Laurel, Sue and Shirley with Kathryn Niesche (aerialist and teacher at the National Institute of Circus Arts), all marvelling at the tiny size of Mary Gill's bikini. Mary performed with the Flying Waynes at Ringling Bros, Barnum and Bailey in the 1960s and early 70s. This is the bikini she was wearing when the platform broke away from underneath her, throwing her to the concrete floor. She actually died, but was brought back. As a consequence of this accident she suffered permanent brain damage, and is still paralysed on one side of her body.