Charlie Chaplin

Charlie and Church Street

By Patricia Fallon and Marilyn Hill

In the early years of the last century Church Street came alive with the sights of Charlie Chaplin sounding the boards at the West London Theatre. He was said to have played there in his youth from the age of 15 and now has his own place in Church Street’s walk of fame – our pavement plaques!

Born in 1889 in London Charlie used mine, slapstick and other visual comedy throughout his career and locals can be proud of the fact that he learned and honed his craft on our own doorsteps.

He developed into an international star winning an Oscar in 1972. However by 1977 his health had failed considerably and he dies in his sleep in Switzerland on Christmas day 1977.

In the early years of the last century Church Street came alive with the sights of Charlie Chaplin sounding the boards at the West London Theatre. He was said to have played there in his youth from the age of 15 and now has his own place in Church Street’s walk of fame – our pavement plaques!

Born in 1889 in London Charlie used mine, slapstick and other visual comedy throughout his career and locals can be proud of the fact that he learned and honed his craft on our own doorsteps.

He developed into an international star winning an Oscar in 1972. However by 1977 his health had failed considerably and he died in his sleep in Switzerland on Christmas day 1977.