We’re still awaiting full programming details for the Slapstick festival in Bristol, though we do at least have the dates – 17-20 January 2008. But meanwhile, tickets have just gone on sale for the festival’s gala event, a screening of Chaplin’s The Gold Rush, hosted by the ubiquitous Paul Merton, and the world premiere of Timothy Brock’s rescoring of Chaplin’s own score, played by the Emerald Ensemble. The evening also features a programme of comedy shorts, including Laurel and Hardy’s Leave ’em Laughing, with musical accompaniment from the no less ubiquitous Neil Brand “and international friends”, plus special guest Paul McGann. All this at Colston Hall, Bristol, on Friday 18 January, tickets £15, £12 conc., £5 for the under-twelves.
The Bioscope 