Miss Murray-Perry

Hi All

I'm new to these boards but I wanted to let you know about an event and maybe to pick your brains a little.

A friend and I come from a burlesque background but we wanted to run a night of entertainment that was all encompassing. Our venue is Bush Hall in Shepherd's Bush - for those of you that don't know it, it is a beautiful old dance hall, all plaster moulding and chandaliers. Our premise is to start our evening with a silent movie with live piano accompaniment, move on to a vaudeville style cabaret with an MC, dancers, comedians and magicians and end with dancing to some fine old vintage tunes.

I would be very greatful if you would let me know whether you think the idea works and I would also be greatful if you could throw some suggestions round for other films that we could show. Out April night has a theme of madness and magic and the May night will have a Freak Show/Carnivale feel to it.

I'd be very interested to hear your thoughts and I would also be delighted if any of you wanted to come and join us.

Venue: Bush Hall, Shepherd's Bush, 310 Uxbridge Road, W12
Tickets: Fifteen of your English Pounds from Bush Hall 020 8222 6933 or ring Ticketweb on 08700 600100.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Miss M-P

D Cairns

Oh, I just saw this. I can't come as I'm not in London, but it does sound like a great idea! Hope it was a big hit.

Steamboart Bill

Hello - I've stumble across this forum by accident, but now I'm hear, please forgive me if I feel the urge to stick my oar in.

This is an excellent idea, and Buster is the perfect silent comedian, given his vaudeville connections. My only concern would be the choice of Keaton film. The General, while undeniably an all-time masterpiece, would not, in my opinion, fit comfortably into the bracket of light entertainment - and as it's starting the show the audience will be cold. Have you considered a couple of shorts rather than breaking the crowd in with a feature-length?

I would suggest either The Playhouse or Backstage, followed by the Goat or Cops.

SB

J. J.

I hope that everyone who attended had fun!

This society ( SFSC Home ) hosts similar events. There is live organ accompaniment for the films which are often preceded by jazz performances and historical presentations.
A recent film favorite was "Sally of the Sawdust" with W. C. Fields ( Sally of the Sawdust (1925) ).

May music halls, vaudeville and the shared film experience live on!