Celebrate Valentine’s Day in a unique and unforgettable way by joining Bristol’s Slapstick Festival for its 20th-anniversary Silent Comedy Gala, hosted by none other than the brilliant, award-winning actor Martin Freeman.
Known and loved worldwide for his iconic roles in Sherlock, The Hobbit, The Office, and Black Panther, Martin’s razor-sharp wit, charm, and deep passion for classic comedy (especially Laurel & Hardy) make him the perfect host for this gala evening.
Enjoy the magic of watching three classic silent comedies on the big screen—exactly how they were meant to be seen—with live accompaniment from world-class musicians, including legendary keyboardist and ‘Grumpy Old Man’ star Rick Wakeman.
The highlight of the evening is Buster Keaton’s iconic Steamboat Bill Jr. (1928), filled with breathtaking stunts and timeless sight gags that cement Buster’s place amongst the all time comedy greats. The film is accompanied by the renowned five -piece European Silent Screen Virtuosi, led by maestro Günter A. Buchwald.
Rick Wakeman provides live, improvised accompaniment to Laurel & Hardy’s final silent short, the hilarious Angora Love (1929), where the comedy duo’s antics with a runaway goat cause chaos for their landlord. Charlie Chaplin’s classic and all still so relevant masterpiece The Immigrant (1917) completes the line up of classic screenings.
In addition, A cappella group The Matinee Idles, featuring members from 70s chart-toppers DARTS, along with actor Paul McGann, will perform as a reminder of their debut at the very first Silent Comedy Gala in 2005.
With Martin Freeman at the helm, this is more than a show—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of comedy, music, and classic comedy!
Ahead of the main hall events, Trip for Biscuits will be playing their ragtime takes on contemporary hits in the Beacon’s foyer from 18:00.
Presented by Slapstick Festival Ltd
Format: Reserved seating
Age: PG
BSL Interpreted Performance
Doors: 19:00
Start: 19.30
Approx Running time 3 hours (including 20min interval)
Please note: Guest appearances are subject to work commitments and may be subject to change.
All timings are approximate and subject to change
A fabulous feast of fun”
Bristol 24-7
Ticket Prices
VIP supporters tickets
£50.96 incl. booking fee
Limited availability
Package includes:
Exclusive souvenir laminate with ticket
• Invitation to exclusive post-gala drinks party
• Premium Seating
Standard tickets
Band A: £37.01 incl. booking fee
Band B: £26.41 incl. booking fee
Band C: £13.90 incl. booking fee
Premium Seats: £50.45 incl. booking fee
Festival Passes
Silent Comedy Pass
Price: £141.28 incl. booking fee
Perfect for Silent/Classic Comedy enthusiasts! Save almost 50% on regular tickets with access to 20 events, including all 15 Watershed screenings and 4 MegaScreen events. Plus, enjoy The Silent Comedy Gala with Rick Wakeman and a special guest host (TBA). Bonus: Includes an exclusive Slapstick Festival laminate pass.
Slapstick Full Pass
Price: £252.30 incl. booking fee
Get access to 31 events, including the best seats in the house for 16 events. This pass offers almost 50% savings and includes tickets to an additional theatre show at Beacon Lantern on Saturday 15 February 2025, not yet announced or listed
Please note: Full Pass holders have the option to watch either Dr. Strangelove or That’s really heavy man.
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.
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
Bristol Mind's Blue Monday Comedy Night
Hosted by Stuart Goldsmith
Comedy
Light Entertainment
Talk/Lecture
Slapstick Festival 2025
20th Anniversary
Comedy
Slapstick Festival 2025
Slapstick Silent Comedy Gala
Special Guest Host: Martin Freeman
Comedy
Slapstick Festival 2025
Don't Tell Him, Pike! A tribute to Ian Lavender and Dad's Army
With Special Guest Rick Wakeman CBE
Comedy
Slapstick Festival 2025
Freedom for Tooting!: Cancelled
Celebrating Citizen Smith with Robert Lindsay
Select a date
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19:30