The Tramp Review – A Standing Ovation for a Pocket-Sized Masterpiece with Daniel Anderson

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There’s something magical about watching an entire theatre rise to its feet in perfect unison. That’s exactly what happened the night I saw The Tramp at Theatre on the Square. And no surprise there—Daniel Anderson didn’t just perform Chaplin. He became him. He breathed life into the moustached icon with such mastery, such razor-sharp timing, and—dare I say it—vocals so immaculate they made my jaw hit the floor. I’m not sure what was more impressive: his ability to sing and speak at lightning speed without missing a single beat, or the way he poured his soul into every syllable, every movement, every flick of that bendy walking stick. (I kept thinking it’s going to snap at any moment by accident lol)

If you think you know Charlie Chaplin, think again. The Tramp doesn’t serve up a dusty biography or a nostalgic nod to silent film. It tears the curtain wide open and exposes the beating, bruised, and brilliant heart of the man behind the myth. This isn’t just about slapstick routines or bowler hats, though. It’s about pain, power, politics, poetry—and the very personal cost of global fame.

Daniel had us all spellbound. There was a moment—somewhere between Bach and 99 Red Balloons (yes, that’s part of the glorious musical patchwork)—where I realised I hadn’t blinked in minutes. His voice holds both the pathos of The Tramp and the rage of the man who created him. It’s theatrical shape-shifting at its finest. And let’s not forget Paul Ferreira, who didn’t just accompany—he conversed. That piano became an extension of the narrative. There were times it felt like the keys were breathing with us. I mean, when i initially saw him, i literally smiled and said this is going to be a great show as he definitely knows what he is doing and the passion shows.

The set design was another star of the show. It’s used with such intention and imagination that it almost feels alive—morphing with the mood, teasing with shadows, revealing and concealing with just the right dose of theatrical flair. Huge kudos to Andrew Timm and Adino Trapani for AV design and to Bryan Schimmel for musical arrangement. Everything came together seamlessly to support, elevate, and echo the heart of the performance.

There’s a moment in the show that hits hard: The Tramp, having been the world’s silent mirror for so long, is finally silenced for real. The arrival of talkies. The politics. The exile. And through it all, Daniel holds us. He knows this story isn’t just history—it’s heartbreak in real-time. It’s what happens when art and artist blur, when the world demands a voice from someone who spoke volumes without one.

And I’ve been lucky to follow Daniel’s journey closely. I interviewed him back in 2023 (read it here)—his passion then was already a quiet storm. I’ve also reviewed his unforgettable show Mad About the Boys (link) and his breathtaking turn in Vincent (link). And trust me, each one is worth reading. If you haven’t followed his work yet, now’s the time.

The Tramp is a pocket musical, sure—but it carries a galaxy of emotion. You’ll laugh. You’ll ache. You’ll find yourself thinking about it days later in the quiet moments. That’s the kind of theatre that matters. That’s the kind of artist Daniel Anderson is.

Go see this show. And bring tissues.

TICKETS available at Webtickets
VENUE: Theatre on the Square, Sandton
DATES: 10 – 26 July 2025
INFO: www.theatreonthesquare.co.za