* SLAPSTICK GALA WITH MICHAEL PALIN, hosted by Graeme Garden.
Something Almost Completely Different
THURS 21 JAN 1930hrs
Venue: Colston Hall
Tickets: £16.00/£12.00 concessions and Bristol Silents members
Book via Colston Hall: 0117 922 3686 or visit www.colstonhall.org.uk


* LAUREL & HARDY: CLASSICS & RARITIES
SAT 23 JAN 1400hrs
Venue: Arnolfini
With an eclectic programme of classics & rarities from the ‘two minds without a single thought’, Graeme Garden (The Goodies) & silent comedy expert David Wyatt demonstrate why Stan and Ollie are now considered amongst the best comedy teams ever. They will divulge the duo’s influence on other comedy teams including ‘The Goodies’, and introduce films and clips of the rarest of all L & H appearances in Charley Chase’s ‘Now I’ll Tell One’ (1927) and a complete screening of their classic silent short ‘Putting Pants on Philip’ (1927).
Tickets: £7.00/£5.00 concessions and Bristol Silents members


* THE REAL FRED KARNO
SAT 23 JAN 1600hrs
Venue: Watershed Cinema 1
Tim Brooke-Taylor and Tony Staveacre (author of ‘Slapstick!’) investigate the legacy of the Exeter-born showman and impresario, Fred Karno. Credited with discovering Chaplin, Stan Laurel and even the pie-in-the-face gag, he has pioneered a tradition of physical comedy which still flourishes today. Their presentation will include rare archive footage of the great man himself as well as clips of his alumni, including Sandy Powell, Flanagan & Allen, Will Hay, Denny Dennis, George Carl, Stan Laurel and Charlie Chaplin. A rare opportunity to discover the genius of this master showman.
Tickets: £6.50/£5.00 concs and Bristol Silents members


* DESERT ISLAND SLAPSTICK
Chaired by David Robinson
If you were stuck on a desert island with only one silent comedy to keep you company, which would you choose? The first act of Slapstick’s hilarious double bill is our ever popular celebrity panel show Desert Island Slapstick. Join three of Britain’s best loved television and radio personalities as they each in turn choose their favourite silent comedies for our viewing pleasure. This year’s panel features three members of Radio 4’s I’m Sorry I Haven’t Clue team including festival regulars Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden plus for the first time at Slapstick festival illustrious comedy writer and performer Barry Cryer. What will they choose?
Tickets: £12.00/£10.00 concessions and Bristol Silents members – Includes both events (this one plus THE RUTLES: ALL YOU NEED IS CASH).
Book via Jesters: 0117 909 6655 or visit www.jesterscomedyclub.co.uk
Tickets can be booked at http://www.jesterscomedyclub.co.uk/index.php?id_page=6&id_gig=7252