Silent Movies Live

Experience two of Charlie Chaplin's most loved films as they were intended to be seen, with live music.

Silent Movies Live was born in early 2021 in response to the renewed appetite for live entertainment following Covid restrictions. Originally performed outdoors, the project has since moved into theatres, reviving the magic of 1920s picture houses—where silent films were brought to life with live musical accompaniment. Pianist David Selfe composes the original scores, arranged by percussionist Jeremy Fitzsimons, who performs on a rich array of percussion instruments, sound effects and musical saw. Together, they create a vibrant soundscape that enhances the emotional depth and humour of Charlie Chaplin’s timeless films. With a growing repertoire of Chaplin classics, Silent Movies Live brings a fresh and playful energy to the golden age of cinema.

The Kid (1921)

Charlie Chaplin’s The Kid is a landmark in cinema history—a poignant blend of comedy and drama that helped define the genre of the “dramedy.” The film follows Chaplin’s iconic Tramp as he finds and raises an abandoned child, played by five-year-old Jackie Coogan in a star-making role. Together, they form a tender, unconventional family navigating poverty and separation. The Kid was Chaplin’s first full-length feature as a director, released shortly after the death of his infant son, which deeply influenced its emotional depth. At just under an hour, it remains one of silent cinema’s most beloved and enduring classics.

A Dog’s Life (1918)

In A Dog’s Life, Charlie Chaplin’s beloved Tramp teams up with a stray dog named Scraps to survive the hardships of urban life. This 33-minute short was Chaplin’s first film for First National and showcases his signature blend of slapstick comedy and social commentary. Notably, it was also one of the first films to portray a dog as an emotional companion rather than just comic relief. Released during World War I, the film’s themes of poverty, resilience, and companionship resonated deeply with audiences. A Dog’s Life marks a key moment in Chaplin’s evolution toward more heartfelt storytelling.