Charlie Chaplin has long been recognised as a worldwide silent movie icon and is considered one of the film industry’s most important figures. In the theatre comedy show “Smile”, talented artist Marcel Cole brings to life the story of the Little Tramp and the man who created him. The Courtyard of Curiosities is a small but thriving Fringe hub set within the North Terrace Library / Museum precinct, presenting a range of avant-garde and experimental shows in quaint and tiny rooms, even a Yurt.
The venue for this show is the historic Adelaide Circulating Library, a popular backdrop for television and movies such as Shine and Gallipoli. It feels cosy and more than appropriate for the story. With just a few props and a screen for the silent movie-style prompts, Cole enters dressed as the Little Tramp. He immediately wins the audience over with his humorous portrayal and his understanding of the intricacies of mime.
Snippets of Chaplin’s life and films are acted out using audience participation with hilarious results. A simple hat and accessory can be enough for an audience member to become a policeman, mother, lover, brother or wife. The intimate space of the Circulating Library means that the whole audience is a part of the act. Audience members who step onto the stage are often unaware of the words being projected onto the screen behind them. Their actions become slightly disconnected from the words that we read, making it even funnier. Whispered prompts only confuse the selected extras even more.
Scenes from Chaplin’s movies are cleverly woven into his life story. From a destitute childhood, after his mother was committed to an asylum, he went on to make money by entertaining on stage. He progressed to film and soon became the talk of the town. Cole paints a fascinating story with humour and charm, befitting the great man. He has captured the true essence of Chaplin, and his cheeky observations on life.
At the height of Chaplin’s career, he made a couple of stubborn decisions. One was to make another silent movie “Modern Times” and then when he progressed into “talkies” he made a satirical characterisation of Hitler in “The Dictator.” Cole plays the dictator scene for laughs, stripped to his underwear with crossed black tape on his rather hairy chest, bouncing a giant balloon world around the stage. It really gets that crazy.
After being ostracised as a communist during the McCarthy trials, he lives out his life with his fourth wife, Oona O’Neill, before reluctantly returning to the US to receive a belated Academy Award, at which he received a 12-minute standing ovation. We learn the story through the clever mind of Cole, who has created a moving and respectful tribute to a fascinating character. Cole has perfected the art of the mime, and his stage presence is a delight to watch. Entertaining and informative.
FIVE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
The reviewer attended the performance on 19th March
Smile: The Story of Charlie Chaplin is playing at the State Library for the Adelaide Fringe until March 23rd before travelling around the country
