Come and immerse yourself in the comic genius of Charles Chaplin, Laurel & Hardy and Buster Keaton, at this celebrated annual Bristol Institution as Slapstick – Bristol’s acclaimed festival of screen comedy – presents the 20th edition of its ever-popular Gala.
Slapstick 2024’s Gala will feature big screen outings of three laugh-out-loud silent comedy classics, all accompanied by live music and introduced by the event’s host: the award-winning actor whose many credits include starring roles in Downton Abbey and the Paddington film series, Hugh Bonneville.
Topping the film bill will be Charlie Chaplin’s masterwork The Gold Rush (1925), accompanied by the 15-piece Bristol Ensemble playing Chaplin’s own score, conducted by musical maestro Günter A. Buchwald. As if this wasn’t enough it is preceded by the hilarious Laurel & Hardy short Big Business (1929) and one of Buster Keaton’s most admired and innovative short comedies, Cops (1921).
To set the mood for the evening, the Shanghai Shuffle jazz band will be playing in the foyer from 18:00, providing a speakeasy atmosphere that captures the essence of the 1920s. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in attire from the era (optional).
Presented by Slapstick Festival
Early Bird offer: Book before Sun 1 Oct and get £4.00 off (not including concession tickets)
U18s: £5.00 off all ticket prices
Format: Reserved seating
Ages: All films rated ‘PG’ for parental guidance suggested
Doors: 19.00
Start: 19.30
All timings are approximate and subject to change
Please note: In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the performers for this show may be subject to change.