Special Gala Event
Paul Merton's Silent Comedy Extravaganza
Featuring Buster Keaton's Steamboat Bill Jr.
He's back! The triumphant return of Paul Merton hot from his recent hit BBC TV series Paul Merton's Silent Clowns to present comic genius Buster Keaton in his finest and most accomplished silent comedy Steamboat Bill Jr.
Plus comedy shorts from Laurel and Hardy and Harold Lloyd and with live musical accompaniment from Neil Brand and international friends.
A spectacular evening of entertainment, music and laughter. Bigger and even funnier than before.
Venue: Colston Hall
Date: Friday 12th January 2007
Time: 7.30pm
Prices: £14 full, £12 Concessions including Bristol Silents members, £5 Children (under 12.)
Booking: Colston Hall's box office: 0117 922 3686 or:
buy online.
Join Bristol Silents and save money on Slapstick events.
Event Information
Host: Paul Merton
Bristol Silents supporter and silent comedy champion Paul Merton returns to introduce a selection of the funniest silent comedy on the planet.
Master of Ceremonies: Chris Serle
Presenter, Broadcaster and Bristol Silents supporter Chris Serle provides the show with 'variety' quality co-ordinating the onstage and film action for our delight.
The Films
Buster Keaton feature: Steamboat Bill Jr (1928)
Steamboat Bill, Jr is the last independently-produced feature Buster Keaton ever made. Set in a small town on the banks of the Mississippi River, Steamboat Bill, Jr. is the story of a naive, college-educated dandy who must prove himself to his working-class father, a hot-headed riverboat captain, while courting the daughter of his father's rival, who threatens to put Steamboat Bill, Sr. and his paddle-wheeler out of business.
Harold Lloyd: Get out and Get under (1920)
Harold is is late for an amateur theatrical production. But before he can leave, he gets into an argument with his neighbor. Then, soon after he gets on the road, his car stalls. If he cannot get to the theater quickly, he might be replaced in the play by a rival. Wonderful motor mayhem from Harold Lloyd.
Laurel and Hardy: That's My Wife (1929)
Oliver stands to inherit a large fortune from his rich Uncle, with the condition that he be happily married. But when Mrs. Hardy walks out just before his planned visit, Stanley is pressed into duty (and into drag) to impersonate Oliver's loving spouse! A delightful and underrated late Laurel and Hardy silent short.
The Music
Hot from the success of his BBC4 play STAN based on a fictionalised final meeting between Stan and Ollie in their later years and his work as composer on Paul Merton's Silent Clowns TV series Neil Brand returns as musical director for Slapstick 2007. With international friends John Sweeney, Gunter Buchward and Frank Bockius, Neil will appear onstage at Colston Hall to provide exemplary improvised music throughout the evening.