Film / preview
Charlie Chaplin and Rick Wakeman take centre stage at 2026 Slapstick Comedy Gala
Charlie Chaplin’s The Kid (pictured) is the main attraction at the 2026 Slapstick Silent Comedy Gala, which takes place at the Bristol Beacon on February 6. This 1921 classic was Chaplin’s semi-autobiographical first feature as writer, director and star. This proved to be a watershed moment in his career, as he broadened his palette from pure slapstick. Set in hostile Victorian London, it has Chaplin’s Little Tramp struggling to look after an illegitimate urchin (Jackie Coogan).
Slapstick’s screening will be accompanied by a live orchestral score written by Chaplin himself and performed by the Bristol Ensemble in a specially arranged 16-player version, conducted by Guenter A. Buchwald.
Rick Wakeman with Martin Freeman at this year’s Slapstick Gala at the Bristol Beacon. Pic: David Betteridge
Special guest Rick Wakeman performs a live, semi-improvised score alongside Guenter for Buster Keaton’s The Boat (1921). It’s a swift return to the Beacon for Rick after his own show in October performing his classic albums The Six Wives of Henry VIII and The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table in their entirety.
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Also included in the Slapstick Gala is a brand-new 4K restoration of Laurel & Hardy’s Leave ‘Em Laughing (1928) accompanied by the European Silent Screen Trio.
Specially discounted early bird tickets are on sale now. Slapstick 2026 runs from Feb 4-8. Watch this space for more information as we get it.
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