The Immigrant
A hilarious and heartwarming slapstick comedy inspired by Charlie Chaplin’s original film. Full of wild and inventive visual comedy, this delightful show captures the spirit of the original film to tell the bittersweet the story of people starting a new life in the West today. It is based on hundreds of accounts of what it is like to come to live in an unfamiliar culture, the show is about the universal of trying to fit in when you stand out.
Exactly one hundred years after the release of Chaplin’s short film, the US passed the most controversial immigration policy in recent history. The experience of people coming to live in America today is in stark contrast to Chaplin’s optimistic portrayal. Chris Michael has captured the spirit of the original film and re-worked the content to tell a story of modern times.
“Beautifully timed buffoonery...skills honed to perfection”
The Oxford Times.
The Immigrant – the show recently enjoyed a mini-4 venue tour and sold out all the venues and delighted audiences and programmers alike.
“A really tight, beautifully crafted, laugh-out-loud piece which held a packed audience for over an hour without speaking a word. Excellent.”
Jeremy Spafford, Artistic Director , Arts at the Old Fire Station, Oxford
“Their work as both individuals and an ensemble was outstanding.”
Mark Tattersall, Artistic Director, Dorchester Arts Centre
Chris Michael
Chris has worked as a professional visual comedian all over the UK for nineteen years performing over 4000 shows. Chris has worked in theatre, circus, cabaret, festivals and in schools. In 2000 he was the first clown to perform with the renowned Gifford’s Circus. In 2012 he released a series of short films called “The Silly Seasons” which have been shown in film festivals all over the world.
Accessibility
Being non-vocal the work is fully accessible for deaf and hard of hearing audiences and those with English as an additional language.
"I took four separated children seeking asylum. It was a first time experience for them all. For one of the lads it was good for him to have a 'launching pad' to be able to talk about his experiences. He then said, 'When can I go again?'. They all expressed that they would love to go to the theatre again."
Jane Haddow International Care Network, Dorset
"The performance is the most accessible I have seen being performed by hearing actors. I can honestly say how enthused I became as I watched".
Claire Mallindine, Senior Interpreter, Deaf Direct Oxford
Running time: 70 mins Age Suitability: Family friendly evening show. 3 performers
