And Giovanelli, like all those running pleasure gardens in London and indeed around the country, brought in the stunts to attract the crowds, perhaps two of the most famous being Leotard the gymnast (he who brought us the leotard) and Blondin the tightrope walker. But it was
Selina Young, the self-styled Female Blondin, the first tightrope walker to cross the Thames, who perhaps brought some of the greatest drama, fuelling criticism that artists were taking unnecessary risks to thrill the crowds. Her final performance was at the Barn. The stirring tenor melody of Liverpool born John Liptrot Hatton’s
Goodbye Sweetheart Goodbye, sung by Maurice de Solla at the Barn in 1861, helps us relive the drama.
Vocals: Reggie Tsiboe
Music: John Liptrot Hatton arranged and conducted by Romain Malan and performed by the
World Harmony Orchestra
Members of the World Harmony Orchestra led by Romain Malan: Anna Caban; (violin/Leader); Madlena Georgieva (violin); Andrea Timpanaro (violin); Eleanor Harrison (violin); Elin Parry (viola); Alexandra Fletcher (cello); Sara Minelli (flute); Anna Hashimoto (clarinet); William Brown (trombone)
Lyrics
She was known as the Female Blondin
They came to see her from far and wide
She made them gasp, she made them wonder
They held their breath, and as she danced with death
She crossed the river from side to side
Bravo Selina they all cried
She was known as the Female Blondin
They came from far and wide
Bravo Selina they cried
She made them gasp, she made them wonder,
She crossed from side to side
She was known as the Female Blondin
They came to see her at Highbury Barn
Rainy night, fireworks flashing
They held their breath, and as she diced with death
Selina slipping from side to side
Save Selina they all cried
She was known as the Female Blondin
Came close to the gates of hell
The night Selina fell
She made them gasp, she made them shudder,
The night she nearly died
