During the age of steam liners Southampton was gateway to the world, and for a couple of comedians, their departure to America in 1910, was the first step to creating Hollywood superstars.

Charlie Chaplin was already famous in London, his understudy was Stan Laurel and the comedy and slapstick shows they performed for Fred Karno's vaudeville company were a hit across America.

Their relationship is little known, which is why writer and director Paul Hunter has turned it into a very successful play called Charlie and Stan, he spoke with Xan Phillips about the concept and how they created a silent comedy classic for the stage.

Get tickets from MAST Mayflower Studios (Tuesday 21st - Saturday 25th Feb 2023)