By Melissa Walsh
W
I just relate to kids on their level
hen you’ve worked in the corporate world and made the decision to be a full time children’s entertainer, it’s nothing short of a gutsy move. That’s exactly how it went for well-known children’s entertainer, and father of two, Charlie Silly pants who made the transition from marketing specialist to funny man six years ago. Peninsula Kids talks to Charlie about being a dad and making children laugh for a living.
“I was working in a job that eventually I didn’t enjoy and made the decision to leave as I didn’t want my girls to see a grumpy dad all the time,” said Charlie who began studying acting and has a natural flair for entertaining. “I just relate to kids on their level,” said Charlie, who made the discovery particularly after his first daughter was born. “I found it easy to be silly and make kids laugh but didn’t want to do kids parties like the standard superhero so I became Charlie Silly pants. My oldest daughter was six at the time so I practiced doing parties 54
Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19
with her friends. I looked at how I acted with my own child and we just loved doing silly things together. I did dad gags, wore a nappy on my head instead of a hat, and said silly sausage things. There is nothing better than seeing a child falling over cackling with laughter when you go blurt, or speak gibberish or wiggle your bottom. The fact I was a parent gave me my unique style as I was able to relate as a parent. I look back now and think, "Wow, I wonder what I would do just performing off the bat without the experience of having children and being around children. I made this career change because of my children to give them a happier dad and a happier life.” For Charlie who has always related to kids, being a parent is the most rewarding experience.
“Everything I do is for the girls and they will probably never know what a difference they have made to my life. In my show it is important to engage the kids as that is the thing they love the most. continued next page.....