Guests
Griff Rhys Jones Star of the ground-breaking show Not The Nine O'Clock News and one half of the most successful and long-running double-acts on TV, Alas Smith and Jones, Griff is no stranger to laugh-out-loud comedy. So we are thrilled that he will be hosting our Friday night Gala show which includes the Buster Keaton classic The General.
Terry Jones
As a member of Monty Python, Terry Jones needs almost no introduction. From Do Not Adjust Your Set in the 60's to his book Evil Machines in 2011, Terry is a comedian, screenwriter, director, children's writer and social historical commentator. We are delighted that he will be introducing one of the films he has directed – Life of Brian – on the Saturday night of the festival and will be talking about his experience of making the film.
Sanjeev Bhaskar OBE
Comic actor and writer of Goodness Gracious Me and The Kumars at No 42, Sanjeev is a popular actor and presenter and a keen fan of slapstick comedy, having previously introduced Laurel & Hardy's Comedy Mayhem, a Slapstick Festival fundraiser in 2009. For this year's festival, he will be talking to Terry Jones about Life of Brian on Saturday and also discussing how he has been influenced by Charlie Chaplin with David Robinson on Sunday morning.
Ian Lavender
We are delighted to welcome Ian Lavender back to Bristol's Slapstick Festival for a second year, this time to share his experience of playing Private Pike in Dad's Army. Ian has appeared in countless stage and television productions but it is for his role of the "stupid boy" that he is most remembered and loved. He will be discussing his time on the show at a special event on Thursday 26 January in conversation with Matthew Sweet. Ian will also be introducing a Buster Keaton short on Sunday afternoon.
Bill Oddie OBE
After introducing a film at our Gala last year, Bill is returning this year to present his Top Ten Comedy moments on Saturday afternoon. From his history as one third of the comedy team The Goodies and experience as presenter on much-loved nature programmes such as Spring Watch and Bill Oddie Goes Wild, this will be entertaining even without the clips. He will also be introducing a Buster Keaton short on Sunday afternoon.
Sir Christopher Frayling
Professor of cultural history from the Royal College of Art, London, Sir Christopher Frayling was knighted in 2001 for "services to art and design education". A successful writer, critic and presenter, Sir Christopher held the esteemed position of Chairman of Arts Council England from 2005 until January 2010.
Another returning guest, Sir Christopher Frayling will be in conversation with comedy legend Pierre Etaix on Sunday afternoon.
Pierre Etaix
Now in his 80's, Pierre is a French clown, comedian and film maker. Due to a legal dispute his films have only recently become available. His films are laugh-out-loud funny and transcend any language barriers from his native French. To honour his contribution to slapstick visual comedy, Pierre will be receiving the Aardman Slapstick Award for Excellence in Visual Comedy on Sunday afternoon, followed by a screening of his film La Grande Amour which he will introduce himself.
Tim Brooke-Taylor OBE
Tim Brooke-Taylor is perhaps best known as a member of "The Goodies" and as one of the core members of radio panel shows I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue and I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again. This year Tim returns to celebrate the work of Buster Keaton and will introduce a short film on Sunday afternoon.
Graeme Garden OBE
A long-standing supporter of Slapstick, Graeme returns in this, his sixth appearance, to introduce his favourite Charley Chase shorts on Saturday morning at Arnolfini. His well-known voice has graced radio shows such as I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again and I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue, but it was his partnership with Tim Brooke-Taylor and Bill Oddie as television's The Goodies that best represents Garden's writing and acting genius.
Neil Innes We are delighted to welcome back Slapstick veteran Neil Innes who joins us again for Slapstick 2012. Founding member of the Dada inspired Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, Innes (the 7th Python!) wrote music for Monty Python's Flying Circus, The GRIMMS and genius Beatles parody band The Rutles. This year Neil will be leading some audience participation at the Celebrating Dad's Army event on Thursday and the Life of Brian event on Saturday.
Paul McGann *withdrawn due to work commitments* Festival favourite and Patron actor Paul McGann is back for Slapstick 2012. He is renowned from his days in the Monocled Mutineer through Doctor Who and Hornblower. On the big screen, Paul will probably always be remembered for his unforgettable black comedic performance as 'I' in Withnail and I. An avid silent film fan, Paul is also a regular contributor to Bristol Silents events. This year Paul joins us with his singing chums The Matinee Idles for the Gala evening on Friday 27 January at Colston Hall.
David Wyatt An author, researcher and programmer, David is a champion of silent comedy having programmed comedy seasons for the National Film Theatre and various festivals around the world. After his popular event 'Rediscoveries and Revelations' last year, David returns this year with his Clown Princes event on Friday afternoon and Slapstick Spoofs on Sunday morning at Arnolfini.
David Robinson David Robinson is Pordenone Silent Film Festival's Creative Director, a film critic, author and film historian, with a special interest and intimate knowledge of Chaplin. David has been one of Bristol Silents' greatest supporters since 2000 and will be introducing events throughout the weekend. On Saturday morning he will be introducing three centuries of Chaplin and on Sunday morning will be discussing Chaplin with Sanjeev Bhaskar. For more information on the Festival please visit the website at Pordenone Silent Film Festival website >>
Guenter A Buchwald, Festival Musical Director Conductor, violinist, pianist, composer and an indispensable regular guest at international film festivals, Guenter, as previous festivals will confirm, is able to accompany films simultaneously with both piano and the violin! Guenter returns again as Slapstick's Musical Director and will lead THE EUROPEAN SILENT SCREEN VIRTUOSI together with the Bristol Ensemble on Friday night at Colston Hall accompanying the silent comedy selections of the Gala evening. This evening will also include the World Premiere of Guenter's specially written score for Buster Keaton's The General. Guenter will also accompany events on piano and violin throughout the festival.
For further information Guenter’s musical talents Go to Gunter's website >>
Kevin Brownlow Kevin returns for his third year at Slapstick, this time to introduce his documentary on Buster Keaton - A Hard Act to Follow on Thursday afternoon and in discussion with David Wyatt on Friday afternoon at Watershed. Kevin has both documented and restored obscure works and interviews with actors from this bygone era. Starting with his alternative history film It Happened Here (1964) Brownlow went on to publish several books about the making of his films and produce television shows on films from the silent era. A more knowledgeable historian in this era would be hard to find!
Barry Cryer OBEOur comedic National Treasure and gag-meister returns to Slapstick to introduces the Harold Lloyd double bill on Saturday afternoon and a Buster Keaton short on Sunday afternoon. Hailed as one of the finest comic writers, Barry has worked with everyone from John Cleese and Morecambe and Wise to Richard Pryor and Bruce Forsyth. He brings his wit, knowledge and experience in the business to everything he touches.
Les Bubb
Fresh from his turn as 'support' (as The Professor) for Take That, Les brings his unique brand of visual comedy to Slapstick by hosting Les Bubb's Slapstick Silent funnies as a special pre-festival event at Watershed. Also watch out for a surprise appearance at the Gala on Friday.
Chris Serle
A long time supporter of Slapstick and Bristol Silents, TV presenter, actor and reporter for the BBC, Chris Serle has worked on That's Life, Dave Allen at Large, In at the Deep End and Windmill. Chris is currently serving as the Honorary President of the charity, Bristol Hospital Broadcasting Service. This year, Chris will once again be Master of Ceremonies at Friday's Gala event on Friday 27 January at Colston Hall, and in conversation with Bill Oddie for Bill's top comedy moments on Saturday afternoon at Watershed.
