Star of The Simpsons Harry Shearer is among several other comedy stars to join the Slapstick Festival 2023 line up. The festival has announced its full programme of comedians for next year's event, which will combine comedy and music across six days in February.
The actor - who is known for providing the voice for Moe the bartender, Mr Burns, Mr Smithers, Ned Flanders among many others - will appear via video link to reminisce about his role as Derek Smalls before introducing This Is Spinal Tap. Other legends of comedy include Sir Michael Palin who will be quizzed by Bristol's own Stephen Merchant on the making of the Python film that sparked international controversy - and hilarity - ahead of a big screen showing of Life Of Brian.
In all, Slapstick 2023 will present 32 events funded by Aardman Animations and BFI at venues across Bristol and host live appearances by Rob Brydon, Graeme Garden, Harry Hill, Robin Ince, Stephen Mangan, Nigel Planer, Lucy Porter and all three members of The Scaffold, among many others. There will also be live music accompanying the festival’s traditional package of rare, rediscovered and re-issued silent comedies, including films featuring Charley Bowers, Marlene Dietrich, Raymond Griffith, Buster Keaton, Harry Langdon, Laurel & Hardy and Harold Lloyd.
