The Strange Tale of Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel at HOME
Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
Described as ‘immensely charming’ by The Stage, The Strange Tale of Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel premiered at the Theatre Royal Plymouth in November 2019 and received rave reviews. Now, this homage to the masters of slapstick and silent comedy comes to HOME Manchester.
Back in 1910, Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel shared a cabin on a ship sailing from the UK to New York. Both comedians were part of Fred Karno’s famous music hall troupe and later, Stan understudied for Charlie as the two toured North America together.
A highly entertaining though deeply moving tribute to two young men who changed the world of comedy forever.
Following their transatlantic stint, Stan returned back to the UK where he found success with Oliver Hardy. And Charlie went on the develop his Little Tramp persona, which catapulted him to becoming one of the most famous figures in the world.
Interestingly, in Charlie Chaplin’s intricately detailed autobiography, Stan Laurel is never mentioned, even though Stan referenced Charlie throughout his life.
This piece of biography -this fascinating relationship between two comedy greats – is the premise for Told By An Idiot’s silent comedy, The Strange Tale of Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel. Although the piece is mainly without words, it does contain some songs and some music.
A homage to the masters of slapstick and silent comedy.
Featuring a live piano score composed by Mercury Award Nominee Zoe Rahman, director Paul Hunter has shaped a highly entertaining though deeply moving tribute to two young men who changed the world of comedy forever. The show has garnered four and five-star reviews and been described as ‘blissful entertainment’ by The Telegraph and a ‘riotous masterclass in storytelling’ by What’s On Stage.
Inspired by true events, the show offers a unique insight into the early careers of two of the most influential artists. With a super blend of fact, memory and fantasy, Told by an Idiot have created a funny, moving and unsettling melodrama.
Told by an Idiot is accessible to d/Deaf audience and will feature creative captioning throughout.
