Buster Keaton is returning to Slapstick Festival's gala with his classic film “Seven Chances”. Not only that, but the screening will also feature a world premiere of a brand new score by internationally renowned maestro and composer Guenter A Buchwald. The new score will be conducted by Guenter and accompanied by festival regulars Bristol Ensemble. We're also especially thrilled to announce that we'll be showing a beautifully restored version of the film in colour-toned black & white and colour! More details below.

Festival director Chris Daniels says:

“This film is such a classic I can't believe we haven't screened it yet at the gala, it’s a real treat and it's definitely one of Buster’s funniest”.

We'll be announcing the host in September as usual, but if you want to beat the crowds and get in nice and early the good news is that tickets go live today at Colston Hall. As per usual visit their website to book a ticket via THIS LINK or give them a ring on 0844 887 1500. Alternatively just pop into the venue itself on Colston St, BS1 5AR.

Although January Fri 23 Jan 2015 may seem like a long way off at the moment it's worth noting that the gala does usually sell out so you are advised to book early.

...will be Charlie Chaplin's satirical masterpiece The Immigrant (1917) in which Charlie is an immigrant who endures a challenging voyage and gets into trouble as soon as he arrives in America 
& Laurel & Hardy's classic tit-for-tat caper Big Business (1929), in which our heroes are Christmas tree salesmen in California. In time honoured Slapstick Festival gala style both of these shorts will also have live musical accompaniments.

There will, of course, be a cavalcade of other treats in store for gala goers, more details about which will follow.

Seven Chances is one of Buster Keaton’s most successful silent comedies featuring Keaton in the neon impossible situation of having twenty four hours to marry in order to inherit a fortune! The film follows Keaton on his quest for a bride, with all the unfortunate (but hilarious) bad luck he could expect; the love of his life turns him down, and this is followed by a string of further turn downs!

"The film originally had a Technicolor opening sequence, but unfortunately the negatives for this sequence have been lost. However, they have been rendered “as clear and faithful a representation of the original colour as is possible today” (silentera.com) .

Slapstick Festival is lucky enough to be screening the film with the recreation of this colour sequence!

We can't wait to unveil more details about Slapstick 2015 for you. The fledgling program is taking place as we write and you can be assured it will feature friends old and new - both in terms of films and guests. After the coruscating success that was Slapstick 2014 we know we've set the bar high, but we're confident no one will be disappointed in 2015!

Watch this space for more details about Slapstick Festival 2015, or, if you wish to get the news as it happens, be sure to keep your eyes on our website: slapstick.org.uk, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter: @SlapstickFest. And of course if you like what you've read here please forward this to your friends.

Thank you for your time - we look forward to seeing you in January 2015.