Billy Smart’s Circus is coming to east London—like the best traditions of pantomime and Vauderville rolled into one, only with more candyfloss, writes Allis Moss.

East London Advertiser: Handballancer Desiree ChavezHandballancer Desiree Chavez (Image: Billy Smart's [promo free])

The Big Top is pitching at Wanstead Flats in the run-up to the Spring Bank Holiday, from Wednesday, May 1, till Monday, May 6.

East London Advertiser: Angelo the ClownAngelo the Clown (Image: Billy Smart's [promo free])

The famous circus is on its first full national tour in more than 30 years with a thrilling line-up of stars from some of the most acclaimed circus families in Europe and beyond.

Desiree Chavez, a 19-year old from Portugal, has to fire a bow-and-arrow with her feet, while bent upside down as she balances precariously on her hands on a stand.

Daredevil Alex the Fireman, one-time bareback horse-rider, scales and plummets from a burning ladder, Laurel and Hardy style—only this is for real.

The Flying Aces trapeze artists from Australia have to hurl themselves 13 metres through the air high above the circus ring to the hands of the catcher—one false move and could it be curtains?

Tumblers, acrobats and clowns complete the line-up.

Billy Smart’s is a circus that mums, dads and grandparents grew up with. It performed to 21 million viewers on prime time telly in its hay day, its crowning glory performing for the Queen’s 1977 Silver Jubilee.

Its more humble origins began when Billy Smart, a larger-than-life personality dubbed ‘the Gaffer’, bought the circus in 1946, just after the Second World War. Back then, it was traditional to throw pennies at the troupe as the circus rolled into town and the band played ahead of the familiar cries of “roll up, roll up!”

Circus animals also travelled with the performers.

Today, the pennies and the animals have gone—but the modern Big Top is heated and the sequins, skills and thrills are every bit as awe-inspiring as ever.

Billy Smart’s is at Wanstead Flats May 1-4 performing at 4.45 and 7.30pm, plus 2pm Saturday matinee May 4, Sunday performances May 5 at 12 noon and 3pm, Bank Holiday Monday at 12 noon, 3pm and 5.30pm. Nearest stations: Wanstead Park or Manor Park. Online discount tickets £9-£21 (children 2-12 £7-£15) at www.billy-smarts-circus.co.uk.