Film / News
Slapstick Festival saved thanks to public support
Last month, things were looking pretty desperate for Bristol’s Slapstick Festival of classic and silent comedy. Robbed by Covid-19 of the opportunity to stage the fundraisers that are vital to finance the much-needed annual January outbreak of mirth, director Chris Daniels was staring into the abyss.
Then he came up with the idea of staging the Big Comedy Night In – a pay-to-view virtual fundraiser. An impressive line-up of celebs volunteered their services, including Frankie Boyle, Jo Brand, Rob Brydon, Stephen Fry, Harry Hill, Lucy Porter, Paul McGann, Matt Lucas, Lee Mack, Stephen Merchant and Michael Palin. But at a time when many are feeling the pinch, would punters actually be prepared to shell out the £5,000 necessary to keep the show on the road?
The answer was a resounding yes. When the beans were counted after the September 27 event, 210% of the target had been raised. With nearly £11,000 in the kitty, Slapstick 2021 is now guaranteed to go ahead in January. Go here to listen to Graeme Garden’s heartfelt message of thanks.
Slapstick Festival Director Chris Daniels
“It will, of course, be a different festival to those of previous years, but at heart it will be the same Slapstick you all know and love,” says Chris. The likelihood is that it will be a mix of live and virtual events running over an extended period from January 10-31. Watch this space for more details as we get them.
Images supplied by Slapstick.
Read more: Slapstick Festival launches ‘make or break’ virtual fundraiser
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
