Step into the golden age of cinema for an evening of timeless comedy, live music, and vintage charm at Bristol’s beloved Silent Comedy Gala – the sparkling centrepiece of Slapstick Festival.
This year’s headline feature is Charlie Chaplin’s The Kid (1921), a landmark in film history and Chaplin’s first full-length masterpiece. Hilarious, heartfelt, and unforgettable, The Kid captures Chaplin at the peak of his creative powers, blending visual comedy with deep emotional resonance.
The film’s original score, composed by Chaplin himself, will be performed live by the Bristol Ensemble in a specially arranged 16-player version, conducted by maestro Guenter A. Buchwald.
Arrive early and soak up the atmosphere with live musical performances in the Foyer. A night of song, laughter and cinematic magic – all on the big screen, just as it was meant to be.
Copyright: CHARLIE CHAPLIN, the LITTLE TRAMP are trademarks of Roy Export and Bubbles Inc. S.A. All Rights Reserved. © Roy Export SAS.
Presented by Slapstick Festival
Guenter A. Buchwald. Conductor
Format: Reserved seating
Age: 12+ advisory
BSL interpreted
Performance times
Foyer performance: 18.00
Beacon Hall doors: 19.00
Start: 19.30
All timings are approximate and subject to change
Film programme
The Kid (1921)
Blending heartfelt emotion with Chaplin’s signature visual comedy, The Kid marked a turning point in cinema—his first full-length triumph and a timeless milestone in film history.
The Boat (1921)
Buster Keaton’s nautically chaotic gem, with a unique, live improvised score by legendary keyboardist and Keaton admirer Rick Wakeman.
Leave ’Em Laughing (1928)
Laurel & Hardy star in a brand new 4K restoration of this riotous short. The beloved duo at their most uproarious.
Ticket prices & offers
Ticket prices:
- Tier 1: £13.44
- Tier 2: £29.12
- Tier 3: £44.75
- VIP supporters ticket: £61.60
All prices include booking fee.
Ticket offers
Limited number of summer early bird, which will run until the 1st September unless allocation is sold before this date: 10% off tickets (excl. VIP supporter tickets). Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers
Under 18s
£5 off all ticket prices
Students
£5 off all ticket prices
Unemployed / Unwaged
£5 off all ticket prices
VIP Supporter Ticket
£61.60 Incl. booking fee
Ticket includes:
- Premium seating
- Exclusive souvenir lanyard
- Access to post gala drinks
A fabulous feast of fun
Bristol 24/7
About Beacon Hall
Our new flagship venue at Bristol Beacon
View Beacon Hall
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View Beacon Hall
View 14 images
Seating plans
Seating plans
Beacon Hall has three levels that can be used in a seated or standing format. View seating plans, auditorium entrances and exits and accessible viewing areas.
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
Beacon Hall
at Bristol Beacon
Getting to the venue
Location: Beacon 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 in:
- row S in the centre of the rear Stalls (10 spaces)
- row Z in the left and right wings at the back of Lower Tier (4 spaces, 2 on each side),
- rows G/H on the left only at the back of Upper Tier (2 spaces)
Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs and emotional support animals are allowed in the performance space. Seats in row F 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
Jason Manford
A Manford All Seasons
- BSL Interpreted Performance performances available
Select a date
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19:30BSL Interpreted Performance