 The "Royal Circus" was opened on 4 November 1782 by the composer and song writer, Charles Dibdin (who coined the word "circus"), aided by Charles Hughes, a well-known equestrian performer.The entertainments were at first performed by children with the goal of its being a nursery for young actors.Delphini, a celebrated buffo, became manager in 1788 and produced a spectacle including a real stag-hunt.