A play about 'the greatest comedy duo that never was' is being performed at the Minack Theatre until August 12.

Inspired by real life events, Told by an Idiot’s acclaimed production of Charlie & Stan is the story of the greatest comedy double act that nearly was.

The story goes that, in 1910, the then unknown Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel set sail on board a tramp steamer from Liverpool to New York as part of Fred Karno’s famous music hall troupe.

On the voyage, they shared a cabin, they shared comedy routines, they shared laughter, but, by the end of the journey, they hated each other... yet they would both go on to become two of the biggest stars of the age.

Due to the actor playing Charlie Chaplin in the original production becoming pregnant, Charlie Chaplin will now be played by Danielle Bird, joining Jerone Marsh-Reid as Stan Laurel, Nick Haverson as Fred Karno and Sara Alexander playing all the other parts, including Chaplin’s mother, and the piano!

They will be joined by Reggie, making his stage debut as Scraps the Dog.

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With an original piano score played live at every performance, Charlie & Stan is a hilarious and deeply moving homage to two men who changed the world of comedy forever.

With their story Charlie & Stan, Told by an Idiot believe have uncovered a hidden and poignant chapter of comedy history that shines an unusual light on a pair of show business legends.

Charlie & Stan is produced by David Pugh, Told by an Idiot and Theatre Royal Bath Productions.

Charlie & Stan was originally produced by Told by an Idiot and Theatre Royal Plymouth, in association with Royal & Derngate Northampton and Unity Theatre Liverpool.

Charlie & Stan will be shown at the following venues this year:

  • Minack Theatre Cornwall - Sunday 1 to Thursday 12 August
  • Theatebarn Evesham - Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 August
  • Malvern Festival Theatre - Monday 16 to Saturday 21 August
  • Everyman Theatre Cheltenham - Tuesday 31 August – Saturday 4 September
  • The Lowry - Tuesday 7 to Saturday 11 September
  • Oxford Playhouse - Monday 4 to Saturday 9 October