All Events
The Big Comedy Bash, Oct 2023
Thursday 19th October 2023 (7.30pm)
Slapstick Festival’s annual comedy fundraiser is back at Reading’s Hexagon theatre. Hosted by Rob Brydon with Adam Kay, Alasdair Beckett-King, Jay Lafferty, Alistair McGowan, Arthur Smith, Dee Allum. + more
The Big Comedy Bash 2023
Wednesday 10th May 2023 (7.30pm)
Slapstick Festival’s annual comedy fundraiser is back at Reading’s Hexagon theatre. Event features, Marcus Brigstocke, Jo Brand, Milton Jones, Ria Lina, Archie Maddocks and Dr Phil Hammond
Fab Fools: The Beatles, The Rutles & Rock ‘n’ Roll Comedy
Sunday 23 July (17:00)
Take a hysterical mystery tour through The Beatles Story as you’ve never heard it told before
Gender Rebels
Saturday 22 April
Save money with a pass for all 3 films for only £15: ‘I Don’t Want to be a Man’, ‘Beverly of Graustark (1926)’, ‘Victor / Victoria’
Victor / Victoria
Saturday 22 April (19.30)
Julie Andrews plays a down-on-her-luck opera singer who is persuaded by a gay drag artist friend (Robert Preston) to pretend to be a man pretending to be a woman. With an introduction from the award-winning performer, filmmaker and playwright Malaika Kegode
Beverly of Graustark (1926)
Saturday 22 April (15:00)
The Brilliant Marion Davies poses as a man who is to become the prince of Graustark. Unfortunately, along with his title she also adopts his enemies! Piano accompaniment from Meg Morley and introduction from Bristol’s reigning City Poet Kat Lyons
I Don’t Want to be a Man
Saturday 22 April (11:30)
In this raucous, flirtatious film, a boisterous teenage girl (Ossi Oswalda) becomes so tired of being bossed about she decides to pose as a man. With a live piano accompaniment from Meg Morley and an introduction from internationally respected film historian Pamela Hutchinson
Harold Lloyd in Safety Last! (1923)
Saturday 1 April 2023 (20:00)
Exactly 100 years to the day of its first release, Bristol Slapstick proudly presents one of the greatest films ever made! The event will have live music and a special guest!
MICHAEL PALIN: Beyond Python
Sunday 19th February 2023 (8.30pm)
Sir Michael Palin in conversation with Rob Brydon: He may be best known for his work with Monty Python but Sir Michael Palin (80 in May) has a long and distinguished track record as a comedy writer and performer
Good Listening To…Robin Ince
Sunday 19th February 2023 (7.30pm)
In a live podcast recording of ‘The Good Listening To Show’ (also streaming on Facebook & YouTube) actor, comedian and Instant Wit improviser Chris Grimes hosts a wide-ranging chat with Slapstick Festival regular, stand-up, author and broadcaster Robin Ince.
Monty Python’s LIFE OF BRIAN onscreen
Sunday 19th February 2023 (5.30pm)
With Sir Michael Palin and Stephen Merchant – A big screen showing of the film that sparked international controversy – and hilarity – by telling the story of Brian of Nazareth
Griff Rhys Jones: Why I still love Laurel & Hardy
Sunday 19th February 2023 (3pm)
Join the star of Not The Nine O’Clock News, Smith & Jones and Three Men In A Boat as he returns to Slapstick with an event championing his favourite comedy duo – Laurel & Hardy
Monty Python’s Book Shambles
Sunday 19th February 2023 (2pm)
Hosted by Robin Ince and special guests: Be part of the participating audience at a recording for a Monty Python-themed future edition of the chart-topping podcast.
A Hard Day’s Night
Sunday 19th February 2023 (12 Noon)
Onscreen with special guest Mike McCartney: Ranked among the BFI’s top 100 British films and nominated both for a BAFTA and two Oscars..
Ode to Joyce
Sunday 19th February 2023 (11.30am)
Cheryl Knight stars in a must-see tribute to Joyce Grenfell (1910 – 1979) whose hilarious and acutely-observed monologues and songs made her a global comedy star last century and inspired many other entertainers including Miranda Hart and the late, great, Victoria Wood.
The Rutles: All You Need is Cash
Sun 19th Feb, 2023 (09:30)
Introduction from John “Barry Wom” Halsey
This is the Eric Idle/ Neil Innes cult classic mockumentary which paved the way for all others, including This Is Spinal Tap (1984) and The Comic Strip’s Bad News(1983) and More Bad News (1988)
The Scaffold: A Celebration
Sat 18th Feb, 2023 (20:30)
There’s never been a satirical performance group quite like The Scaffold. With superfan and guest presenter Harry Hill onboard you, can be sure of an evening of hilarious stories, sketches, poems and more
Comic Strip Stories
Sat 18th Feb, 2023 (17:30)
With Nigel Planer & Peter Richardson, who celebrate the 40th anniversary of the ground-breaking classic comedy series, by sharing anecdotes & favourite clips
The Comic Strip Presents: More Bad News
Sat 18th Feb, 2023 (14:30)
Comic Strip gang’s mockumentary about the heavy metal band Bad News – back together four years after an acrimonious break-up. Joining us for the screening will be Nigel Planer and Peter Richardson.
Harry Hill: Breaking the Silence
Sat 18th Feb, 2023 (12:00)
Harry Hill talks about his Lonely Island short film series, including a screening of one never before seen. We also have extracts from the ‘work in progress’ and a brief ‘Caveman’ live performance!
The Extraordinary World of Charley Bowers
Sat 18th Feb, 2023 (09:30)
Animator, director, producer and Aardman Animations co-founder Peter Lord introduces us to the work of actor, inventor and animator Charley Bowers (1877 – 1946)
Harold Lloyd in Speedy (1928)
Fri 17th Feb, 2023 (20:30)
Harold Lloyd’s last great silent masterpiece. Journey back in time to 1920s New York via this Oscar-nominated comedy.
The Scaffold: Live at Talk Of The Town (1969)
Fri 17th Feb, 2023 (18:00)
With a post-screening chat with members of The Scaffold hosted by Andrew Kelly: Be among the first to view one of the latest finds by TV archaeologist Philip Morris – a live BBC recording of a show of the 1960s Liverpool band The Scaffold
A Violin Over The Head
Fri 17th Feb, 2023 (15:30)
Oliver Double introduces a dazzling array of historic footage featuring routines by comedians, singers, dancers and spesh acts who mixed melody and pratfalls. Include Stanelli and his Hornchestra, Little Tich, the Bill Hall Trio, Lily Morris, and Wilson, Keppel & Betty.
Harry Langdon: Tramp, Tramp, Tramp (1926)
Fri 17th Feb, 2023 (13:40)
Made when Harry Langdon was still developing his man-child character with a young scriptwriter called Frank Capra and featuring Joan Crawford in one of her earliest starring roles
Raymond Griffith: You’d be Surprised (Remastered)
Fri 17th Feb, 2023 (11:45)
In a companion to our Live From New York event, the
Oscar-winning director, film historian and silent film champion Kevin Brownlow introduces the newly restored Raymond Griffith crime caper.
A Private Function (1984)
Fri 17th Feb, 2023 (09:30)
With specially recorded introduction from Sir Michael Palin, we continue our 80th birthday salute to comedy legend Sir Michael Palin with one of his personal favourite starring films.
Silent Comedy Gala Special
Thurs 16 Feb, 2023 (20:30)
1924 Buster Keaton At The Double!
Double Bill of The Navigator & Sherlock Jr, with Graeme Garden, Polly Rose & Ensemble ImproCinema, Günter A. Buchwald and percussionist Frank Bockius.
Monty Python & The Holy Grail
Thurs 16 Feb, 2023 (17:30)
With specially recorded introductions from Sir Michael Palin & John Cleese
Paths To Paradise (1925)
Thurs 16 Feb (15:30)
Joining us Live From New York. Steve Massa & Ben Model host one of Raymond Griffith’s finest onscreen comedy performances.
Free Online Event: Paths to Paradise
Thurs 16 Feb, 2023 (15:30)
FREE EVENT Live From New York, With Steve Massa & Ben Model Raymond Griffith in Paths To Paradise
I Kiss Your Hand, Madam (1929)
Thurs 16 Feb (13:30)
A rare chance to see Marlene Dietrich in one of the last films she made in Germany before she was spotted by actor/director Josef von Sternberg
Charlie’s London: A Success Story
Thurs 16 Feb, 2023 (11:40)
Join Ayşe Behçet and Karl Stephan as they discuss the book Charlie’s London: From East Lane to the Limelight – a Chaplin Estate-blessed biography in full-colour graphic comic format.
East Of Ipswich (1987)
Thurs 16 Feb, 2023 (09:30)
A comedy coming-of-age film, scripted by Michael Palin for BBC 2’s Screen Two series and inspired in part by his family holiday to a sleepy seaside resort in 1959, during which he first met his future wife.
This Is Spinal Tap
Weds 15 Feb 2023 (20:30)
With specially recorded introductions from Harry Shearer (Derek Smalls) and Sir Michael Palin, who chose the film as his favourite film comedy, Rob Reiner’s 11 out of 10 deserving mockumentary is a scathing lampoon of every heavy metal band that’s ever taken itself too seriously
Onscreen Wonder Women
Weds 15 Feb 2023 (18:00)
Comedian and Slapstick favourite Lucy Porter and Jane Duffus, author of the What The Frock Book of Funny Women, present and discuss their picks from a new collection of rarely-seen silent comedy films in collaboration with Kino Lober.
Fred Karno: The Legend Behind The Laughter
Weds 15 Feb 2023 (16:15)
Without the wit, grit and creativity of Exeter-born Fred Karno, the Slapstick Festival itself might not exist.
The Cigarette Girl Of Mosselprom (1924)
Weds 15 Feb 2023 (14:00)
In stark contrast to most films made immediately after the Russian Revolution, this is an endearing rom-com filled with likeable characters and some self-effacing insights into the filmmaking process.
Mary Poppins
Weds 15 Feb 2023 (10:30)
It’s not surprising Walt Disney considered this film the crowning achievement of his long career – it won his studio a record 13 Oscar nominations and five wins, including for best songs.
Some Like it Hot
Tuesday 14th February 2023 (20:00)
Voted the all-time best comedy film in a BBC poll of reviewers in 52 countries and a triple Oscar and Golden Globes winner.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Tuesday 14th February 2023 (14:00)
Screening of the classic fantasy adventure centred on a magical car.
Tiswas: The Reunion
Sat 16th April 2022
8:00pm
Join Bob Carolgees, John Gorman, Sally James and Chris Tarrant as they re-unite on stage to discuss their much-loved show Tiswas.
The Big Comedy Bash 2022
Tuesday 12th April, 8:00pm
Hosted by Al Murray, with Angela Barnes, Rory Bremner, Shazia Mirza
Trafic (1971)
Sat 2nd April 2022, 6.00pm
Playtime (1967)
Sat 2nd April 2022, 2.15pm
Mon Oncle (1958)
Sat 2nd April 2022, 11.15am
Tati Day: Pass to all 3 films
Sat 2nd April 2022, 11:15 – 20:20
The Goodies Forever
Saturday 29th January 2022
2:20pm
Robin Ince, comedian and host of infinite monkey cage, will be celebrating the work of those super chaps EVENT SOLD OUT
Lee Mack’s Desert Island Comedy Flicks
Sun 27th March 2022
8:30pm
Lee Mack teams up with Slapstick Festival as part our Slapstick Sunday’s series of events at the Redgrave Theatre
In The Best Possible Taste! Tim Vine salutes Kenny Everett
Sun 27th March 2022
6:30pm
Tim Vine adores Kenny Everett and wants to tell the world why
BARRY CRYER: A Tribute With a Little Help from His Friends
Sun 27th March 2022
3:30pm
Barry Cryer: A Tribute
Paddington (2014): Introduced by Andy Day
Sun 27th March 2022
12:30pm
Arthur Smith: Laughs, Stories, a Song and a Poem
Sunday 30 January 2022
5.30pm
Settle down for a laughter-filled evening of off-the-wall humour with comedian, writer and broadcaster ARTHUR SMITH
Armando Iannucci: A Life in Satire
Sunday 30 January 2022
2.30pm
Armando Iannucci has been a major force in satirical TV/film comedy for more than three decades EVENT SOLD OUT
Richard Herring’s The Sunday Chat
With Jon Culshaw
Sun 30th January 2022
12.00pm
Join comedian and writer Richard Herring and guest – award-winning comedian, actor and impressionist Jon Culshaw.
Animation Fanatics
Sunday 30th January 2022
9:30am
Peter Lord (co-founder of Aardman Animations) has had a passion for early animation, both stop motion and classical drawing.
Richard Herring’s Desert Island Comedy Flicks
Sat 29th January 2022
12:30pm
Pioneer of comedy Podcasting, legendary stand-up and writer Richard Herring joins Infinite Monkey Cage co-host Robin Ince
The Real Charlie Chaplin (2021)
Saturday 29th January 2022
9.20am
We are honoured to be hosting a screening of the brand new documentary
Silent Comedy Gala 2022
Hosted by Stephen Mangan: Friday 28th January 2022
8pm EVENT SOLD OUT
Slapstick Conversations: Buster Keaton
Friday 28th January 2022
3.30pm
James Curtis, admired biographer of Preston Sturges, W.C.Fields and Spencer Tracy, gives us the richest, most comprehensive life story
The Patsy (1928)
Friday 28th January 2022
1:00pm
the iconic Marion Davies shines in one of the best of her many collaborations with director King Vidor.
W.C. Fields: Sally of the Sawdust
Friday 28th January 2022
10:00am
With an introduction from presenter Chris Serle and a personal message from Dr Harriet Fields (Fields’ granddaughter)
Slapstick Divas: Hosted by Sally Phillips and Ronni Ancona
Thursday 27th January 2022
8.30pm
Actor and comedian Sally Phillips is joined by Actor and Impressionist Ronni Ancona as they host this fascinating evening celebrating three silent comedy deities.
David Mitchell’s Top Comedy Moments
Thursday 27th January 2022
6pm EVENT SOLD OUT
Lloyd: The Kid Brother (1927)
Thursday 27th January 2022
3:00pm
Introduced by Suzanne Lloyd (Lloyd’s granddaughter) Harold Lloyd stars in one of the greatest ever silent comedies
First Women in Comedy
Thursday 27th January 2022
1:00pm
Lucy Porter and Sian Norris present a series of short films celebrating pioneering women in film comedy
An Old Gangster Molls (1927)
Thursday 27th January 2022,
10:00am
This Czechoslovakian silent comedy ‘An Old Gangster Molls’ stars Anny Ondra, who later became one of Hitchcock’s leads in ‘Blackmail’
Chaplin: The Circus (1928)
Wednesday 26th January 2022
5.20pm EVENT SOLD OUT
My Grandmother (1929)
Wednesday 26th January 2022
3:30pm
introduction from actor and early Russian cinema enthusiast Paul McGann, My Grandmother is an avant-garde gem of early filmmaking
Max Linder: Be My Wife (1921)
Wednesday 26th January 2022
1:20pm
Max Linder writes, directs and stars in the second of his three American films (Be My Wife
Silent Ozu: Days Of Youth (1929)
Wednesday 26th January 2022
10:30am
The oldest known surviving film by legendary Japanese director Yasujirô Ozu, introduction by film historian David Robinson.
Ben Model & Steve Massa Live from New York
Tuesday 25th January 2022
5.30pm
Ben Model and Steve Massa join us live from New York as they live-stream their latest discoveries in silent comedy
Slapstick Conversations: W.C.Fields
Live Online, Pre-Festival, Event: Wed Jan 19th
8.00pm
Slapstick Live Online
19th – 30th January