Smile - Theatre

Suitable for ages 14+

By Danny Laine and Connor Reed Theatre

“Smile, though your heart is aching...
Smile, even though its breaking ”

When a man leaves his home town in the dead of night in search of work. He finds himself alone, on the street. Entering a world of absurd daydreams and fantasies. He faces the harsh city with a smile.
But how long for?
Inspired by Charlie Chaplin’s timeless silent movies.
“Smile” is a bold new piece of physical theatre. Combining clowning, silent movie comedy and real stories of homelessness.

In 2026, the UK will repeal the Vagrancy Act of 1824, finally decriminalising rough sleeping. While this marks progress, homelessness continues to rise, with 8.1 people per 100,000 sleeping rough (Gov.uk). Why does homelessness persist in one of the world's wealthiest nations?
Inspired by Charlie Chaplin’s character “the Tramp.” “Smile” aims to bring a heartfelt, honest story of experiencing and living through rough sleeping and homelessness. Blending clowning, mime, drumming, and puppetry. It is a provocative, heartfelt experience designed to make audiences laugh, reflect, and challenge their assumptions about homelessness. There will be moments of harsh reality combined with pure, belly laughter and joy. Imagine a cross between Charlie Chaplin and“Slava’s snow show” meets “A Street Cat Named Bob.”

Smile has been developed through Exeter Northcott’s Elevate programme. In October 25 Smile went through a week-long R&D process.

“Brilliant clowning with a heartbreaking end. The new Charlie Chaplin!”

“Poignant and funny depiction of a real struggle.”

“So humorous and yet the ending was like a knife to the heart- the juxtaposition between the light heartedness of the character’s demeanour and his series of unfortunate circumstances was just *chefs kiss*.