Mission Statement

Slapstick Festival exists to build new audiences for and an appreciation of silent and visual on-screen comedy.

We do this by showcasing and celebrating archive comedy predominately from the silent era of film (1895-1930) with live and online events in Bristol, a UNESCO City of Film.

With a culture of innovation, branding and marketing we offer access to all sectors of the community, something we do by combining these films with live music from world-class musicians, well-known guests and experts to engage and build new and more diverse audiences for this unique art form.

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Slapstick Gala 2016 9772

Our Vision

Transforming silent & visual comedy exhibition and public engagement.

Almost Two Decades Of Laughter

Slapstick Festival continues to go from strength to strength. Since 2005 we have presented annual editions of the festival in Bristol, hosting over 350 events for more than 130,000 people.

Our mission continues to introduce rare archive and silent comedy films to more and more diverse audiences.

Festival Team

  • Chris Daniels
    Chris Daniels, Director
  • Hannah Statford, Personal Assistant to Director
    Hannah Stratford: PA to Director
  • Sue
    Sue Lion, Operations Manager
  • Rustin
    Rustin Allison, Researcher
  • Jacqui Ham
    Jacqui Ham, Festival Producer
  • Guy
    Guy Manchester, Digital Content Manager
  • Ewan
    Ewan Dunford, Technical Manager
  • Chris
    Chris Kidd, Guest Liaison
  • adrian web design city
    Adrian Somerfield, Website Design
  • Jacob Burley
    Jacob Burley: YouTube Editor

Guest Liaison: Chris Kidd. Stage Manager: Gemma Brooks. Musical Director: Günter A. Buchwald. Festival Photographers: David Betteridge. Website: Adrian Somerfield (webdesigncity.co.uk). Press & PR: Pam Beddard. Design & Branding: Louise Kelly (Limepark Studios). Advertising: Out Of Hand. Branding: Danny Heffer. Filming Team and Editing: Aardman Machine Room, UWE. Trailer: Jacob Hurley. Ident: Bram Twheam (Aardman). Advisors/Curators: Michael Daniels, Andrew Kelly, Harriet Taylor, Polly Rose, Sean Clarke.

Patrons

Kevin Brownlow
Mike McCartney
Marcus Brigstocke
Kevin Brownlow
Rob Brydon MBE
Bernie Clifton
Dr Harriet Fields
Graeme Garden OBE
Peter Lord CBE
Matt Lucas
Paul McGann
Bill Oddie OBE
Sir Michael Palin
Nick Park CBE
David Robinson
David Sproxton CBE
Suzanne Lloyd
Mike McCartney

Advisory Board

The Slapstick Advisory Board are a committed group of experts and enthusiasts from a variety of industries and backgrounds who, individually and collectively, offer guidance on strategic direction, ethos, finances and creative content.

Graeme Garden
David Sproxton
David Robinson
Robin Ince
Lucy Porter
Chris Kidd
Dr Jo Daniels
Sue Lion
Steven Coombe
Christopher Daniels
Sean Clarke

Programming Team

Polly Rose
Steve Massa
Ben Model
Kevin Brownlow