they fly through the air with the greatest of ease

In the mid 1880s peoples morals were an even bigger issue than they are to day.

Female performers of all kinds were looked on with much mistrust and distain.

None more so than Zazal and Zaeo who were two human cannon ball performers.

Zazal used to appear at the Westminster Royal Aquarium and other pleasure gardens and great exhibition halls of London during the 1880s.

Like Zaeo her unladylike antics upset many Victorian budding Mary Whitehouse's.

This uproar was caused mainly by the tight fitting revealing clothes they had to wear to fit in the cannons.

Some of their posters were banned for being considered to risqué The Victorian sense of fun was aroused by their reputation so the two women played to packed houses where ever they went.

Zaeo was a skilled gymnast and was born in Norwood London in 1866, at 12 years old she became an apprentice to a circus owner called Mr Weiland who she later married.

She later in life appeared at the Palace Theatre and other London halls as a fire eater.

I wonder what people would make of the two women these days no doubt their clothes would be considered tame to what people wear to go clubbing today.

Is the circus still a career option these days?

I do remember seeing a job as clown being advertised in the local job centre and nearly applied for it .

I often wonder what would of happened if I'd taken that job!

I probably would of ended up being eaten by one of the lions who knows.