A magical mystery...new evidence throws doubt on centenary of iconic saw trick
THE 100th anniversary of one of the greatest magic tricks of all time is being celebrated today – despite claims it was first performed nearly 50 years earlier.
History books show that Percy Thomas Tibbles, stage name PT Selbit, was the first magician to saw a woman in half – on stage at the Finsbury Park Empire, north London, on January 17, 1921.
It was then popularised by the likes of Horace Goldin, who performed many versions of it.
But research by magician Mike Caveney indicates that the trick was first performed by Alfred Hengler, stage name Professor Hengler, in the early 1870s.
An advert for a performance at Winchester Music Hall, south London, reads: “Startling Sensation. Sawing a Lady intwo. Wonderful Resuscitation.
“The above Extraordinary and Original Illusion (being an exact copy of a Chinese Execution) invested and performed (for the first time in London) by
Professor Hengler.
“This performance has met with immense success in the Provinces, and will be produced at the above hall on Monday next, May 12th.”
The poster was not dated but writer David Britland carried out further research into the
proprietor of the music hall, named on it as R Reece, who only managed the venue until 1878.
Mr Caveney, 70, who lives in California, is writing Sawing A Lady,theastonishing History Of Magic’s Most Iconic Illusion.
He said: “The more I’ve researched this act, the more fascinating the history becomes.”
He will talk about his discovery onthe Magic Circle Unlocked Facebook page at 6pm today.