Stand-up star Lucy Porter introduces two films linked by their takes on marriage. The short, LE TORCHON BRULE (Romeo Busetti, France, 1911, 5 mins) is by far the oldest and shortest in this year’s programme, starring Sarah Duhamel as one half of a couple engaged in all-out war. The main feature is OH! WHAT A … Read more
Laugh-out-loud sight gags, sharp satirical digs at the business side of Hollywood and some of cinema’s best known stars feature throughout this fine satire – charting the attempts by Mel Brooks and the lost-too-young Marty Feldman to make a silent film. True to its title, the movie is completely silent—save for one unforgettable word delivered … Read more
W.C.Fields is best known for his witty, cantankerous quotes and later talkies but here in this early silent comedy he shines as the henpecked Elmer. Regularly criticised by work colleagues and disrespected by clients until ,that is, he’s hypnotised into believing he is a lion. Host Andrew Kelly will be talking live via Zoom to … Read more
A comedy about four single girls with busy office jobs and love lives sharing a flat in a big city. Sounds like the plot of a modern TV series, doesn’t it? But not only does Norrtullsligan date from 1923 it was an adaptation of stories published 15 years earlier by journalist and feminist Elin Wägner. … Read more
To open Slapstick’s 20th anniversary edition Aardman’s co-founder chats with Andrew Smith , director of Cartoon Carnival a lovingly-researched documentary telling the story of the pioneering early days of animated film and of one film preservationist’s quest to rescue pre-sound cartoons from obscurity and share them with new audiences. We will be showing the film … Read more
Celebrate Valentine’s Day in a unique and unforgettable way by joining Bristol’s Slapstick Festival for its 20th-anniversary Silent Comedy Gala, hosted by none other than the brilliant, award-winning actor Martin Freeman. Known and loved worldwide for his iconic roles in Sherlock, The Hobbit, The Office, and Black Panther, Martin’s razor-sharp wit, charm, and deep passion … Read more
Your host for the evening is TV host (The Last Leg), activist and stand up comedian Adam Hills. For this rare onstage performance Adam will be joined by and incredible line-up featuring the best UK comedy talent including Jack Dee, Richard Herring, Ria Lina, Alasdair Beckett-King and Tony Hawks. Organised in support of Bristol’s vintage comedy not-for-profit … Read more
ON SALE FRI 26 JULY, 10am.Reading Arts Members’ Priority Booking From Thurs 25 July, 10am.EARLY-BIRD TICKETS AVAILABLE…Book Now and Get £4 Off Supporting Bristol’s Slapstick Festival, this fundraising comedy event promises to be an unforgettable evening of laughter featuring some of the brightest stars in British stand-up comedy today. By attending this event, you get to … Read more
Your host for the evening is ROBIN INCE. Join us for an unforgettable evening of laughter and stand up at The Hexagon Theatre in Reading! The highly anticipated Big Comedy Bash returns, and this time it’s bigger and better than ever. With your host Robin Ince and featuring an outstanding line-up of top comedians, including the fabulous Josh Widdecombe along with … Read more