Two live-scored silent film shows in the beautiful Yorkshire village of Marsden

A double bill of live-scored silent film in the beautiful Yorkshire village of Marsden

Violinist Susannah Simmons and pianist Jonny Best present two specially created silent film shows; a comedy compilation featuring Laurel and Hardy, Charlie Chaplin, and Felix the Cat, and following that, the 1926 adventure-romance, Son of the Sheik, starring Rudolph Valentino. There are great value double-bill tickets available, and each show can be booked separately too.

2pm-3.15pm: Another Fine Mess: Laurel and Hardy and friends

Laurel and Hardy are the eternal optimists of slapstick comedy — two well‑meaning souls whose every attempt to do the right thing somehow ends in disaster. In The Finishing Touch, they are hired to build a house. The result is - of course, complete mayhem. Joining Laurel and Hardy on the bill this afternoon is Charlie Chaplin, in his 1917 short comedy, Easy Street and a cartoon featuring the biggest animated star of the 1920s, Felix the Cat.

Doors open at 1.30pm.

4pm-5.15pm: Rudolph Valentino in Son of the Sheik

Step into the world of sweeping desert romance and high adventure with the biggest hit of 1926! Set against the shimmering landscapes of North Africa, the film tells the story of Ahmed, the passionate son of a legendary sheik, who falls deeply in love with the beautiful dancer Yasmin. At its heart is Rudolph Valentino, the screen’s original “Latin Lover,” whose magnetic presence made him one of the biggest stars of the silent era.

Doors open at 3.30pm

Vilma Banky and Rudolph Valentino in Son of the Sheik

Violinist Susannah Simmons and pianist Jonny Best will create brand new live soundtracks for all the films. Susannah can frequently be heard performing with the Opera North orchestra and The Hallé. She’s also a specialist in folk fiddle and gypsy jazz. Jonny Best is one of the UK’s leading improvising silent film pianists and the Artistic Director of Northern Silents.