Silent Movies at St George's Church - Thames Music Group

Silent Movies Live was born in early 2021 in response to the renewed appetite for live entertainment following Covid restrictions. Originally performed outdoors, the project has since moved into theatres, reviving the magic of 1920s picture houses—where silent films were brought to life with live musical accompaniment. Pianist David Selfe composes the original scores, arranged by percussionist Jeremy Fitzsimons, who performs on a rich array of percussion instruments, sound effects, saw, and ukulele. Together, they create a vibrant soundscape that enhances the emotional depth and humour of Charlie Chaplin’s timeless films. With a growing repertoire of Chaplin classics, Silent Movies Live brings a fresh and playful energy to the golden age of cinema.   The Kid (1921) Charlie Chaplin’s The Kid is a landmark in cinema history—a poignant blend of comedy and drama that helped define the genre of the “dramedy.” The film follows Chaplin’s iconic Tramp as he finds and raises an abandoned child, played by five-year-old Jackie Coogan in a star-making role. Together, they form a tender, unconventional family navigating poverty and separation. The Kid was Chaplin’s first full-length feature as a director, released shortly after the death of his infant son, which deeply influenced its emotional depth. At just under an hour, it remains one of silent cinema’s most beloved and enduring classics.   A Dog’s Life (1918) In A Dog’s Life, Charlie Chaplin’s beloved Tramp teams up with a stray dog named Scraps to survive the hardships of urban life. This 33-minute short was Chaplin’s first film for First National and showcases his signature blend of slapstick comedy and social commentary. Notably, it was also one of the first films to portray a dog as an emotional companion rather than just comic relief. Released during World War I, the film’s themes of poverty, resilience, and companionship resonated deeply with audiences. A Dog’s Life marks a key moment in Chaplin’s evolution toward more heartfelt storytelling.     David Selfe – Piano David Selfe is an internationally experienced pianist, composer, and producer, known for bringing people together through music. He began playing piano at the age of seven and was leading his own band by twelve, performing concerts and gigs for all ages. He earned a scholarship to the Purcell School in London and went on to graduate from the Royal Academy of Music with an L.R.A.M. and Professional Certificate. David worked for many years as a "keyboard nocturnalist" in West End shows, well regarded for holding productions and cabaret performances together. He is a recording artist for Universal Records, Rajon Records, Rimu Records, and New Frontier Records, with music currently streaming on 82 platforms. He has produced 142 commercial album titles. In recognition of his contribution to arts in education, David was featured in the Queen’s 90th Birthday book as an example of excellence in the Commonwealth. Jeremy Fitzsimons – Percussion Jeremy Fitzsimons is a freelance percussionist based in Thames, New Zealand. He was Principal Percussionist of Orchestra Wellington and performs regularly with the NZSO, Auckland Philharmonia, and the Pink Floyd Experience. Active as a freelancer since 1993, Jeremy has toured extensively as a marimbist for Chamber Music New Zealand and is a founding member of both Strike Percussion and Gareth Farr’s Drumdrag. He has recorded CDs of marimba and percussion music by composers Gareth Farr and John Psathas. Notable appearances include soloist performances with Orchestra Wellington in View From Olympus (Psathas, 2020), ensemble soloist with the APO, and guest soloist at a marimba festival in Portugal. He has been a member of the duo Double Shot since 2015. A 1996 Fulbright Scholar, Jeremy holds a Bachelor of Music with First Class Honours from Victoria University of Wellington and a Master’s degree and Postgraduate Performance Certificate from Northwestern University in Chicago. Tickets $20 from Carson's Bookshop - grab a ticket to ensure you get a seat - door sales are not guaranteed.