Jan26

Jan29

Britain’s biggest festival of visual screen comedy returns to Bristol for the eighth year running from Thursday 26 to Sunday 29 January 2012, bringing with it hilarity, top name guests - including Sanjeev Bhaskar, Barry Cryer, Griff Rhys Jones and Terry Jones – and the chance to salute a ‘lost’ comic genius who counts Woody Allen, Jean Luc Goddard, Terry Gilliam and David Lynch among his fans.

The festival’s full programme won’t  go online at www.slapstick.org.uk until late November but confirmed highlights so far include:

THURSDAY 26 JANUARY at 7.30pm
STUPID BOY – a salute to DAD’S ARMY with IAN (Private Pike) LAVENDER
It’s been over 45 years since Bristol Old Vic-trained Ian Lavender became a household name as Private “Stupid Boy’ Pike but this will be the first time he’s ever shared with a live audience his memories of what it was like to work with a who’s who of British comedy on a series that is still cherished by millions. Sharing the stage with Ian will be broadcaster and fan Matthew Sweet. Together, they will introduce and discuss favourite clips and episodes. There will also be opportunities for audience questions and, if everyone is in good voice,to join in a theme tune sing-along.

Tickets : £16 (£14 concessions)    
Venue : Colston Hall, Colston Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR
To book : 0117 922 3686 or www.colstonhall.org (booking fee may apply)

FRIDAY 27 JANUARY at 7.30pm
GRIFF RHYS JONES presents a SILENT COMEDY SPECTACULAR
Slapstick’s annual gala has been attracting sell-out crowds for eight years. This year the guest host is actor, broadcaster and writer Griff Rhys Jones introducing his silent comedy hero, Buster Keaton, in a feature which still figures on most ‘best ever movie’ lists: THE GENERAL (1926). It will be screened here with a brand new score by Guenter A. Buchwald.  Other treats include shorts starring Laurel and Hardy in THE FINISHING TOUCH (1928) and Charlie Chaplin in THE ADVENTURER (1916). The show also features live music and song from The European Silent Screen Virtuosi, the Bristol Ensemble and long-time festival favourites The Matinee Idles with a line-up which includes actor Paul McGann.

Tickets : £18 (£16 concessions)    
Venue : Colston Hall, Colston Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR
To book : 0117 922 3686 or www.colstonhall.org (booking fee may apply)

SATURDAY 28 JANUARY at 7.30pm
HE’S NOT THE MESSIAH, HE’S...TERRY JONES!
Monty Python’s LIFE OF BRIAN provoked such a storm of protest when it came out in 1979 that many places imposed bans, some of them only lifted in the past few years. Now Slapstick provides the chance to watch it again on the big screen with its director, co-writer, cast member and utterer of the film’s most famous line – Terry Jones. Joining him on stage will be comedian, actor, SPAMALOT star and long-time fan Sanjeev Bhaskar. Together, they’ll discuss why BRIAN caused such a stir, Terry’s role in its creation and why it remains one of the all-time best-rated comedies.  Includes Q&A session with the audience.

Tickets : £16 (£14 concessions)    
Venue: Colston Hall, Colston Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR
To book:  0117 922 3686 or www.colstonhall.org (booking fee may apply)

SUNDAY 29 JANUARY at 4pm
PIERRE ETAIX: AWARDED AT LAST 
Throughout the 1960s, French filmmaker, actor and clown Pierre Etaix produced, directed and starred in some of the world’s finest visual comedies, including the Oscar-winning HAPPY ANNIVERSARY. But then his work fell into a copyright black hole and remained unseen by the public for almost 40 years. Now, the championship of Woody Allen, Jean Luc Goddard, Terry Gilliam and David Lynch, among others, is reviving interest in Etaix’s talents. And here, Slapstick audiences get a rare and exclusive chance to see what the world has been missing as 83-year-old Etaix looks back on his life and work with Sir Christopher Frayling and – (hush, it’s a secret) – is presented with a very special award from a very special guest.

Tickets : prices not yet confirmed    
Venue: Watershed, Canons Road, Bristol, BS1 5TX
To book:  www.slapstick.org.uk 

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