SMILE is a mesmerising piece of physical theatre.
Written and performed by Marcel Cole, it details the life story of Charlie Chaplin. With hilarious audience interaction, exquisite storytelling, and smart direction, there is a lot to like here.
SMILE takes audiences through Charlie’s personal life and professional endeavours. Reminiscent of silent era films, the show begins without dialogue. Instead, Cole and director Mirjana Ristevski use a combination of intertitles, music, and physical expression to document Charlie’s early years. Cole weaves his way throughout the stage and audience space during this time, dressed in baggy pants and donning a toothbrush moustache. This is also when he first interacts with the crowd, picking an audience member to play a role in the show.
Cole’s dynamic movement and casting of audience members continues after dialogue is introduced. These make for brilliant comedy, keeping the audience engaged and waiting for the next gag. The unpredictable nature of both – one doesn’t know where Cole will move next, or which audience member he will cast in what role – means the show becomes incredibly immersive, and thoroughly entertaining as a result.
Yet, SMILE is more than just entertainment. Cole tells Chaplin’s story with depth and clarity, showcasing his extensive research. His direction of the audience members he casts (in real time) is a fantastic feat. His inclusion of makeshift props and mid-performance costume change (done in full audience view) normally wouldn’t work, but Ristevski’s quirky style and Cole’s watchability let them.
Though these aforementioned risks may not pay off in every performance, they are a delight when they do. And that should be reason enough to see this show.
