Stephen K. Amos dives deeper into his admiration for Mel Brooks as he introduces the film he considers his all-time favourite comedy: Blazing Saddles (1974).
This Mel Brooks classic stars Cleavon Little as a Black sheriff, appointed by a scheming villain intent on destroying a town, only to prove himself a worthy adversary. The film bursts with both physical and verbal comedy, powered by a stellar supporting cast including Gene Wilder, Slim Pickens, and Madeline Kahn (who earned an Oscar nomination for her performance).
With Stephen’s knack for audience engagement, attendees may find themselves invited to challenge or defend his top comedy pick in a brief post screening Q&A.
Presented by Slapstick Festival Ltd
Format: Reserved seating
Blazing Saddles (1974)
Director: Mel Brooks, USA, 93 mins
Age: 12A
Performance times
Doors: 21.00
Start: 21.15
Finish: 23.00
All timings are approximate and subject to change
Concession tickets
£8.80 incl. booking fee
Concession tickets are available for:
- Under 24’s
- People who are unwaged
Slapstick Festival 2025
Wed 12 Feb – Sun 16 Feb 2025
Bristol Beacon
Slapstick Festival returns to Bristol to celebrate its 20th anniversary edition! Featuring 35 classic, silent and visual film events alongside top-tier comedy performances across Bristol’s iconic venues, including Bristol Beacon, Bristol Old Vic, Watershed, and more.
Festival Passes
Silent Comedy Pass
Earlybird Price: £135.00 incl. booking fee
(Saves £15)
A must for lovers of vintage and silent comedy, the Silent Pass gives you access to a superb programme of screenings, talks, and live accompaniments featuring comedy legends from Chaplin to Keaton, Laurel & Hardy, and beyond. Includes access to 20 events.
Slapstick Full Pass
Earlybird Price: £225.00 incl. booking fee
(Saves £25)
Get the complete Slapstick experience! The Full Pass includes everything in the Silent Pass, plus an exclusive selection of special events, live shows, and modern comedy favourites.
Includes access to 30+ events.
About Lantern Hall
Bristol’s home of dazzling new music
Seating plans
Seating plans
Lantern Hall is a performance space with a flat floor that can be used in a seated or standing format. To find out more detail about our seating plans, auditorium entrances and exits and accessible viewing areas, view our seating plan page.
Venue information
Venue information
Take a closer look at our beautifully restored venue, see what’s on and view detailed information about the performance space.
The venue
Lantern Hall
at Bristol Beacon
Getting to the venue
Location: Lantern Hall is located within Bristol Beacon. Head to Level 1 and follow signs to find the auditorium.
Address: Bristol Beacon, Trenchard Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR
Bicycle
Bicycle racks can be found in front of the main entrance on Trenchard Street, Colston Street, and on the city centre promenade. Find your nearest cycle routes using Cycle Planner.
Car parking
Trenchard Street multi-storey car park is 200m away, directly behind Bristol Beacon.
Bristol Clean Air Zone
Bristol Beacon is inside the Bristol Clean Air Zone. Check if your vehicle will be charged and how much you’ll have to pay.
Bus
Most bus services stop in and around the city centre promenade, 250m from Bristol Beacon.
Access
Mobility
Spaces for wheelchair users are available within the first 10 rows on the flat floor of the Hall.
Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs and emotional support animals are allowed in the performance space. Seats in rows AA-J on the flat floor are most suitable. If you prefer, you can leave your animal with a member of staff during the performance.
Hearing Facility
A Sennheiser MobileConnect assistive listening system is installed in the venue. Download the free App and use your own mobile device and headphones to listen to the performance. (Devices are available on request.)
Eat & Drink
Eat & Drink
We’ve got plenty of places for you to relax and refill. From coffee and cake, to delicious sharing boards, to full menus.
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Event Ticket Coverage
Protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances with Booking Protect and get a full refund if you’re unable to attend.
Comedy
Bristol Mind's
Blue Monday Comedy Night
Stuart Goldsmith, Harriet Dyer, Riki Msindo, Morgan Rees & Amy Mason
Comedy
Slapstick Festival 2026
Silent Comedy Gala 2026: The Kid (1921)
Rick Wakeman and special guest host Stephen Mangan
- BSL Interpreted Performance performances available
Comedy
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Rick Wakeman's Top Musical Comedy Moments
Cinema
Comedy
Families
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Big Brass Comedy Film Show
Featuring Andy Day
- BSL Interpreted Performance performances available
Cinema
Comedy
Talk/Lecture
Slapstick Festival 2026
Alexei Sayle's Stuff - Revisited
With Robin Ince