Note 34 — Chapter X

Pietro Bologna made his first appearance at Sadler's Wells on Easter Monday, April, 1786, when the bill announced—"New Comic and Entertaining Performances on the Slack Wire, by Signor Pietro Bologna; being his first appearance in this kingdom. Rope-dancing by the Little Devil, Mr. Casamire, and Madame La Romaine, being also her first appearance in this kingdom. Clown to the Rope, by Signor Pietro Bologna." Miss Romanzini, afterwards the distinguished ballad vocalist, Mrs. Bland, appeared also on the same evening. On July 13, 1789, the bills announced performances on the Tight Rope by the Little Devil, Master Bologna, and La Belle Espagnole. This was the first public appearance of John Peter Bologna, professionally distinguished by the appellation of "Jack Bologna."

In April, 1792, the performances on the opening of Sadler's Wells were particularized by "Extraordinary Exhibitions of Postures and Feats of Strength by Signor Bologna and his Children;" these were his sons, John and Louis. Bologna and his family left the Wells at the close of the season, 1794; and at Easter, 1795, the whole were employed at Jones's Royal Circus. In the Pantomime of "The Magic Feast," in September, Signor Bologna played Pantaloon; his son, John, afterwards distinguished in the bills as Mr. Bologna, jun., played Harlequin; and the Signor's wife, Mrs. Bologna, a fishwoman.

Jack Bologna returned to Sadler's Wells, after an absence of eight years, on Easter Monday, April 19, 1802. He played Satani, in "The Great Devil; or, The Robber of Genoa;" and for some years was Harlequin to Joe's Clown, both at Covent Garden Theatre and Sadler's Wells, with what reputation thousands even now can attest. Subsequently Joe and he became allied: Bologna having married Louisa Maria Bristow, sister of Grimaldi's second wife, Mary Bristow.