Kirby wire

{{short description|Device for stage performers}}

A Kirby wire is a pendulum-based flying system used by stage performers. The system was invented by George Kirby in 1898,Academic Dictionary of Film, Television and Theatre, pg. 177.{{Cite web |url=http://www.kirbysflying.co.uk/profile.html |title=Company Profile |access-date=2010-07-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100218193332/http://www.kirbysflying.co.uk/profile.html |archive-date=2010-02-18 |url-status=dead }} and utilizes a quick-release mechanism for safety. The Kirby family made other innovations in theatrical flight including the somersault wire and a system that allowed an actor to be flown to the stage above the audience.