Hard act to swallow... Aeriel Manx says it’s mind over matter when it comes to sword-swallowing

FOR most people, the bathroom would be an unlikely place to start a career but for sword-swallower Aeriel Manx, it was the obvious choice.

“I started with a toothbrush down my throat,” says the 28-year-old. “I remember it clearly. I was 17, in my bathroom and I vomited everywhere. But I tried it again when I was 18 and then I moved on to a drum stick. When I was comfortable with the drum stick I moved onto a pool cue. Once I was safe with a pool cue I did the sword.”

Manx is in Cork this week as part of the Laya Healthcare City Spectacular which takes place on July 19. The Melbourne-born acrobat has been plying his trade for 10 years.