What a sad business, being funny  Limelight (1952)

For over 100 years, Charlie Chaplin has been the world’s best-loved clown.  His brilliant comic creation of “The Little Tramp” is the first and most recognisable cinematic icon in history.  But his remarkable story of stardom and success has a darker side.

Raised in the horrific, grinding poverty of a Victorian slum, Charlie never knew the security of a stable family.  Whilst his parents destroyed themselves with disastrous ambition and unshakeable vice, Charlie was thrown at the mercy of the workhouse.  Desperate to escape his feral existence on the streets of South London, Charlie became captivated by the shining lights of music hall, and gradually began to see a way out.

Critically-acclaimed Arrows & Traps return with an examination of the relationship between experience and creativity, and invite you to discover how Chaplin spun personal tragedy into universal comedy, in a psychological exploration of one of the world’s most remarkable lives.

Q & A. On Friday 7th February the cast of Chaplin will be joined by writer and director Ross McGregor for a Q & A hosted by the esteemed theatre advocate and social media influencer Terri Paddock. This is free and open to all who have attended that evening’s performance.

This production is being produced with the full endorsement of the Chaplin Estate and the Chaplin Family.

Charlie Chaplin™© Bubbles Incorporated S.A.

Press for previous productions

clever and compelling take on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel… an incredibly well thought out piece of theatre that grips and entertains the whole way through. ★★★★★ Spy in the Stalls on The Strange Case of Jekyll & Hyde

McGregor the writer has created a modern masterpiece, full of unexpected twists and turns… Performances from the cast of five are uniformly excellent… A triumph. ★★★★★  Stage Review on The Strange Case of Jekyll & Hyde

Ross McGregor’s spellbinding biopic is visceral, delectable, and true… Taro joins physical theatre legends Gecko and Frantic Assembly in its ability to thrill and engage its audience. Packed with sentimentality and warmth, Gerda Taro’s legacy is one to be remembered for generations to come. ★★★★★ The Upcoming

the most excruciatingly funny fringe comedy I’ve ever reviewed.★★★★★ Everything Theatre
 on Gospel According to Philip

this is theatrical storytelling of the highest calibre… Arrows & Traps have, once again, breathed wonderful new life into a classic with a production full of surprises, thrills and chills. Get a ticket while you can. ★★★★★ Fairy Powered Productions on Frankenstein

The White Rose really is a production where everything has come together beautifully… it cannot be faulted and, If I had my way, a pretty sharpish transfer to the West End would definitely follow this run at the Jack ★★★★★ Lastminute Theatre Tickets