The musical about Charlie Chaplin’s childhood is back for another run

A musical that tells the story of Charlie Chaplin’s childhood, thanks to the playwright’s fascinating family connection, returns for a second time.

Smile is a musical piece set in and around a music hall in London’s famous Lambeth Walk.

Written by Isle of Wight playwright Val Hayward, the play is based on family legend – her grandparents went to school with the young Charlie Chaplin.

It was first shown in April, but due to popular demand, the Niton Playbox team is bringing it back next weekend.

Oliver Back and Sloppy Polly in Smile (Image: Contributed)

Read our review from the musical’s first run by clicking here

It will be held at Niton Village Hall on Friday 5th July at 7.30pm and Saturday 6th July at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

Tickets are available via PayPal or email to book on the door via [email protected].

Val said: “The stories of my grandparents’ childhood and living through the late Victorian and Edwardian era and the tragedy that was the First World War captured my imagination.

“My great-grandmother was a music hall and silent film pianist.

“My grandparents went to school in Lambeth with the famous Charlie Chaplin. My grandmother’s life experiences at this point are the stuff of family legend, and it occurred to me that my own granddaughters, along with their actor, singer, dancer friends, could bring their ancestors’ story to life in this production.”

Smile features popular music of the period and more modern tunes, both to tell the story and to suit the tastes of the young cast.

The cast includes Ellen and Polly Careless, Val’s nieces, so all the events portrayed are also part of their family legend.

Director Ellen Careless (Image: Contributed)

Ellen, 14, is a keen filmmaker, so she took the helm for Smile.