A moving tribute to musicians of the silent era is promised when notable musician, dramatist, TV presenter and composer Neil Brand pays a visit to mid Wales next week.
Gregynog Hall at Tregynon, near Newtown will host a day – from 2pm to 9.30pm on Saturday, November 6 – with Brand, regarded as one of the finest exponents of improvised silent film accompaniment in the world.
He will introduce the audience to the world of early cinema through a performance of Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘The Lodger’ (1927) along with a selection of other classics.
Brand performs regularly at the National Film Theatre and at festivals worldwide. He has written numerous TV and radio plays, is a regular contributor to Radio 4’s Front Row and has conceived, written and presented several BBC4 documentaries.
The day’s programme comprises: 2pm to 3pm: Family Slapstick, a journey through Hollywood and early cinema trickery along with a performance of Laurel and Hardy’s ‘Liberty’ (1929). 4pm to 5pm: In conversation: Neil Brand and Harry Heuser followed by an audience question and answer session. 7pm to 8.30pm: Screening/performance of ‘The Lodger’ (1927).
Tickets are available for each part of the programme at £8 for adults, £6 for students and concessions and £4 for children. A combined ticket for the whole day costs £16 for adults, £12 for concessions and £8 for children.
Gregynog Hall’s café will be open from 11am to 5pm for hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and snacks, the bar will be open from 1pm to 9.30pm and a curry buffet, including a vegetarian option, will be available from 5pm to 6.30pm costing £8 for adults and £4 for children.
