FEW inaugural festivals in tiny coastal towns are hailed as an international success but Waterville’s 2011 Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival in August made the grade. Film greats such as Barry Norman and Academy winning Kevin Brownlow threw their weight in as did the Chaplin Foundation and family.
This four day event got superb amplification from Fosset’s Circus with its Big Top marquee operating as venue for much, supported by local hotels. The Waterville experience combines an internatonal film short competition with a Tramps Ball, Chaplin look-a-like contest, comedy gigs, Chaplin films, street shows and museum of memorabilia.
On June 10 in Dublin, The Gaiety Theatre hosted the formal launch and Waterville’s dates this year are August Thursday 23 to Sunday 26, opening with the Tramps Ball.
The Nualas are booked for a gig on Friday 24 and on Saturday August 25, the Gala Awards Show sees Charlie statuettes given to worldwide film category winners. After that, wave your arms in the air on the Big Top’s dance floor to the swing sound of Tuxedo Junction’ 16 piece band.
There’s much a do at Waterville. Factor in ongoing screenings, stand up comedy, circus skills, theatrical make up workshops, mime, street theatre and puppeteering and you’ve an idea why the Chaplin Foundation, Kerry County Council, Failte Ireland, Fossett’s Circus, Mick O’Dwyer and international ambassadors such as Dr Ellie O’Sullivan and Paddy McDonald are wild about this family friendly festival.
