LEYTONSTONE: Star circus performer injured

9:05am Tuesday 26th February 2008

PRESTO the magician might be able to make things disappear but even he cannot mend a broken thumb.

Which is why visitors to Billy Smart's Circus on Wanstead Flats this week will be seeing some innovative one-handed tricks.

Star performer, Presto, was unloading blocks for the big top from a lorry yesterday when he got his thumb trapped between one of the heavy blocks and a lorry.

Speaking from Whipps Cross Hospital three hours after his accident, Presto said: "It's unbelievably painful. I was trying to do too much too quickly and I just got my thumb stuck.

"I'm a magician and I need all my fingers. I'm not going to be able to do the full routine but I'll make a few amendments and come up with some one-handed tricks.

"The show must go on."

Presto is from Portsmouth and the circus's only British performer. He has been doing magic since he was six years old.

See him, and acrobats, trapeze artists, aerialistes, jugglers, a fire performer and a clown at the human-only circus situated on the corner of Lake House Road and Dames Road, Leytonstone, from tonight until Sunday.

For showtimes and tickets call the box office, call 0870 444 1505 or visit billy-smarts-circus.co.uk