. Barlow gave three entertainments during the afternoon and evening performing in the open. He appeared to be the only performer except for the bands.
On May the 7th 1892, A fictional story in the Taupeka Times begins on the "ill-fated" SS Tararua travelling from Wellington to Dunedin. Arriving in Dunedin on Christmas Eve, the author mentions a gala event at Foxhall (sic) Gardens. He says, "...the well-known and immortal (for he still lives) Billy Barlow was to appear."
1866 January 8th to 18th excepting Sundays. Barlow performing at Capstick's Hall, Milton. Milton is a small town south of Dunedin. Barlow used a different program for at least three performances.
1866 January 15th. Performing at the Corinthian Hall in Dunedin.
1866 January 18th. The North Otago Times noted that there were three places of entertainment in Dunedin at the time.
1. The Princess Theatre, managed by Mr Mumford. Miss Matthews was part of the company performing there.
2. The Theatre Royal where the Wizard Jacobs had just finished a run.
3. The Corinthian Hall where Barlow was performing.
The Oddfellows Hall is not mentioned.
1866 February 2nd. Barlow is back by invitation at Capstick's Hall in Milton. With Mr A. Singer at the piano.
1866 from March 11th for seven nights. Performing at Corinthian Hall in Dunedin. Performing alone until the 15th when he engaged the services of Mr Wallace India-rubber Man & Trapeze Artist. India-rubber Man in this instance meant a trapeze artist who used rubber in place of ropes. Also performing were Mr George Griffiths a violinist and Mr Singer a pianist.
1866 March 16th. Barlow arrived in Hokitika on the SS Otago. Hokitika is a town south of Greymouth on the South Island of New Zealand . Barlow is to replace The Wizard Jacobs.
1866 March 16-30th. Barlow performing in Hokitika at the new theatre. With the services of Mr Wallace the India-Rubber Man. The Lenton Troupe with their monkeys were performing at the same theatre.
1866 April 23rd to 27th. Performing at the Odd Fellows' Hall, Nelson. "Delineator of characters of all nations ... twelve different instruments..." With Mr Alfred Oakey at the piano.
1866 April 23rd. From The Nelson Evening Mail:
"...We doubt not a Nelson audience will have to endorse the language of a Calcutta bard;
We roared with laughter at each flash of wit
Admired thee on the light fantastic toe
We grinned, when Sambo burst into a fit
And swore the blue tail'd fly tormented him so."
Was this an Englishman who had seen Barlow's act in India?
1866 May 3rd. The writer of a letter placed in the Bruce Herald in support of public money for racing events complains about performers being offered payment. Especially noting that Barlow had been invited back for money when he was quite willing to perform free. (Hmmmm!)
1866 May 7th. Barlow performing at the Odd Fellows' Hall Wellington. "... first appearance in Wellington since his return from England." The advertisement lists famous people who have been entertained by Barlow.
1866 May 7th to 12th. Performing at the Odd Fellows' Hall Wellington. Advertisements say: "Remember this is the Original Barlow, the first person to give entertainments on the Victorian Gold Fields." This could well be true.
1866 May 12th. Identical advertisement to above but Barlow is now assisted by an un-named Lady.
1866 July 10th to 16th. Barlow performing at the Prince of Wales Theatre in Auckland. A notice says that a benefit for Mr F. Leotard is planned for the coming week. The Leotard Brothers were Frederick Leotard whose name was actually Edward Hodgkinson, and Edwin Leotard. Edwin's real name is unknown. The Leotard Troupe was a troupe of Trapeze, High-wire, and Dare-Devil performers. Three of them used the Leotard name.
1866 July 16th. Barlow performing at the Prince of Wales Theatre in Auckland.
1866 July 18th. Performing at the Prince of Wales Theatre in Auckland. The performance was a benefit for Mr Leotard. On the same program: Mr Leotard, Mr and Mrs R. H. Cox, Mr Haygarth, Mr Pollock, also members of the Dramatic Company. Tickets available from Cox's Exchange Hotel and from Mr Leotard at Quick's United Services Hotel. The Leotard Troupe were planning to leave for Sydney. Frederick had injured his knee while practicing on the horizontal bar. This subsequently kept him in New Zealand for a while longer.
1866 June 30th. New Zealand's Daily Southern Cross noted that "The Inimitable Billy Barlow has been performing in Auckland to large audiences."
1866 August 1st. In the Era of London, under title of Shows in Australia, there is mention of Barlow playing with The Federal Minstrels.
1866 December 22nd. Performing at the Princess Theatre in Dunedin. Barlow is called the comic singer Barlow.
1867 February. Performing at the Theatre Royal in Launceston, Tasmania. Also on the bill Mr Adolphus Frederick Spiller champion roller-skater.
1867 April 8th. Performing at the Mechanics Institute in Hobart, Tasmania.
1867 April 13th. Performing at the Mechanics Institute in Hobart with the Spiller brothers.
1867 April 18th. Performing at the Mechanics Institute in Hobart. Last performance. With A. F. Spiller. Gold pins and silver bouquet holders were presented to the audience.
1867 April 22nd. Performing at the Theatre Royal, Hobart. Farewell Benefit. With Spiller who roller-skated on stage.
1867 June 12th to 24th. Just before to just after. Barlow performing between plays at the Theatre Comique in Melbourne. Previously called the Polytechnic Hall. Theatre lessee Count De La Chapelle. This theatre changed its name back to the Polytechnic on July 27th 1867.
1867 20th July & 28th October & 23rd November. Barlow performing at the Mechanics' Institute in Ballarat, Victoria.
1868 March. The other Mr and Mrs. Barlow with the horses, monkeys, and dogs, were shipwrecked off Manilla with Walter Burton the son of Henry Burton of Burton's Circus. All animals and equipment were lost. The Barlows were back in business by August 1868.
1868 February 18th. Barlow's newspaper advertisement placed in the Melbourne Argus for the sale of horses and carriages from 21 Smith Street Collingwood. Now the 3CR radio studio.
1868 April 9th. Barlow arrived in Sydney.
1868 April 18th. Performing at the Royal Victory Theatre in Sydney for six nights. Supported by the Royal Victoria Star Company. Called "Barlow, the People's Favourite."
1868 April 24th. It was announced that Barlow was to leave for Japan. On the 1st of May the SS Albion departed for Japan. Barlow was not on board. This proved to be a lucky change of plans because of the unrest in Japan at the time.
1868 May 6th. Barlow sailed for Brisbane on the Clarence.
1868 May 15th. Performing at the School of Arts in Brisbane. Piano pieces, as introductions for Barlow's three-part show, played by Mr Wuest.
1868 September 18th. In Gympie, Queensland. A Hotel Licence was granted to Barlow.
1868 September 23rd. Performing at Barlow's Appolonian Hall, One Mile Road. Gympie, Queensland. "Barlow the Inimitable". Also performing were: Mr Dan Briggs, "The Great American Banjoist", Transatlantic Performer, & etc". Mr Sam Poole, "The Son of Erin". Mr W. Jones "The Wonderful Step Dancer". Mr Mason as Pianist. Also Old Sarah Walker who was one of Barlow's characters.
1868 September 30th. Notice in the Brisbane Courier reprinted from the Nashville Times: "On Friday next a Soirée will be held at Barlow's new Appolonian Hall, on the One Mile Road, by the ladies and gentlemen connected with the Presbyterian Church in Gympie...." The article goes on to say that the erection of a place of worship will be discussed.
1868 October 3rd. Performing at Barlow's Appolonian Hall. Hired by Barlow were: Dan Briggs; Sam Poole, Actor; John Jones; Mr Braham, Minstrel, Singer. They were assisted by a Firstclass Band.
1868 October 17th. Performing at Barlow's Appolonian Hall.
Assisted by: Dan Briggs, Mr Edward Morrison, Charles E. Britton, Mr John Jones.
1868 October 31st. Performing at Barlow's Appolonian Hall, with a hired Gentleman Pianist.
1868 December 5th. Performing at Barlow's Appolonian Hall, with Mr Charles Smith as Pianist.
1869 February 27th. Performing at Barlow's Appolonian Hall. Hired by Barlow: Mr J. W. Hunter: Pianist and Violinist.
1869 March 16th. Jane Margaret, the adopted daughter of Barlow and Jane, was married to Adam Black.
1869 March 20th. Barlow sold his hotel and all its contents. It was bought by William Taylor who "ran it with flair". This could be the Taylor mentioned along with Barlow in New Zealand papers. There was also a Wm. Taylor who wrote The Death of Annie Laurie, published in New York in the 1840s.
1869 Saturday April 3rd. Barlow performing at Victoria Hall, Brisbane for a few nights only. Life in London and A Trip Around the World. Also performing was Mr J. W. Hunter: Pianist and Violinist. See above.
1869 May for three nights sometime before the 17th. Performing at the Union Hall in Dalby, Queensland. There is a remark in a newspaper article about Madame Carandini not liking the halls at Dalby while Barlow is more than satisfied by them.
1869 August 2nd. Barlow performing at the Royal Victoria Hall in Brisbane at a benefit for Miss Creed Royal. A newspaper articles says that it's a pity such a talented actor as Barlow is going to retire.
1869 October Barlow's address is given as Albert River in an advertisement for ploughs.
1869 According to an article in the Gympie Times in 1910, after selling his hotel, Barlow and his wife, went on tour to South Africa, America, Canada, and "the Colonies". This is a mistake. Barlow and his wife remained in Queensland until October 1870. Then they went to Melbourne.
1870 January Barlow is said to be farming sugar cane on the Albert River, Queensland.
1870 August 4th. From New Zealand a remark that Barlow is still sugar-farming on the Albert River.
1870 October 28th to mid November. Barlow lent horses to the Duke of Edinburgh for his use during his Melbourne visit. Mention is made in the newspapers of the fine horses and the carriage but not their owner. The Duke's letter of thanks is held by Barlow's family. Barlow sang before the Duke, according to one account, but I have found no mention of him on the programs of productions attended by the Duke.
1871 March 25. For a week Barlow was performing at the Polytechnic Hall, Melbourne. With his talented company of first-class Artists he presented Gems of Operatic Music. Named are: Mr Bromley; Miss Chalker; Mr Cullimore; and Mr Daniels the great baritone on his first appearance in Melbourne.
1871 June. Barlow organized The Barlow Troupe for a tour of New Zealand. Barlow was leader and manager. The members were: George Bromley; Thomas Buckley; Charles Holly; John Christie was mentioned only on June 20th.
1871 June 16th. The Barlow Troupe said to be still at The Princess Theatre, Dunedin, New Zealand.
1871 June 19th-21st. The Barlow Troupe performing at The Masonic Hall, Omaru.
1871 July 1st. The Barlow Troupe performing at the Music Hall in Christchurch. A reporter says that the orchestra played badly and the piano was out of tune. He noted an excellent performance by the troupe, however. Was this a local orchestra hired for the occasion?
1871 July 4th. The Barlow Troupe as only passengers on the SS Go-ahead. Its destination Manukau on the North Island near Auckland. Also on board were 250 sheep and 40 cattle.
1871 July. The acknowledgement was given of donations, from the Barlow Troupe, to the Christchurch Hospital and to the Lyttelton Orphan Asylum. Both of four pounds.
1871 July 26th. The Barlow Troupe was booked at the Odd Fellows' Hall in Wellington. The event was postponed until the 28th due to the late arrival of the SS Lord Ashley. The hall was already booked for another function on the 27th.
1871 July 28th. The Barlow Troupe was performing at the Odd Fellows' Hall, Wellington. Barlow as manager. William Horace Bent as Secretary. Barlow presented his "new" Chang High and Dwarf Hong Kong. Also performing: Master Luscombe Searrell, the Infant Thalberg, a pianist
1871 August 1st. The Barlow Troupe performing at the Odd Fellows' Hall, Wellington. Here the Barlow Troupe gained more members. Robert Barlow is listed as manager. William Horace Bent as secretary. Master Luscombe Searrell as accompanist. Nick La Feuillade as musical director. A reporter said that, "The performances are conducted with a fastidiousness which alone would win the approbation of the most prudent and circumspect..." He also said, "...The houses have not been such as the company deserves..."
1871 August 2nd. The Barlow Troupe was performing at the Odd Fellows' Hall, Wellington. The line-up was the same as for the 1st. A reporter noted that it was, "Again a poor house and a capital bill." It was noted that La Feuillade did not respond to an encore for a violin solo.
After this performance something happened to cause Barlow to disband The Barlow Troupe.
1871 August 3rd. The Barlow Troupe was booked to perform at the Odd Fellows' Hall, Wellington. The advertisement says, "The Last Night of Messrs Barlow, La Feuillade, Bromley, Buckley & Holly's Entertainment. Entire change of program. Everything new." It does not say Barlow's Troupe or Barlow's Artists. After the event it was stated that Barlow was unable to appear through indisposition. La Feuillade played better than ever before according to an enthusiastic reporter. It is noted that the Company will leave for Nelson on the SS Taranaki on Friday.
1871 August 12th. In a formal letter, dated the 4th of August, Barlow dissolved the partnership with Bromley, Buckley, and Holly. There is no mention of the new members of the troupe. (Ref: Auckland's The Daily Southern Cross.)
1871 August 5th. Advertisement in a Nelson paper for the next week at the Assembly Rooms. Called Entertainment Musical and Dramatic. Listed are: Barlow, Bromley, La Feuillade, Buckley, Holly, and Bent.
1871 August 7th. Among the passengers leaving Wellington on the SS Taranaki are: La Feuillade, Bent, Serrall (sic), Green, H. Kelly, Bromley, Holly, Reeves, Herman. Barlow is NOT on the list.
1871 August 12th. Barlow opened ALONE in Otago.
1871 August 12th. The American Excelsior Minstrels under the management of Harry Kelly opened in Auckland. Charles Holly later joined them.
1871 August 16th The Star Minstrel and Polygraphic Company opened at the Nelson Assembly Rooms. The members were: Nick La Feuillade, William Horace Bent, George Bromley, Thomas Buckley, and Master Luscome Searell.
1872 April 16th. The Barlow Troupe as: Barlow, Thomas Buckley, Charles Holly, and Jeffrey, arrived in Tasmania on the SS Tamar. Barlow's wife was with them.
1872 May 6th-13th. The Barlow Troupe performing at the Theatre Royal, Hobart, Tasmania. They were: Barlow, Thomas Buckley, Charles Holly, and Jeffrey. Harry Kelly was expected to be part of this troupe but he was replaced by a performer named as Jeffrey.
1872 May 16th. The Barlow Troupe left Tasmania on the Southern Cross. Barlow's wife was with them.
1872 May 20th to June 10th. The Barlow Troupe performing in Bendigo, Victoria. The same line-up as for Tasmania.
1872 June 18th to July 8th. The Barlow Troupe performing at the Theatre Royal Adelaide and at the Port Theatre. The same line-up as for Tasmania and Bendigo.
1872 July 11th. At the Port Theatre Barlow called larrikins in the gallery to order. He said in the future any boy who didn't behave would be put out.
1872 August 8th. Barlow and his wife were on the SS Coorong to Melbourne. They arrived there two days later.
1873 May and June. Barlow was performing in Sydney as a solo act within a larger bill. This was at the Royal Victoria Theatre. There is mention of Barlow playing a Flautophone. He is also playing his banjo. At the commencement of this season Barlow is said to have last visited Sydney five years ago.
1873 May 14th. Barlow, as a solo act within a concert, performed at the Sydney Exhibition Building. It was a benefit for Mr Charles Lascelles. Three thousand people paid to attend. Crowds stood quietly at the back when seats were full.
1873 June 7th. Barlow advertised for a pianist willing to travel.
1873 July 9th. The name Barlow is on the shipping list of the Lady Young bound for Brisbane. Mrs. Barlow is not there.
1873 November 29th to December 10th. Barlow performing at the School of Arts in Brisbane. With support by: Charles H. Smith, pianist; and Mr McLeod, flutist.
1874 July 6th. A newspaper says Barlow is back in Sydney from Queensland.
1874 July 20th. Performing at Sydney School of Arts for a short season with Barlow's Troupe. Barlow is named as leader of the troupe with members: Professor Goulston, pianist; Mr H. Stoneham; Miss Adelaide Stoneham.
1874 August 8th. Performing at Sydney School of Arts. "Last night and benefit for Barlow after a 3-4 week stint for the Barlow Troupe."
1874 August 13th to 15th. Barlow performing at the School of Arts in Windsor, New South Wales. Presenting Chang (the Giant) and Little Hong Kong.
1874 September 15th-17th. Barlow performing at the School of Arts in West Maitland, New South Wales. "Mr Barlow is the main strength of the company, but he is well assisted by Professor Goulston, a pianiste of some distinction, and a Mr D'Arcy, a sentimental baritone singer."
1874 November 10th to the end of the month. The Great Barlow Troupe performing at the Theatre Royal in Hobart, Tasmania. Presenting Mirth, Magic and Mystery. With Professor Hennicki The Wizard: conjurer, card tricks, swallower of needles. Professor Goulston: instrumentalist.
1874 November 14th. The Barlow Troupe performing at the Theatre Royal in Hobart. "Matinee performance 2-00 pm for schools and families at which Chang will appear with costly presents." This is a reference to Barlow's act as Chang High the Giant where he appeared in a basket carried by a giant figure, and distributed gifts to the audience. (ref. South Australian Register 19th June 1872).
1874 November 19th. The Barlow Troupe performing at the Theatre Royal in Hobart. Benefit for Professor Hennicki The Wizard. With Professor Goulston. Also appearing were the American crew-members of the SS Swatara: W. Baker; John MacLeatry; W. Bollman and Joseph Holcomb Clog Dancers and Sand Jig Dancers.
1874 November 28th. On the passenger list for the SS Tasman, out of Hobart, are: Mr and Mrs. Barlow, Professor Hennecki (sic), Master Hennecki (sic), Professor Goulstone. This ship was bound for Melbourne.
1874 December 12th to January 6th. The Barlow Troupe performing at the Theatre Royal, Adelaide. The troupe is now: Barlow; The Brothers Franks (Dave & Charles); Professor Hennicki, "The Wizard of the East".
1875 January 16th. The Queenslander, in Brisbane, notes that Barlow is performing in Adelaide with, "another heterogeneous company of small dimensions. It includes Barlow, a wizard, two black performers, and a Sprightly." The Wizard's act involved, among other things, conjuring up a Spirit or Sprightly. The two black performers were The Brothers Franks who were blackface minstrels.
1875 April 17th. It is noted in a Victorian newspaper article that Barlow has been "touring in the country" and may soon be in Melbourne again.
1875 May and June. In May Barlow was performing to crowded houses in Bendigo at the St James Hall. In June he was said to be still touring in Victoria.
1876 March 25th. Barlow performing at the Theatre Royal in Castlemaine, Victoria. Support acts were: Baby Osbourne; Dave D'Arcy Harvey, Tenor; Mr J. H. Jenkins, Pianist & Conductor.
1876 March 27th. Performing at the Theatre Royal in Castlemaine. Support act: Baby Osbourne, Child Dancer.
1876 October 13th & 26th. Performing at St George's Hall in Melbourne.
1877 March 24th to 27th. Barlow performing at the Protestant Hall in Wallsend, New South Wales. Also during this time in nearby Lampton. Barlow's characters (Bing) Chang High and Little Hong Kong were giving out costly gifts, "nightly thrown from the basket".
1877 April 14th. Performing at Prince Alfred Park, Sydney for the Annual Exhibition run by the New South Wales Agricultural Society. The Inimitable Barlow and the artillery band were presenting concerts. On the same bill: The Silvesters. Mr Bacheldor and his Diorama of Canadian scenes. Mr Dampier presenting Othello.
At the same time in Hyde Park: Wilson's Circus.
In The Domain: Henri L'Estrange tight-rope walker and dare-devil.
1877 June for six nights around the 10th. Barlow performing in the Victoria Theatre in Sydney. On the same program was Madame Franzini, Velocipedist . Also the gymnast Ozalo. Also the child dancer La Petite Margarete.
1877 June 25th & 26th. Barlow performing at The Music Hall in Lampton, New South Wales.
1877 August 21st (around this date) to 25th. Barlow performing in Grafton, New South Wales. There is a reference a year later to Barlow joining local actors in presenting a play about the Crimean War. This play would have been performed at this time.
1877 September 3rd. Performing in Lampton, New South Wales. After the performance Barlow judged a Baby Show.
1878 Saturday April 5th & 6th. Performing in Portland, Victoria at the Masonic HallE
Twins of Momus. Barlow sang his song, Tommy Best's Coffin, based on a local story. The song with the story behind it is mentioned several times afterwards in local papers.
1878 Around May 15th. Newspaper article stating that Barlow has been performing in Adelaide. There is mention that on the 20th of May performances by Davies and Lewis are to begin. Music and ventriloquism.
1878 October 11th to November 20th. Barlow performing in Gippsland, Victoria. At Sale at the Mechanics' Institute. At Rosedale at the Mechanics' Institute. At Stratford at Curran's Assembly Hall. Mention of him going to Traralgon, Toongabbie, and Walhalla.
1879 November 11th. Rates notice for Barlow's property in Mollison St. Malmsbury, Victoria.
1880 May 20th. Barlow performing at the Theatre Royal in Melbourne. Barlow's Farewell to Australia.
1880 May 30th. Barlow and Jane are on the ship list of the S.S. Northumberland under the command of Captain John Cumming. The ship is bound for Natal, South Africa.
1880 May 31st. Notice in a South Australian paper that says Barlow "..left yesterday by the Northumberland for Cape Town."
1880 June 5th. A short article in Brisbane newspaper about Barlow's farewell concert in Melbourne. The article adds that Mr Whiteman presented him with a bag of sovereigns.
1880 July. Barlow is farming in the Cape in Northumberland, South Africa.
1880 August 15th. From the South Australian Register: "Maritzburg, with only a few thousands of a population, and merely an South African village, is very well off for amusement and means of intellectual improvement. We are so far favoured as to have in our midst ... and another antipodean favourite. Mr Barlow, the 'Blue-tailed Fly'."
1881 Barlow and his wife were in Africa during the "Majuba Disaster".
1881 November 8th. Western Australia. "The Inimitable Barlow returned to Fremantle, after a successful trip in tht in a newspaper article:
"After the performance Mr Barlow gave a wonderful exhibition to a few friends. It would hardly be believed that a man of 72 years of age could lift two men, one weighing 17 stone and the other over 16 stone, at the one time, but he did it several times."
"...thirty years ago this same Billy Barlow caused the sides of the rough Ovens Diggers to shake, when the favourite song at Wangaratta was:
Ho, Ho, hark-a-do-ho!
I'm off to the diggings, says
William Barlow!."
1882 April 4th. Performing at St George's Hall in Perth. First night back after performing in Fremantle.
1882 April 24th. Performing at the Town Hall in Perth. In aid of charities.
1882 July 1st. It is noted that Barlow has returned to Brisbane after an eight-year absence touring elsewhere in Australia and in South Africa and Mauritius.
1884 May 29th to June 6th. Possibly longer. Performing at the Theatre Royal in Rockhampton, Queensland. With The Bouquet of Mirth Company. Barlow is the main act. With Oscar Smith, Stage Manager, Ventriloquist, Singer. Nellie Oscar, Serio-Comic Vocalist. St Vincent, Singer.
1884. June 28th. Performing at the Hibernian Hall in Rockhampton.
1884 June 28th. An article in Rockhampton's The Morning Bulletin says that: "The Bouquet of Mirth Company have fallen on evil times. (financially speaking, I believe -JH) but a complimentary entertainment to Mr. St. Vincent, given in the Hibernian Hall, shows that they possess the sympathy of a large section of the public."
1884 June 30th. Barlow performing alone at his benefit at the Theatre Royal in Rockhampton. The Bouquet of Mirth Company seems to have gone.
1884 December 6th. Article in the Queensland Figaro about Barlow performing in Bundaberg with violinist A. A. Gaskarth. A line based on the Billy Barlow refrain is printed:
"A nice old ninepenny tucket carle, oh
Is Old Gaskarth for Billy Barlow."
1885 July 15th & 16th Barlow performing for the first time at the Euroa Public Hall in Victoria.
1885 November 18th & 19th Barlow performing in the Mechanics' Institute in Horsham, Victoria. The newspaper article states that it is about twelve years since Mr Barlow visited the Wimmera. (This would fill in a gap in 1873)
1885 December 30th. Barlow performing at Victoria Hall in Melbourne. Doing various acts including his Blue-tail Fly routine.
1886-1888. Between these dates Barlow visited Portland, Victoria and sang Tommy Best's Coffin for Mr Best and his friends and relatives. The article noted that he had sung it before Royalty in England.
1886 February 1st-8th. Barlow performing in Sale, Victoria. At the Victoria Hall.
1886 July 26th. Performing at Mechanics' Institute in Ballarat, Victoria. "The Inimitable Barlow opened here to a good house."
1886 From December 26th. Performing at St George's Hall in Melbourne with Harry Rickards.
1887 Saturday January 15th. Performing at the Victoria Hall in Melbourne. Barlow was engaged at an enormous salary.
1887 January 18th. 20th. 27th. Performing at Victoria Hall in Melbourne.
1887 February 12th. R. Barlow on ship list of the SS Wendouree for Newcastle and Sydney.
1887 February 15th. R. Barlow has become W. Barlow on ship list of the SS Wendouree on her arrival in Sydney.
1887 March 14th. Barlow performing at the Mechanics' Institute in Singleton, New South Wales. His first performance here. Said to have suddenly appeared.
1887 June 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. Barlow performing at the Warwick Town Hall in Queensland. He is said to be taking the overland route from Sydney.
1887 September 17th and 18th Barlow performing in Charters Towers, Queensland at the School of Arts.
1887 October 14th and 15th . Barlow performing alone at the Divisional Hall in Cairns.
1887 October 19th. Queensland's Cairns Post says Barlow will leave for Cooktown tomorrow.
1887 December 24th. Barlow's name on ship list of SS Victoria, leaving Thursday Island for Cairns and Townsville. Barlow is bound for Townsville.
1888 Gympie, Queensland. Barlow said to be goldmining five miles out on the Noosa Road. This is on the property he owned there.
1890. Articles from New Zealand and elsewhere claim that Barlow was stranded in Brisbane Hospital without friends or means. As his family was nearby this seems strange. Curiously a Western Australian paper puts him in Sydney. There is to be a collection for him in Perth.
1890 September. Charles Holly died at the age of 43.
1891 November 19th. Dunedin, New Zealand. A newspaper article says Barlow arrived in Wellington on the Waihora last week. The article also stated that Barlow had retired from the stage many years ago, and has since given his attentions to mining speculations and farming in Queensland. Also noted is a recent illness. Barlow was performing until at least the end of 1887 so his "retirement" was at the most four years long.
1891 December 10th. Barlow arrived in Wellington from Blenheim. He left Wellington for Lyttleton on 11th. It was noted that he had performed for two nights in Cullensville.
1891 December 16th & 17th. Performing at The Theatre Royal in Nelson. Mr Alfred Oakey played piano accompaniment as he had during Barlow's tour in 1861. He had also accompanied Barlow in Ballarat in the 1850s.
1891 December 28th. Barlow performing at The Theatre Royal in Christchurch. Mr Emmett played piano accompaniment for many of Barlow's songs. Barlow is called Mr William Barlow at the head of a newspaper article about this performance.
1892 January 5th. Barlow arrived in Dunedin last week by the Wairarapa from Auckland. He made plans to tour the country areas before performing in town. He is again called Mr William Barlow.
1892 January 7th. Barlow was working his way Dunedinwards. He is now called Billy Barlow.
1892 January 17th. Barlow arrived in Hokitika on the Aorere to begin a short season. It was noted that Barlow had completed a highly successful tour of the Canterbury area.
1892 January 28th & 29th. Performing in Hokitika.
1892 March 4th. Barlow in Marlborough for his Monday night's performance. In the Club Hotel a man eating soup was aware of a buzzing fly which seemed to land on his neck. Barlow, always ready for an impromptu performance, interrupted his meal to bring out his imaginary Blue-tailed Fly.
1892 March 8th & 9th. Performing at Ewart's Hall in Marlborough. There is a curious comment in a newspaper article:
"After the performance Mr Barlow gave a wonderful exhibition to a few friends. It would hardly be believed that a man of 72 years of age could lift two men, one weighing 17 stone and the other over 16 stone, at the one time, but he did it several times."
Was this an illusion? Barlow did do a weight-lifting act in Rowe's Circus in the 1850s, along with tumbling.
1892 March 18th. Barlow performing at Ewart's Hall in Marlborough.
1892 May 11th. Performing at Bickerton's Hall in Bickerton.
1892 May 12th & 13th. Performing at Danevirke.
1892 May 16th. Performing at the Feilding Assembly Rooms. Barlow's act is called, Round the World. An article says, remember it is the Real Barlow.
1892 May 18th. Barlow "...playing throughout the districts, being billed to appear at Martin this week ... Wanganui shortly."
1892 June 2nd. Barlow arrived in Wanganui from Wellington on the SS Stormbird, which carried him on the same route in 1865.
1892 June 6th-8th. Performing at The Oddfellows' Hall in Wanganui.
1892 June 15th-21st . Performing in the Alexandra Hall in New Plymouth. Called a Monologue Show. On at least one occasion Mrs Cross played piano.
1892 June 24th. Departed from Port of New Plymouth on the SS Gairloch for Manukau. Mrs Cross was also on board.
1892 August 30th & 31st. Performing at the Publ2011th to at least July 2nd. Barlow performing at the pan> 1893 January 5th. It was noted that Barlow had arrived in Dunedin from Auckland last week via the SS Wairarapa. This ship was wrecked in 1894.
1893 January 13th & 14th. Performing at St George's Hall in Milton.
1893 February 4th & 6th. Performing at the Lawrence Town Hall. The hall was crowded. The cost was five shillings per person. The usual amount at the time was one or two shillings. Mr & Mrs Woods provided orchestral music. A reporter noted that twenty-seven years ago Barlow performed in this hall for the benefit of the Lawrence Hospital.
1893 February 13th. Performing at the Good Templars' Hall in Waitahuna.
1893 March 5th & 6th. Performing at Roxburgh.
1893 August 2nd. Performing at Kaitangata.
1893 August 19th Saturday. Performing at City Hall in Dunedin.
1893 August 23rd Wednesday. Performing at City Hall in Dunedin. On the same bill were The Enterprise Minstrels: Fred Wood, J. Taylor, C. Brooks, & Ike Stanley. An advertisement says this is an extra performance by Barlow because last Saturday's was sold out.
1893 November 9th. Performing at the Public Hall in Ngapara.
1893 November 11th. Performing at The Schoolhouse in Livingstone.
1893 November 14th. Performing at the Public Hall in Duntroon.
1893 December to January 1894. Performing at Frank Clarke's Alhambra in Melbourne. There is a production called Neptune's Home. It is not known if Barlow played a part in this. Also appearing were: Charles Fanning, Alf. Holland, Edwards, Norris and the Nipper, Florrie Forde, Dora Bush, Flo Schuler, Will Whitburn, Slade Murray, John Wadley, Sisters Anderson, Bovis Brothers, The Three Beaumonts, Harry Shine, and F. M. Clarke.
A New Zealand paper, the Otago Witness, corrected a statement about Barlow performing at the Sydney Alhambra at this time. The original source was not given. The correction noted that the Sydney Alhambra was vacant at this time. Also that Barlow had never played there.
1894 November 19. Performing at School of Arts in Rockhampton, Queensland. Miss Hetty Hickman as pianist.
1895 January 26th. Performing at the Olympic Hall in Gympie, Queensland. The performance was for The Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science on a day-trip from Brisbane. On the same program were: Mrs Mar & Miss Trott, vocalists.
1895 February-April. Performing at the Theatre Royal in Brisbane.
1895 April 13th. Performing at the Theatre Royal in Brisbane. Barlow has top billing. On the same program is a long list of performers. A newspaper article says It is now twenty years since the world-famed 'BARLOW' appeared in Brisbane...
1895 April 15th. Performing at the Theatre Royal in Brisbane. A change was made to the company to include the "veteran performer Barlow known to fame as the originator of the Blue Tail Fly". With the Court Variety and Ballad Company.
1895 April 16th. Performing at the Theatre Royal in Brisbane. An advertisement says, "The inimitable performance of 'The Only Barlow', the wonder of the universe in his original and inimitable specialities". With Florrie Ford, Ada Colley, Rae Cowan. There were thirty performers in all.
1895 April 20th. Still at the Theatre Royal in Brisbane.
1895 May 15th. There is a remark from a Tasmanian paper about Barlow being in Sydney. There follows the tantalizing comment that he will shortly publish a book of reminiscences. Sadly, there is no evidence that this ever happened.
1895 July 4th. Performing at the Mechanics Institute in Kyneton, Victoria.
1895 July 11th. Performing at the Kyneton Town Hall. On the same bill: The Phoenix Band from Kyneton.
1896 June 11th to at least July 2nd. Barlow performing at the Academy of the Arts in Sydney with Hiscock's (Federal) Minstrels.
1896 July 7th. Performing alone at the Mechanics' Institute in Sunbury, Victoria. His first appearance in Sunbury. A newspaper article mentions his clear strong tenor voice. He is to go on to perform in Riddell's Creek later in the week.
1897 April. Performing in Warracknabeal. Two-hour solo Character Entertainment called: Life in London. Singing, step-dancing, acting.
1897 May 4th. Performing at the Mechanics Hall in Horsham. Entertainment as above.
1897 November 25th. Gympie, Queensland. An article in the Cairns Post says Barlow is in Gympie Hospital suffering from rheumatic gout. He is noted to have been home from Victoria for 8 weeks.
1901 February 4th. Barlow's adopted daughter Jane Margaret Drummond Black died.
1905 February. From many sources: "Billy Barlow of Blue Tail Fly memory is reported to be living in straitened circumstances at Gympie".
1905 June 10th. Report about the celebration of the Barlows' Diamond Wedding Anniversary on the 7th of June. Barlow played piano and sang for nearly two hours. Note that the marriage certificate gives 11th of September 1843. Note also that Barlow's age, at marriage, on his death certificate fits with 1843.
1906 May. Copy of the article from 1905 with the added, in Crown Road Gympie. It is also noted that he and his wife are very infirm.
1907 February 12th. Saturday morning. The Inimitable Barlow died from rheumatic arthritis, enteritis, and exhaustion.
1907 February 17th. Barlow's Death Notice in the Gympie Times.
1910 May 5th. Death notice of Jane Barlow, aged 84. Her funeral was on May 3rd.
1913. Mention of Barlow having once played to an audience of eight people. This was not the smallest audience, however, because actor J.K. Emmett once played to an audience of one.
1917. Cuthbert Fetherstonhaugh published his memoirs. He gives good descriptions of Melbourne in the 1850s. Barlow is mentioned briefly along with a fragment of one of his songs.
1941 January 11th. Letter about Barlow in Melbourne's Age newspaper. It gives a good description of Barlow's Blue-tailed Fly and also his Soldier and Sailor dance.