Charlie Chaplin was a legend of 20th century cinema; Marcel Cole is a legend of 21st century tributes to Chaplin. Through his show Smile: The Story of Charlie Chaplin, we’re treated not just to Chaplin’s life story, but to the presence of a modern master of mime in Cole himself.
Drawing from Chaplin’s simply titled “My Autobiography”, Cole has chosen key moments in Chaplin’s career and life to depict in the show. Complete with Chaplin’s signature white painted face and black moustache, Cole recreates unforgettable moments from three Chaplin classics: The Gold Rush (the film Chaplin said he most wanted to be remembered for), Modern Times (which inspired the title of Cole’s show through its iconic song “Smile”), and The Great Dictator, Chaplin’s first foray into sound cinema made more than a decade after other talking films were released).
Cole’s take on the globe dance from The Great Dictator is particularly hilarious as he prances and leaps around dancing with a huge balloon with the world map on it. This scene also allows Cole to show off his dance prowess, having trained as a ballet dancer before pivoting (see what we did there) to theatre.
Cole moves beyond the cinematic to the poignant, tracing the moral courage and controversy that followed Chaplin beyond the screen including why Chaplin came to be barred from the US and came to live out the rest of his days in Switzerland with Oona, and their six children.
Audience members are chosen to play the various roles, often to extremely hilarious effect as Cole whispers to them what to do, but they have no clue what the screen behind them may be saying is happening, or who they are. Whether it be leaning in puckering up for a kiss with his love Oona, or the police officer who makes multiple appearances playfully aggressing Chaplin, there is plenty for the audience to laugh at.
It’s rare to experience mime in our digital age, where so much of entertainment relies on dialogue, special effects, and digital amplification. Cole’s artistry reminds us that pure physical expression – a raised eyebrow, a stumble, a perfectly timed pause – can convey more emotion and humour than words ever could. Watching him embody Chaplin’s silent world feels both nostalgic and refreshingly alive; it’s a testament to how timeless physical storytelling can still move and delight an audience today.
With its mix of humour, heart, and finely honed artistry, Smile: The Story of Charlie Chaplin shows exactly why Cole’s work keeps sweeping up awards around the world. More than a tribute to a cinematic legend, it’s a reminder of the enduring beauty of silent storytelling: simple, profound, and irresistibly human.
5 CROISSANTS
Matilda Marseillaise was a guest of Adelaide Fringe
KEY INFO FOR SMILE: THE STORY OF CHARLIE CHAPLIN
WHAT: Smile: The Story of Charlie Chaplin
WHERE: The Chapel at The Courtyard of Curiosities, Migration Museum, Kintore Avenue, ADELAIDE
WHEN: Nightly at 6:20pm up to and including Sunday 8 March.
HOW: Purchase your tickets via this link
HOW MUCH: Full priced tickets cost $35 plus $4.80 transaction fee. There are discounts available for groups for all shows and 241 tickets for Fringe Members for tonight, the Thursday 5 March, show.
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Read our 2024 interview with Marcel Cole here
