Billy Smart’s Circus opened in Brighton for the first time in more than 50 years yesterday.

The first national tour in three decades includes body contortionists and a teenager operating a bow and arrow with her feet.

Deiree Chavez, 18, said: “It’s great to be in Brighton. This is my first time performing here. We’re all really excited at being here.”

Also starring is Fireman Alex, who scales and dives from a burning ladder Laurel and Hardy style, only this is for real.

The high point in every sense is the flying trapeze act, the Flying Aces, who dovetail 40 feet above the ring.

The Australian outfit have to perform the most demanding of sequences, including the Russian swing, dovetailing 40 feet above the ring into the hands of the catcher.

Tumblers, acrobats, aerial dancers and clowns complete the line-up.