Slapstick’s Silent Comedy Gala
Immerse yourself in the comic genius of Charlie Chaplin, Laurel & Hardy and Buster Keaton at Slapstick’s screen comedy Gala.
Date: Friday 16 Feb 2024
Venue: Bristol Beacon
Time: 19:30
Music from the Shanghai Shuffle jazz band from 18:00
Price: £16.00 – £55
Early Bird offer: Book before Sun 1 Oct and get £4.00 off (not including concession tickets)
U18s: £5.00 off all ticket prices
Please be aware that Slapstick Festival Passes will become available shortly, and if you intend to purchase one, it’s worth noting that premium seats for the gala will be included.
Event Details
Get ready to step back in time and laugh your heart out at the 20th edition of our illustrious Classic Comedy Gala in 2024!
The 2024 Gala returns to Beacon Hall big screen outings of three laugh-out-loud silent comedy classics, all accompanied by world -class live music.
Hosting the evening is award-winning actor and star of the Downton Abbey and 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 and festival friend Günter A. Buchwald.
Before this finale, the hilarious Laurel & Hardy short Big Business (1929) and one of Buster Keaton’s most admired and innovative short comedies, Cops (1921) will be screened.
To set the mood for the evening, Shanghai Shuffle (see below) will be playing in Bridgehouse (the foyer space at Bristol Beacon) from 18:00, providing a musical speakeasy atmosphere that captures the essence of the 1920s.
Dress for the occasion! 1920s/30s clothing and costumes very welcome (but of course, very optional).
Shanghai Shuffle
Hot jazz from Shanghai Shuffle, a band seeped in an era of fast-paced, heavily syncopated music, all washed down in bath tub gin and French champagne. Close your eyes, have a cocktail or two, and it’s the 1920s not the 2020s.”
Shanghai Shuffle are a lively, upbeat 1920s jazz band with a distinctive flair for bringing this much-loved music alive, keeping it fresh and accessible to all generations. With some of the busiest swing musicians from the hottest jazz bands in town Shanghai Shuffle are regulars at The Old Duke and other local speakeasies as well as being in demand for Gatsby, Peaky Blinders events and all things 1920s”
Hot jazz from Shanghai Shuffle, a band seeped in an era of fast-paced, heavily syncopated music, all washed down in bath tub gin and French champagne. Close your eyes, have a cocktail or two, and it’s the 1920s not the 2020s.
So put down your noodle juice, get a wiggle on, grab your glad rags, and get out your gams, because if you know your onions then you’ll know that these Hepcats sure are the berries.
