An unforgettable evening of laughter, live music and cinematic spectacle awaits at Bristol’s much-loved Silent Comedy Gala, the flagship event of the 23rd Slapstick Festival.
Hosting the evening is the incomparable Stephen Fry, whose wit, warmth and love of comedy make him the perfect guide to an evening celebrating cinema’s greatest comic pioneers.
This year’s landmark Gala is headlined by Buster Keaton’s iconic masterpiece The General (1926). Consistently ranked among the greatest films ever made, this breathtaking locomotive adventure remains as exhilarating, inventive and funny today as it was a century ago. Experience these fabulous films on a giant cinema screen, surrounded by an audience sharing the laughter, with spectacular live musical accompaniment.
Performing live alongside the screen are the acclaimed European Silent Screen Virtuosi, led by internationally renowned silent-film musicians Maestro Günter A. Buchwald and Frank Bockius, bringing their extraordinary talents to Keaton’s daring stunts and perfectly timed comedy.
Special guest Billy Bragg will perform songs with the Sing Out Bristol Choir celebrating the rich tradition of American railway songs. Evoking the journeys, working lives and stories woven into railway history, the performance offers a fitting musical connection to the steam-powered world of The General.
The evening also features two classic comedy shorts. Charlie Chaplin’s The Adventurer (1917) finds cinema’s greatest underdog in full flight, turning escape, romance and authority upside down with breathtaking comic invention. Meanwhile, Laurel & Hardy’s With Love and Hisses (1927) a century on this early movie from the boys delivers military mayhem and comic confusion from comedy’s most beloved double act.
Adding to the atmosphere, Richie Paradise’s Big R Band will be performing in the foyer from 6.30pm
If you’ve never experienced silent film with live music, you’re in for a treat.
Funny, thrilling, moving and suitable for all ages, the Slapstick Silent Comedy Gala remains one of the highlights of Bristol’s cultural calendar and one of the most magical ways to experience classic cinema on the big screen.
All guest appearances are subject to availability. The programme may be subject to change.
Presented by Slapstick Festival
Special guest host (TBA)
Format: Reserved seating
Film Certificate: PG
Age guidance: 12+
BSL interpreted
Performance times
Bars open: 18.30
Doors: 19.00
Start: 19.30
All timings are approximate and subject to change
Looks even more startling than ever.
The Guardian
BSL users: How to book
This event includes British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation. The location of the BSL interpreter on stage can change for different events, or they might be integrated into the performance and move about the stage.
We reserve a range of seating locations that are best for audiences who are BSL users. These are available to select in the purchase path if you are logged in and signed up to our Access Register.
If you would like to book BSL seats, please sign up to our access register, and look for the BSL symbol when you book.
VIP ticket
£60.00 Incl. booking fee
Enjoy the very best of the evening with our exclusive VIP experience.
VIP tickets includes:
- Premium reserved seating – among the best seats in the house
- Exclusive access to the Terrace After Party following the show
- A limited-edition commemorative VIP laminate, available exclusively to VIP guests
VIP tickets are limited, so early booking is recommended.
Concession ticket
Under 18s / Student / Unwaged receive £5.00 off tickets in price bands B and C.
About Beacon Hall
Our flagship venue at Bristol Beacon
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),
- row Z on the right 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
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Comedy
Silent Comedy Gala hosted by Stephen Fry with special guest Billy Bragg and Sing Out Bristol Choir
Buster Keaton's The General
Live music from the internationally acclaimed European Silent Screen Virtuosi
- BSL Interpreted Performance performances available
Select a date
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19:30BSL Interpreted Performance