Mark your diaries for giggles, chuckles and belly laughs! On November 9th & 10th, Kennington Bioscope present another Silent Laughter Weekend: two days of live silent cinema showcasing the cream of silent comedy films.

This year features one of our most packed programmes ever, a wide-ranging and eclectic selection of the funniest, rarest and most unusual gems from comedy's greatest era. From the best-loved comedians to the most obscure; from wild slapstick to the subtle and sophisticated; from surreal stop-motion animation to European clowns, there's a smorgasbord of silent hilarity spread over twelve programmes.

You'll find plenty of familiar favourites, including classic shorts starring Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd and Laurel & Hardy. But there's so much more to silent comedy than the well-known stars, and as always we also spotlight the undeservedly forgotten comedy talents, such as Marion Davies, Danish comedy team Pat & Patachon, Richard Dix, Charlie Murray and Charley Chase.

Regular attendees will know that we always pull some real rarities out of the hat. This year is no exception, as we'll be hosting the U.K. premieres of several recently rediscovered films. On Saturday evening, Charlie Chaplin's brother Syd stars in Oh! What a Nurse! one of the big hits of last year's Pordenone, it hasn't been seen in this country for almost 100 years! We’re also thrilled to be showing the newly rediscovered spooky comedy thriller The Gorilla, starring comedy stalwart Charlie Murray. Murray also features alongside Clara Bow in another previously lost film, The Pill-Pounder. Bioscope favourite Charley Chase will feature in a programme of newly restored short comedies that have been unseen in many, many years and we’ll also be showing some incredibly rare films starring the likes of Monty Banks, Harold Lloyd and Dorothy Devore.

There is also a spotlight on the iconic Keystone Kops, as well as the work of Vitagraph Studios. An ‘Animations and Illusions’ programme will feature camera trickery, from Meliés' experiments to the mind-blowing madness of Charley Bowers. You won't want to miss a very special presentation of 9.5mm rarities by Christopher Bird, shown on film using amazing vintage projectors.

We've even got a silent film appearance of a Marx Brother! There's a rare screening of Too Many Kisses, a 1925 comedy featuring a supporting role from none other than Harpo Marx.

As well as all these delights, we've got a few more tricks, treats and surprises up our sleeve, too...

Every programme features live musical accompaniment from London's finest silent film pianists. A roll call of comedy film authors, enthusiasts and collectors will contextualise the films, and share stories of the filmmakers. And it all takes place in the wonderful surroundings of London's Cinema Museum.

So come and join us on the 9th-10th November for a lafftastic weekend of live silent cinema. It's the best selection of rare and classic silent comedy you'll find anywhere!

If you would like an evening meal at Cafe Jamyang then these need to be booked in advance. You can do that when buying your ticket for the festival.

The Cinema Museum will open its doors at 09.00.

Booking fees

These fees cover the cost we have to pay for credit card and ticket processing.  You are welcome to pay by cash or cheque on the door. Cheques should be made payable to Kennington Bioscope Limited.