Page "Charlie Chaplin" Paragraph 8

Chaplin's first stage appearance came at five years old, when he took over from his mother one night in Aldershot.

Hannah had been booed off stage, and the manager chose Chaplin, who was standing in the wings, to go on as her replacement.

The young boy confidently entertained the crowd, and received laughter and applause.

It was an isolated performance, but at nine years old Chaplin became interested in the theatre.

He credited his mother, later writing " imbued me with the feeling that I had some sort of talent.

" Through his father's connections, Chaplin became a member of The Eight Lancashire Lads clog dancing troupe.

He began his professional career in this way, as the group toured English music halls from 1899 to 1902.

Chaplin worked hard and the act was popular with audiences, but dancing did not satisfy the child and he dreamt of forming a comedy act.