Can it really be nine years since our first Slapstick Festival Gala Show at Colston Hall back in 2005?
Blimey, it feels more like fifty! But seriously, over the past eight years the Friday night Gala Show has been the highlight of Bristol Silents’ annual Slapstick Festival. It showcases the finest silent comedies from the very best silent comics including Chaplin’s THE GOLD RUSH (1925) in 2008 , Keaton’s THE GENERAL (1926) in 2012 and Lloyd’s classic thrill picture SAFETY LAST (1923) back in 2006.
HOORAY for Harold Lloyd! ….. and Dara O Briain
We haven’t screened a Harold Lloyd feature since then so when the BBC’s Mock the Week host and Harold Lloyd admirer Dara O’Briain accepted our invitation to host the SLAPSTICK FESTIVAL GALA NIGHT for us in January 2013 we jumped at the chance to screen another Lloyd classic at our gala, this time his feature THE KID BROTHER (1927).
THE KID BROTHER is considered by many to be Harold Lloyd’s finest feature film. It’s a masterful blend of comedy, romance and drama and is indisputably comedy classic. Meek country boy Harold Hickory (Lloyd), the youngest of Sheriff John Hickory’s three sons, is smitten by Mary Powers (Jobyna Ralston). When the town’s money is stolen by thugs, Harold’s father is accused and with encouragement from Mary, Harold sets out to find the real crooks.
This is a rare opportunity to see this hilarious and inventive comedy.
Our old friend Guenter A. Buchwald returns to Bristol once again with a semi-improvised score for the film and will perform along with members of the European Silent Screen Virtuosi and The Bristol Ensemble.
In addition, such was the impact of Barry Cryer & Ronnie Golden’s appearance at our highly successful fundraiser STAND UP FOR SLAPSTICK in June that, by popular demand, we have invited them to appear at the Gala to perform between films.
Finally, the nights entertainment will continue with classic Buster Keaton film THE GOAT (1921), in which Buster is mistaken for the notorious criminal “Dead Shot Dan” and (as always) chaos ensues.
And that’s not all!
The Gala Night will also include the UK PREMIERE of Georges Melies’ beautiful & now fully tinted restoration of A TRIP TO THE MOON / LE VOYAGE DANS LA LUNE (1902). Alongside the film we will have with Melies’ wonderful narration read by Slapstick and Bristol Silents supporter, actor Paul McGann. The film will be accompanied by another great friend of ours Stephen Horne at the grand piano.
This is probably our biggest, brightest and funniest gala to date! So what are you waiting for?!
Get booking before all the best tickets go!
More information and details regarding how to book tickets can be found HERE
Slapstick Festival 2013 Gala Night
Friday 25th January 2013
7.30pm
£20/£17/£8.50 under 12s/students
#1 by David Drummond on October 15, 2012 - 9:18 am
Yesterday I had the great pleasure of being introduced to the huge talent of Pierre Etaix i by a showing of his brilliant YO YO. On my google search to learn more about him I came across your site. I did not realise previously of his marriage to Annie Fratellini. I hope the recent issue of a boxed set of his films will rightly set him in public appreciation along with Chaplin/L & H/Tati/Lloyd and Keaton As an actor, bookseller and clown ( now aged 82 and partially retired on all counts ) I am delighted to discover the many comedic talents now celebrated in Bristol. Your festival provides me with an excellent excuse to revisit after many years absence.
#2 by Bristol Silents on October 15, 2012 - 9:52 am
Hi David. Yes, we were really thrilled to be instrumental in getting Msr Ettaix the recognition he deserves. And thanks for your kind words about the festival.