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IN THE NEWS
TOUR OF THE MONTH
ON THIS DAY IN LONDON
20th October 1968 Comedian Bud Flanagan died in Kingston, London, aged 72.
20th October 1953 Actor Sir John Gielgud was arrested for cruising in a public lavatory.
20th October 1904 Born today: Anna Neagle, London Engld, actress (London Melody, Nurse Edith Cavell)
20th October 1862 Murderer Catherine Wilson hanged at Newgate Gaol, the last woman hanged in public in Britain.
20th October 1822 1st edition of London Sunday Times
20th October 1714 The Coronation of George I in Westminster Abbey.
Finsbury Park Empire
The first ever sawing of a woman in half was performed here.
Location: St Thomas/Prah Road, Finsbury Park, London
Description: The Finsbury Park Empire was built by Frank Matcham for Moss Empires Ltd at a cost of 45,000 and opened on the 5th of September 1910 with a capacity of around 2000. The Theatre closed on the 7th of May 1960 and was demolished in 1965.
It saw many top showbiz acts of the time like Max Miller and Arthur Askey, but is renowned for being the first theatre where the saw-the-woman-in-half magic act was performed.
It was performed by PT Selbit on January 17th 1921 causing an immediate sensation, reviews called it a 'bloodthirsty ... hair raising' spectacle. Selbit responded with several publicity stunts such as ambulances parked outside the theatre. Between performances stage hands would take buckets of red liquid through the audience and pour into the gutter outside.
The act shut an attractive woman in a wooden box, with ropes holding her down, and cut the box in two. The audience loved it. Magicians everywhere rushed to make their own, bloodier versions.
Tagged in this Tour: Historic Magic Circle Tour
Comedy
Ranking This Month: 196/2740
Pages Hit This Month: 77
Link to This Page: http://www.shadyoldlady.com/location/787
Credits: http://www.arthurlloyd.co.uk
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The first ever sawing of a woman in half was performed here. |
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Egyptian Hall
The magical museum and Egyptian Hall used to be here.
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The New London Theatre», 3.4km
The Lyceum Theatre», 3.6km
The First ever London Theatre», 2.8km
Heir to Spike Milligan's Throne», 4.8km
Martita Hunt's Flat», 2.6km
Rudolf Steiner Hall», 3.5km
Actress Lynn Fontanne's Home», 6.8km
Derek Jacobi lived here», 4.5km
The Granville Theatre», 7.3km
The Rose Theatre», 3.8km
mapping London's most interesting and unusual places and history
