BILLY Smart’s world famous circus is coming to Taunton’s Vivary Park this September.

It’s a triumphant comeback for the circus, which has a reputation built on fiery innovation, making its first full tour across Europe after three decades.

Known as ‘The Guv’nor’, Billy Smart was the definitive 1940s showman, dominating the big top and capturing the public imagination to become a household name.

Today’s vircus is a fantastic mix of modernised tradition in one of the biggest shows ever to travel across the UK, complete with clowns, hand-balancing and flaming ladders inside the heated big top.

“I’ve been with the circus all my life,” said Portugal-born Angelo the Clown in conversation with the County Gazette.

“My father was a clown, so I started helping him when I was small.

“This is my first year with Billy Smart and I like it very much.

“I’m a modern clown – I bring the public with me into the ring. We make some jokes and have fun with everybody.”

The crowds will be left clutching their seats as they watch the Flying Trapeze act, says accomplished Australian ‘flier’ Craig.

“With the trapeze there’s definitely the danger element, and the audience will definitely be left in disbelief.

“We incorporate the traditional trapeze, but also the static cradle and the Russian swing, which is three metres high.

“The artist jumps from it to the catcher at a distance of ten metres, so the timing has to be spot on.”

Tony Hopkins, for New World Circus, presents Billy Smart’s Circus at Vivary Park from Tuesday, September 10, to Sunday, September 15.

Two performances run from Tuesday to Friday at 4.45pm and 7.30pm, three on Saturday at 2pm, 4.45pm and 7.30pm, and two on Sunday at 12.30pm and 3.30pm.

Tickets start at £10 on 0844-4155228 or visit www.billy-smarts-circus.co.uk.