Stand Up 4 Slapstick: this year’s big names

Comedians Marcus Brigstocke, Lucy Porter, Robin Ince, Boothby Graffoe, Mitch Benn and Jeremy Hardy will share the lineup at this month’s Slapstick Festival fundraiser at Colston Hall.

Bristol Uni alumnus-turned-Now Show regular Brigstocke will host the benefit night, whose proceeds will go towards the Slapstick Festival (back next in January 2016), now rated as the world’s biggest celebration of silent and vintage screen comedy. 

We grabbed brief words with three of the evening’s biggest draws.

Robin Ince
What made you want to give up time for the Slapstick fundraiser?
Despite all the TV channels available, there often seems less and less variety out there: so anything that celebrates silent films and recorded eccentric mayhem must be encouraged. I adore Laurel and Hardy (such humanity!), Buster Keaton (such beauty!),  Chaplin (such grandeur!): let’s keep them, and many more, on the big screen.

Does slapstick have a prominent role in your life and/or stand-up?
I love a pratfall, but I lack the athleticism – although I’ll throw in some clumsy slapstick whenever I can. I have broken my nose twice on stage. When writing for others – for instance on Razzle Dazzle, the film I co-wrote – I love coming up with a few big moments of athletic chaos. Ben Miller played a dance instructor, and the way he slipped in slick mid-dance move was even better than I’d imagined. Worth buying the film off the internet for 50 pence for that alone.

Marcus Brigstocke
So, what brings you back for another Stand Up 4 Slapstick?
For me, it’s a no-brainer. Firstly, the Slapstick Festival is hilarious and surprising. I’ve seen so many wonderful things, new and old. Secondly, Bristol is where I began to learn how to be a comedian. I’d be nowhere if it weren’t for Bristol. Great city. Better every time I come back, actually.

Does slapstick play a prominent role in your life and/or stand-up?
Deliberate slapstick? Not much, no. I wish it did, but the masters of the craft have skills I do not have.
Accidental slapstick? Oh, yes. I was on Series 1 of Channel 4’s The Jump, for goodness’ sake.

What can we expect from you on the night?
Not sure yet. Almost certainly the true story of the day I decided to rollerblade down Park Street. Now that was slapstick!

What’s it like for you coming back to Bristol?
Heavenly. Great places to eat. Good friends. A well-stocked branch of FOPP. And an accent that transports me to a joyful youth I once imagined.

Lucy Porter
What’s lured you down to Bristol for this fundraiser, Lucy?
I love coming to Bristol and will use any excuse to do so. My ultimate aim is to open a vegan, breastfeeding-friendly cafe in Stokes Croft. I am also a huge fan of the Slapstick Festival. It’s such a wonderful, unique event and this fundraiser will help to secure its future.

Does slapstick play a prominent role in your life?
Slapstick probably features more in my real life than in my stand-up. I am a very tired mother of two children under five, so I often fall over and walk into things. Most recently I gave myself a black eye whilst putting on a pair of tights.

What can we expect from you on the night?
I may well be showcasing new routines about falconry, Gary Wilmot and my husband’s gym playlist.

Stand Up 4 Slapstick Colston Hall, Sunday, June 12. For more info and to book tickets, visit www.colstonhall.org/shows/stand-4-slapstick