The full lineup has been revealed for one of Bristol's most popular comedy festivals.
Slapstick is the UK’s biggest celebration of silent and classic screen comedy, taking over a number of venues in Bristol every January.
Local legend Stephen Merchant, the ever-popular Rob Brydon and the madcap Harry Hill were all announced as headliners in September
There will also be an appearance from all three members of The Goodies at the event, which takes place between January 23 - 26.
And organisers of the event have now released the full programme, which includes actor Paul McGann, broadcaster Samira Ahmed and comedians Shappi Khorsandi and Lucy Porter.
Highlights of the announcement
- Stand-up Shappi Khorsandi hosting a celebration of Slapstick Divas - a treasury of rarely seen silent comedies starring some of the era’s best-loved female stars, including Mabel Normand, Dorothy Devore, Louise Fazenda and Gale Henry.
- A Bristol Cathedral screening of Buster Keaton’s restored Our Hospitality (1923) in 4K glory, accompanied live by the European Silent Screen Virtuosi, plus shorts from Laurel & Hardy and Charlie Chaplin, all introduced by actor and silent film fan Paul McGann.
- A selection of newly restored, recently rediscovered and forgotten silent films including Buster Keaton’s own favourite shorts; solo turns by Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy; some early Chaplin and their many European counterparts PLUS a rare UK screening of a film by past Aardman Slapstick award winner Pierre Etaix.
- Bill Oddie sharing his love of cartoons and his special passion for the slapstick antics of Bugs Bunny, Wile E. Coyote, Road Runner and Tom and Jerry.
- A look back at the ground-breaking TV series At Last The 1948 Show with original cast member Tim Brooke-Taylor using favourite clips and newly found footage.
Event guarantees 'light relief and oodles of laughter'
Slapstick is a not-for-profit venture heavily reliant on fee-free appearances by guests, sponsorship from many local businesses and the help of volunteers.
Festival director Chris Daniels said: "There’s a lot of frustration and sadness in the world at present and while comedy can’t cure it, it does lift the spirits to come together with others and enjoy a good laugh.
"That’s what the 25 events lined up for Slapstick 2020 in January are guaranteed to provide - some much-needed light relief and oodles of laughter for all ages and interests."
Tickets
Bookings are now open for the full Slapstick 2020 programme, which runs between January 23 to 26.
For more details including ticket prices and booking arrangements, see the festival’s website.
Visit the Slapstick Festival page for more information and tickets.
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