Slapstick Sunday
Sunday 19 February 2023
Bristol Old Vic hosts the final seven events of Slapstick 2023
ON-SCREEN: A HARD DAY’S NIGHT [PG]
With special guest Mike McCartney
Main theatre | 12 noon | | £18.00/£16.00/£13.00
Ranked among the BFI’s top 100 British films, nominated both for a BAFTA and two Oscars, A Hard Day’s Night, in which the Beatles play cheeky comic versions of themselves, captures the astonishing moment when they officially became the singular, irreverent, idols of their generation and changed music forever. Their natural comic talent is self-evident, including in several nods paid by the director to his favourite filmmaker: Buster Keaton. It also packed with hit songs and features appearances by many of the 20th century’s best-known entertainers. This newly restored 4HD version will start with a short ‘in conversation’ with Mike McCartney, the younger brother of Sir Paul, a guest at the 1964 Liverpool premiere and lead singer of the legendary chart-topping comedy trio, The Scaffold. (Director: Richard Lester, UK, 1964, 87mins, certificate PG)
STEPHEN MANGAN:
WHY I STILL LOVE LAUREL & HARDY
Main theatre | 3pm | £20.00/£18.00/£15.00
A welcome return to Slapstick by author, panel show regular and GREEN WING, EPISODES, I’M ALAN PARTRIDGE and THE SPLIT star Stephen Mangan, who triumphed as the host of Slapstick’s 2022 Gala - back this year to share his long-time affection for, and favourite screen moments of, the world’s finest comedy duo: Laurel & Hardy. In between introducing clips from a choice selection of the 100+ films, silent and talkie, Stan & Ollie made together. Stephen will also explain his own love affair with their work and bring an actor’s eye to how they won, and keep, fans worldwide.
ON-SCREEN: Monty Python’s LIFE OF BRIAN [12A]
with Sir Michael Palin and Stephen Merchant
Main theatre | 5.30pm | £22.00/£18.00/£15.00
A big screen showing of the film that sparked international controversy - and hilarity - by telling the story of Brian of Nazareth, born on the same day as Jesus, in the stable next door, but most definitely not the Messiah. It stars all six members of the Monty Python team portraying a total 40 characters. The screening will be hosted by Stephen Merchant and will begin with a brief on-stage chat with Sir Michael sharing anecdotes from its making, some home movie footage and explaining why he still considers it the most accomplished of the Python movies. (Director: Terry Jones, UK, 1979, 94 mins, certificate 12A.
MICHAEL PALIN: Beyond Python
in conversation with Rob Brydon
Main theatre | 8.30pm | ££38/£32.00/£25.00
He may be best known for his work with Monty Python but Sir Michael Palin (80 in May) has a long and distinguished track record as a comedy writer and performer, from penning gags for the likes of Ken Dodd and Roy Hudd and being in TV’s Do Not Adjust Your Set ensemble in the 1960s to roles in Armando Iannucci’s The Death of Stalin (2017) and the Michael Sheen/David Tennant lockdown project Staged (2021). Here, Rob Brydon probes Michael for insights and anecdotes about this outstanding legacy and what comes next, promising illuminating conversation and laugh-out-loud banter.
ODE TO JOYCE
A one-woman homage to Joyce Grenfell
Weston Studio |11:30am – 12:50pm | £12.00
Claire Knight stars in a must-see tribute to Joyce Grenfell (1910 - 1979) who’s hilarious and acutely-observed monologues and songs made her a global comedy star last century and inspired many other entertainers including Miranda Hart and the late, great, Victoria Wood. With a live piano accompaniment. “A wonderful show… leaves you marvelling at Joyce’s wit and wisdom” - Daily Telegraph
MONTY PYTHON’S BOOK SHAMBLES
Hosted by Robin Ince and special guests (TBA)
Weston Studio | 2pm | £10
Be part of the participating audience at a recording for a Monty Python-themed future edition of the chart-topping podcast. It will start with Robin Ince and special guests diving into books by, about inspired by or an influence on the Monty Python’s Flying Circus team but - be aware - tangents cannot be ruled out!
GOOD LISTENING TO… ROBIN INCE
Hosted by Chris Grimes
Weston Studio | 7.30pm | £10
In a live podcast recording of ‘The Good Listening To Show’ (also streaming on Facebook & YouTube) actor, comedian and Instant Wit improviser Chris Grimes hosts a wide-ranging chat with Slapstick Festival regular, stand-up, author and broadcaster Robin Ince. Tune in for stories from Robin’s colourful life and career, including his adventures as a co-presenter with Professor Brian Cox of The Infinite Monkey Cage on BBC Radio 4 and on sell-out tours worldwide.
