Noise ban pulls plug on Leicester Square's street artists

Tommi has been working as a living statue for 20 years, endeavouring to stay rooted to the spot amid hailstones, loose dogs and teasing teenagers.

- Kate McCusker

But even he was moved by the news that Leicester Square would no longer host street performers, calling time on one of London’s most renowned tourist-friendly quirks.

Musicians, mimes and magicians have been forced to vacate the area after Westminster council said it was “left with no choice” but to bring in a ban due to noise complaints.

Tommi has reason to feel especially aggrieved, as his act makes no sound at all. The Guardian met him dressed as a golden Charlie Chaplin, for which he spends 45 minutes covering himself in body paint each morning, but he has many other costumes in his repertoire, including a cowboy and a Viking.

"We give everything here," he said. "Even if we are sad, we smile to the children. It’s not an easy job because the costume is really cold in the winter, and in the summer it’s too hot in the makeup."