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A late 19th century South London childhood shaped by poverty, illness, and instability. These are the tough beginnings of a generational creative talent that would emerge into global stardom, and exile.

On these South London streets, and in the backrooms of its pubs, the music hall begins. Unruly, unforgiving audiences. If you wanted attention, you earned it. This is where Charlie Chaplin learned his craft – born out of survival.

A performer at aged five. Workhouses at age seven. On stage again before age ten. By his twenties, Chaplin leaves for America to join a new start up industry - moving pictures. Within years, he becomes the most recognizable figure on earth, a self-made man.

The Tramp. The walk, the resilience, the quiet defiance. It originated not in California, but South London. In the next episode of Publicity – The Guidebook Gap, we’ll walk Charlie Chaplin’s formative years through Walworth, Kennington, and Lambeth. The workhouse, music halls, eviction addresses, and the pub where he last saw his father. Every stop a chapter in how a South London kid in borrowed clothes became the most recognizable person on earth.

Charlie Chaplin’s London - Poverty. Pubs & Music Halls, Episode 10 available Tuesday April 7 wherever you get your podcasts.