SCOFF blasts off with more laughs and world first ‘guff-along’

SCOFF, Campbeltown Picture House’s homegrown Scottish Comedy Film Festival, returns for a fabulous, funny – and farty – weekend this September.

 

SCOFF organisers delight in sharing the laughter with audiences by presenting lost gems and shining a light on unusual film and real-life characters, along with opportunities to see comedy classics back on the big screen.

 

The latest edition of SCOFF blasts off with a top trump double bill on Friday September 23 and the chance to enjoy a hidden treasure alongside a much-loved modern classic with Le Petomane and Shaun of the Dead.

 

Comedy genius Leonard Rossiter stars in a short film based on the incredible life of the entertainer Joseph Pujol, AKA Le Pétomane.

 

"attachment_779809" "aligncenter" "300"] Leonard Rossiter in Le Pétomane.

 

The highest paid artist of the Moulin Rouge had the amazing ability to control his farts and reduce audience members to hysterical wrecks – with nurses in attendance at his shows to assist those overcome with laughter.

 

Written by Galton and Simpson (Steptoe and Son, Hancock’s Half Hour), it tells the hilarious and ultimately touching story of a performer whose ‘elastic anus’ made him into an international star.

 

Five-star classic Shaun of the Dead features Simon Pegg and Nick Frost as two slackers forced to save their friends and families from flesh-eating zombies.

 

"attachment_779815" "aligncenter" "300"] Shaun of the Dead.

 

Hilarious horror comedy ensues in a zom-rom-com that’s become one of the UK’s favourite movies, well deserving of a special showing on the big screen.

 

SCOFF has scored a coup for Campbeltown by bringing one of the world’s finest silent film accompanists to perform live in cinema on Saturday September 24.

 

Musician, composer, television and radio broadcaster and writer Neil Brand presents Laurel and Hardy, a very special treat for all ages.

 

From their earliest days on opposite sides of the Atlantic in Music Hall and on the stage, to their individual comedy films before they were paired up by Hal Roach, and on to their silent masterpieces before the arrival of sound, Neil will tell the touching story of the world’s greatest comedy team, Laurel and Hardy.

 

Neil, known for his highly acclaimed BBC television series, Sound of Song, Sound of Cinema and Sound of Movie Musicals, will play live in Campbeltown Picture House’s historic screen one.

 

Fully illustrated with stills, clips – both silent and sound – and Neil’s superlative piano accompaniment, the show culminates in two of the boys’ best silent short films, Big Business and Liberty.

 

This is a show that promises gales of laughter throughout, as well as getting under the skin of two warm, funny men who continue to make the world laugh when it needs it most.

 

Ellen Mainwood, cinema manager, said: ‘Bringing people together for a good laugh is needed more than ever and our SCOFF weekender will do exactly that.

 

‘I’m delighted that we’re welcoming the incomparable Neil Brand to the Picture House for the first time, in what is going to be a wonderful show. I strongly urge everyone to book their tickets now!’

 

In a world first, SCOFF presents a ‘guff-along’ Captain Underpants on Sunday September 25.

 

Filmmaker Alasdair Satchel will demonstrate the serious business of making a range of convincing chuff, guff, toot and parp noises.

 

The audience will then be able to let rip along with the Fart Orchestra during the screening – there will be a free whoopie cushion with every child ticket!

 

"attachment_779818" "aligncenter" "300"] Captain Underpants.

 

Throughout the weekend, model maker extraordinaire Jim Parkyn (Aardman Animations, BBC) will be creating an Amazing Scene of comedy film characters in plasticine – everyone is invited to model their favourite funny character under Jim’s expert eye and help build the scene over the weekend.

 

This will be suitable for all ages and there is no need to book, just drop in to the cinema between 12pm and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.

 

"attachment_779812" "aligncenter" "300"] Jim Parkyn’s Amazing Scene Machine.

 

Ailsa MacKenzie, SCOFF producer, said: ‘There’s always room for more fun in our lives, to enjoy the healing power of comedy, bringing people together for a good old laugh. From the sublime to the ridiculous, SCOFF will fill the Picture House with glee all weekend.’

 

Tickets are on sale now, in person from Campbeltown Picture House or online at www.campbeltownpicturehouse.co.uk.