Member-only story

Theatre's Strangest Acts: Antoine Selva, the Man Who Swallowed a Bicycle

Herman Mitchell

·8.8k Followers· Follow

Published in Theatre S Strangest Acts Antoine Selva

4 min read

425 View Claps

66 Respond

Save

Listen

Theatre's Strangest Acts

by Antoine Selva

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	382 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	228 pages

Antoine Selva was a French entertainer who performed bizarre and dangerous acts, including swallowing a bicycle. His act was so shocking that it was banned in several countries.

Selva was born in 1866 in the town of Saint-Lô, France. He began performing as a child, and by the age of 20 he had developed his signature act, which involved swallowing a bicycle.

Selva's act was both fascinating and terrifying. He would first remove the handlebars and pedals from the bicycle, then he would insert the bicycle into his mouth and swallow it whole. He would then pedal the bicycle inside his stomach, and sometimes he would even ride it out of his mouth.

Selva's act was so shocking that it was banned in several countries, including the United States and Great Britain. However, he continued to perform his act in other countries, and he became a legend in the world of entertainment.

Selva's act was not without its risks. He was known to have swallowed a variety of objects, including knives, forks, and even a live rabbit. He also suffered from a number of health problems, including stomach ulcers and intestinal blockages.

In 1931, Selva died at the age of 65 from complications of a stomach ulcer. He was buried in the town of Saint-Lô, France.

Antoine Selva was a unique and unforgettable entertainer. His bizarre and dangerous acts shocked and amazed audiences around the world. He was a true pioneer in the world of entertainment, and his legacy continues to inspire and entertain people to this day.

Selva's Bicycle-Swallowing Act

Selva's bicycle-swallowing act was his most famous and controversial act. He would first remove the handlebars and pedals from the bicycle, then he would insert the bicycle into his mouth and swallow it whole.

Selva would then pedal the bicycle inside his stomach, and sometimes he would even ride it out of his mouth. The sight of a man pedaling a bicycle inside his stomach was both fascinating and terrifying.

Selva's bicycle-swallowing act was so shocking that it was banned in several countries. However, he continued to perform his act in other countries, and he became a legend in the world of entertainment.

Selva's bicycle-swallowing act was not without its risks. He was known to have swallowed a variety of objects, including knives, forks, and even a live rabbit. He also suffered from a number of health problems, including stomach ulcers and intestinal blockages.

In 1931, Selva died at the age of 65 from complications of a stomach ulcer. He was buried in the town of Saint-Lô, France.

Selva's Legacy

Selva's bicycle-swallowing act is still one of the most famous and controversial acts in the history of entertainment. It is a testament to Selva's skill and daring that he was able to perform this act for so many years without serious injury.

Selva's legacy is one of innovation and risk-taking. He was not afraid to push the boundaries of what was possible in entertainment, and he inspired others to do the same. He is a true legend of the stage, and his story continues to be told today.

Antoine Selva Swallowing A Bicycle Theatre S Strangest Acts Antoine Selva