Have you heard our latest #podcast? We talk about two fantastic ways to explore Reading - one for adults (Reading Cocktail Week), and one for kids (Reading Dino Trail) - with Alexa from Reading BID. Listen, look and book via buff.ly/sZhjFvT

Wishing #MarkSteel a very happy birthday and hoping that Every Little Thing's Gonna Be Alright 🎂 We're also excited that Mark Steel’s in Town for our fundraiser Stand Up to Slapstick at The Hexagon, Reading, on Thu 29 October 19:30 - tickets via the link below!

Saw this the first year I went to @slapstickfest.bsky.social A great introduction to classic cartoons from Winsor McCay to Tex Avery via the Fleischer's, Ub Iwerks, Charley Bowers & Ladislas Starevich. It's always a delight when Peter Lord has done a talk at Slapstick youtube.com/watch?v=kYXN...

Recorded in January 2022 at Watershed, Bristol, we’ve uploaded from the Slapstick Festival archive to our YouTube Animation Fanatics with co-founder of Aardman (and now Sir), Peter Lord! Link below to watch, with the YouTube premiere beginning Fri 3 July 18:00.

Receive news and exclusive discounts on Slapstick Festival events straight to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter via the link in below! Get involved today as we have an exciting announcement coming up… #slapstickfest #laurelandhardy #newsletter #silentcomedy #slapstickcomedy

Recorded in 2007, we've uploaded to YouTube from the Slapstick archive "Trumptonshire Tales", a live stage event celebrating the beloved world of #CamberwickGreen, #Trumpton and #Chigley. The evening featured the legendary Brian Cant in conversation with comedian and broadcaster #PhillJupitus.

Last chance to pick up our Early bird offer for Stand Up for Slapstick at The Hexagon, Reading 👇

Tickets are now on sale for our fundraiser, Stand Up for Slapstick! Join us on Thursday 29 October 19:30 at The Hexagon, Reading, for a joyous evening of laughter as comedy favourites Henning Wehn, Mark Steel, Angela Barnes and Alasdair Beckett-King take to the stage.

Wishing a very Happy Birthday to Stan Laurel, one half of the legendary Slapstick Comedy duo Laurel and Hardy 🎂 We've been showcasing their work for over 20 years, with our most recent festival centred on the pair, and the favourite Laurel and Hardy films of comedians who were influenced by them.

Dive into the Cinema Rediscovered 10th Birthday edition programme from Wed 22 to Sun 26 July, Experience all of the festival by picking up a pass, receiving exclusive discounts. Individual tickets are now open for Club Shed members, with general release available from the beginning of June.

Remembering the legendary and anarchic genius #RikMayall, who passed away 12 years ago on 9th June 2014. A throwback to last year's festival at Bristol Old Vic where Robin Ince spoke with Rik’s close friends and collaborators on #TheYoungOnes, #NigelPlaner and #BenElton. 📸 David Betteridge

As it's #VolunteersWeek, we wanted to give a big thanks to those who help make #SlapstickFestival happen each year. Whether they're on the merch table, directing customers or supporting the special guests, it's their invaluable work that keeps our not-for-profit organisation going.

Festival founder Mark Cosgrove will be on @bcfmradio.bsky.social at 11:30 discussing w/ Charlie Morris 10 Years of Cinema Rediscovered! Listen in below 👇

Gee Ollie, we're back on Talking Pictures TV! #StanLaurel #OliverHardy in BUSY BODIES (1933) 1:30pm Classic comedy #TPTVsubtitles #LaurelAndHardy

A big happy birthday to film historian and Slapstick patron Kevin Brownlow! An expert on silent cinema, with several books on the matter, we always consult him when putting together the festival - looking forward to meeting up for planning session soon 👀 #kevinbrownlow #slapstickfestival

Armando Iannucci (‘The Death of Stalin’) and Simon Blackwell (‘Veep’) are writing the script for ‘PADDINGTON 4’.

It still feels very wrong to me that Victoria Wood is gone.

Remembering our dear friend and national treasure Victoria Wood, who was born on this day, 19 May 1953. A throwback to 2013 with our festival director Chris Daniels, when she hosted the Silent Comedy Gala at what is now known as Bristol Beacon. #victoriawood #botd

A big Happy Birthday to legendary keyboardist, and Slapstick Patron #RickWakeman! We've been honoured to have Rick play at the last two Silent Galas and share his favourite comedy musical moments with Britain's Comedy Historian #RobertRoss at #BristolBeacon. 📸 David Betteridge Photography

Happy Birthday to hilarious comedian and Slapstick patron Marcus Brigstocke 🎂 A throwback to 10 years ago helping us promote the festival for ITV, sporting a glorious moustache sat upon a 💀 throne. #marcusbrigstocke #comedian #birthday #slapstickfestival #patron

Happy Birthday to national treasure and Slapstick Festival patron, Sir #MichaelPalin! Photos from our #TerryJones celebration at The Hexagon Reading last year, where Michael joined comedy legend (and also one of our patrons!) #SanjeevBhaskar in conversation. 📸 David Betteridge

A big Happy 90th Birthday to national treasure and festival patron Bernie Clifton! It's the perfect time to revisit his conversation with @robinince.bsky.social in 2021 on our YouTube channel - No Ostrich Required - link below. #bernieclifton #slapstickfestival #robinince #britishcomedy #comedy

More photos from last week's sold-out Big Comedy Bash at The Hexagon Reading ℅ David Betteridge 📸 Thanks again to the venue, the audience and the performers #RiaLina, #HarryEnfield, @rorybremner.bsky.social, special guest #JasperCarrott and host #joelycett.

📢 Calling UK-based film curators! Park Circus is teaming up once again with Cinema Rediscovered to invite you to pitch a 4-5 repertory film season idea curated from their catalogue for 2027. Submit your proposal(s) via the link in our bio by Monday 25 May 2026, midnight BST.

An incredible sold-out show with this amazing lineup for our Big Comedy Bash at The Hexagon Reading last night! Thank you to the venue, the audience and the performers Ria Lina, Harry Enfield, Rory Bremner, special guest Jasper Carrott and host Joe Lycett. 📸 David Betteridge Photography

Less than 20 tickets remaining for tomorrow's event 🎉 Join us whatsonreading.com/venues/hexag...

Born on this day, 20th April 1893, we celebrate Slapstick Comedy legend and cheer Hooray for Harold Lloyd 🎊 Probably the only thing he loved more than a pratfall are some of his best friends throughout the years 🐶 #haroldlloyd #slapstickcomedy #dogphotos #blackandwhite #silentfilm

Very excited for the Terry Jones statue unveiling in Colwyn Bay next week! A Python on the Prom is such a fitting tribute for the comedy legend, come along in your best Terry fancy dress and show your support. #apythonontheprom #montypython #terryjones #colwynbay #statue

One week to go til The Big Comedy Bash 2026 at The Hexagon, Reading @rdgwhatson.bsky.social ! Last remaining tickets on Wed 22 April 19:30 for a star-studded line-up of #RiaLina, #HarryEnfield and #RoryBremner, with special guest #JasperCarrott and hosted by #JoeLycett.

On this day, 12 April, we pay tribute to dear friend and Slapstick patron Tim Brooke-Taylor who passed away in 2020. Pictured with Bristol great @stephenmerchant.bsky.social, it was an honour to celebrate The Goodies' 50th anniversary with Tim, Bill Oddie and Graeme Garden. 📸 David Betteridge

I was there, and Ryland and co put on one hell of a show for us all. He even signed my Hundreds of Beavers Blu-ray. Also I finally see a picture of a Megascreen audience that manages to get me in it! 😆

Happy International Beaver Day 🦫 Throwback to our 20th anniversary festival where we filled Bristol Megascreen with Hundreds of Beavers - hope Ryland, Jess and co come back to Bristol soon! #internationalbeaverday #hundredsofbeavers #bristol #slapstickfestival #slapstickcomedy

Happy Birthday to our favourite impressionist, @rorybremner.bsky.social! A long-term #Slapstick supporter, pictured here with Roy Hudd and patron Graeme Garden in 2017, Rory is helping us raise funds at the Big Comedy Bash 2026 at The Hexagon, Reading on Wed 22 April - tickets below 👇

44 years ago today TISWAS ended. I had the opportunity to host TISWAS Reunited for @slapstickfest.bsky.social a few years ago. What a terrific evening. I met Spit the Dog, hugged Sally James. And I got flanned by the Phantom Flan Flinger who was later unmasked.

This is no April Fools, there's less than 10% of tickets left for the Big Comedy Bash 2026 at The Hexagon, Reading in 3 weeks! Join us for a star-studded line-up featuring Ria Lina, Harry Enfield, Rory Bremner and special guest Jasper Carrott, hosted by Joe Lycett.

One month to go! Have you got your tickets? #Fantasy #Bristol #Highlander #80sFantasy #Wuxia #RayHarryhausen

Born on this day, 23rd, we celebrate comedy legend and beloved #SlapstickFest patron Barry Cryer! We're excited to continue his legacy collaborating with @bobbicee.bsky.social on The Golden Baz, awarded to writer @aiannucci.bsky.social for his commitment to the craft of comedy.

It's a month until we return to The Hexagon, Reading, for the Big Comedy Bash 2026! We're excited to welcome #JoeLycett as host for the evening, MCing for a star-studded lineup of #RiaLina, #HarryEnfield, #RoryBremner and #JasperCarrott. Tickets are selling fast; book below to get involved 👇

Happy Birthday to Brummie comedy legend #JasperCarrott! We're excited to welcome the British Comedy Awards’ Lifetime Achievement winner as a special guest for our Big Comedy Bash at #TheHexagon, Reading, on Wednesday 22 April 19:30 - link below for tickets 👇

“Fab, gear & all the other pimply hyperboles.” Tickets for Apr 8 BFI Beatles film screening & my A Hard Day’s Night book signing now on sale. As Ringo says, You can learn from books.📕 whatson.bfi.org.uk/Online/defau...

The Big Comedy Bash now boasts TWO of Birmingham's finest comic talents. Do with that information what you will. (and then buy a ticket)

We're excited to welcome special guest #JasperCarrott to the BIG Comedy Bash 2026! The comedy legend joins us at The Hexagon, Reading @rdgwhatson.bsky.social on Wed 22 April 19:30 in a star-studded line-up of #RiaLina, #HarryEnfield and #RoryBremner, hosted by #JoeLycett - link below for tickets 🎟️

Welcome to a world of gods and monsters... Of swords and sorcery… Of heroes and villains… Prepare for high adventure as Forbidden Worlds celebrates the cinematic world of fantastical myths and legends from around the world! 23-26 April, Bristol Megascreen www.forbiddenworldsfilmfestival.co.uk

We pay tribute to the legendary silent film star #HaroldLloyd, who passed away on this day, 8th March 1971. Alongside #CharlieChaplin The Pilgrim, #SlapstickFest26 featured Lloyd’s For Heaven's Sake at Bristol Megascreen, introduced by comedian @robinince.bsky.social and actor #PaulMcGann.

Inspired by #WorldBookDay, here are some of our reading recommendations from special guests at last month's festival, such as @robinince.bsky.social Normally Weird and Weirdly Normal, and exciting upcoming releases including @samiraahmeduk.bsky.social A Hard Day's Night 📚

Lucy Porter writes a 'rallying cry' for middle-aged women

Slapstick Festival is proud to announce that the 2026 Legacy Medal has been awarded to physical comedian and filmmaker Mulindua Freddie, a passionate contemporary champion of silent screen comedy working in Uganda.

It's BIG And it's BACK

Announcing Slapstick's Big Comedy Bash 2026 🥁 Join us at The Hexagon, Reading, on Wed 22 April 19:30 for a star-studded line-up of #RiaLina, #HarryEnfield and #RoryBremner, hosted by #JoeLycett! With more great names to be added, raise funds for Slapstick Festival by joining us - link below.

I talked about my favourite film festivals on this with shout outs to @cineredis.bsky.social @fwfilmfestival.bsky.social and @slapstickfest.bsky.social open.spotify.com/episode/5MFL...