Immerse yourself in the comic genius of Charlie Chaplin, Laurel & Hardy and Buster Keaton at Slapstick’s screen comedy Gala.
For over 20 years, Slapstick have defined themselves as a celebrated Bristol Institution, loved for their programme of screen comedy. The 2024 Gala is no exception and will feature big screen outings of three laugh-out-loud silent comedy classics, all accompanied by live music. Introducing the films and hosting the event is the award-winning actor and star of the Downton Abbey and Paddington film series, Hugh Bonneville.
Topping the film bill will be Charlie Chaplin’s masterwork The Gold Rush (1925), accompanied by the 15-piece Bristol Ensemble playing Chaplin’s own score, conducted by musical maestro Günter A. Buchwald.
Before this finale, the hilarious Laurel & Hardy short Big Business (1929) and one of Buster Keaton’s most admired and innovative short comedies, Cops (1921).
To set the mood for the evening, the Shanghai Shuffle jazz band will be playing in Bridgehouse (the foyer space at Bristol Beacon) from 18:00, providing a speakeasy atmosphere that captures the essence of the 1920s.
Dress for the occasion! 1920s clothing and costumes are very welcome (but of course optional).
Presented by Slapstick Festival
U18s: £5.00 off all ticket prices
Format: Reserved seating
Ages: All films rated ‘PG’ for parental guidance suggested
BSL interpreted performance
Performance times
Shanghai Shuffle jazz band: 18:00 in Bridgehouse
Doors: 19.00
Start: 19.30
Interval: 20.30 (20 mins)
Restart: 20:50
Finish: 22.40
All timings are approximate. Performers and times and subject to change.
“A Bristol Institution.”
Bristol Post
VIP supporters tickets
Package includes:
• Exclusive souvenir laminate
• Access to dress rehearsal screening of The Gold Rush
• Access to post-gala drinks party
• Exclusive Slapstick souvenir Gift
Limited availability
About Beacon Hall
Our new flagship venue at Bristol Beacon
View Beacon Hall
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View Beacon Hall
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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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