Silent Film With Live Score: The Man Who Laughs
Northern Silents Presents
THE MAN WHO LAUGHS
A silent film with live music
A cruel king has a young boy stolen away in the dead of night and has his face carved into a permanent grin, as a punishment for his father’s misdeeds. Cast out from society, Gwynplaine grows up to work as a carnival sideshow performer, his disfigurement drawing crowds who come to gawp at his unsettling appearance.
Based on Victor Hugo’s novel, The Man Who Laughs blends gruesome horror, dark romance and swashbuckling adventure. Conrad Veidt brings the same magnetic intensity to the screen that he displayed in The Cabinet of Dr Caligari eight years earlier – and his performance went on to inspire the striking look of the Joker, Batman’s arch-enemy.
Pianist Jonny Best and cellist Liz Hanks will improvise a live score.
Two of the UK’s leading silent-film scorers, Liz performs regularly with a wide range of artists, from Richard Hawley and Pulp to Thea Gilmore and Jasdeep Singh Degun. Her debut solo album, Land, has been featured on Unclassified, Late Junction and Breakfast on BBC Radio 3, as well as The Folk Show on BBC Radio 2.
Jonny is one of the UK’s foremost silent-film pianists and the founder of Northern Silents.
Together, they’ll weave a new soundscape and bring this striking film vividly to life.
The Man Who Laughs, 1928, USA, directed by Paul Leni
Running time: 125 minutes + interval
More Events
An Evening with Janice Hallett
15th September 2026 - 15th September 2026
The legendary crime author whose debut book The Appeal took the book world by storm, is joining us as readers ready themselves for the much…
An Evening with the Queen of Love Stories – Cecelia Ahern
16th September 2026 - 16th September 2026
The queen of love stories, CECELIA AHERN, is back with a big hearted, emotional romance that will grip readers right until the end. Love Unlocked…
Glamour Pussy
30th January 2026 - 17th July 2026
Welcome to The Old Woollen’s monthly drag night – for those with a serious Drag Addiction!
Time for Rodeo – Line Dancing Night
14th February 2026 - 25th July 2026
TIME FOR RODEO – A brand new Line Dancing Night at The Old Woollen. For the non-experienced to experts, hosted by the bootin’ skootin’ cowgals…
Bingo For The People!
16th January 2026 - 18th July 2026
Win a Top Cash Prize of up to THREE QUARTERS OF A THOUSAND POUNDS (that’s £750!) with Trouble at Mill’s very own Bingo For The…
Huge Pop Quiz
11th October 2026 - 20th December 2026
The Worst Pop Quiz In Farsley! Quality Top Prizes ~ No Tat Or Beer Tokens 40 Questions & 40 Answers. Genres, covering the last 50…
Explore The Neighbourhood
Paul Heaton
Leeds get ready for an unforgettable evening as acclaimed British singer-songwriter Paul Heaton returns to first direct bank arena, Leeds with a live performance celebrating…
Learn MoreDavid Steans | Paperhouse
Leeds Arts University’s Blenheim Walk Gallery is pleased to present Paperhouse, a new solo exhibition by artist David Steans, bringing together collage, text, sculptural installation…
Learn MoreSorry, Christmas Is Cancelled… Katie Saves The Day
Katie and all of the other children around the world have just received the news that every child fears… Christmas is… CANCELLED! Thieves have broken…
Learn MoreSky Full of Stars: A Tribute to Coldplay
Get ready for an electrifying night of music and magic with Sky Full of Stars—the most authentic tribute to Coldplay! This spectacular live experience doesn’t…
Learn MorePaul Smith
Comedy fans won’t want to miss Paul Smith as he brings his brand-new live show HAPPY to the first direct bank arena on 12 August…
Learn MoreOlga Koch
Olga Koch has one good story. Only it’s not really her story. Do you wanna hear it? In Fat Tom Cruise, see the Melbourne and…
Learn MoreBrewDog North Street
No-nonsense chain bar specialising in the Scottish brewery’s craft beers, with regular guest brews.
Learn MoreFleur Restaurant and Bar
Fleur Restaurant and bar created by Award-winning Master Chef Finalist, Great British Menu-famed chef Bobby Geetha and Team provides a stunning contemporary British cuisine inspired…
Learn MoreKirkstall Bridge Inn
An independent, community-focused pub, beautifully located on the edge of the River Aire. The Bridge showcases beer from Kirkstall Brewery and beyond and serves a…
Learn MoreWetherby Whaler
The Wetherby Whaler opened its fifth and most prestigious site in White Cross Guiseley in May 2012. The iconic original Harry Ramsdens restaurant had closed…
Learn MoreMiller and Carter Steakhouse
Miller and Carter is the purveyor of the finest 28-day aged beef in a relaxed, informal environment. Miller and Carter’s premium graded Ashdale beef is…
Learn MoreWagamama Restaurant Leeds
Freshly cooked Pan-Asian dishes are served in a canteen-style dining area that is inspired by Japan’s popular ramen bars. The food includes classics such as…
Learn MoreHamara Healthy Living Centre
The play, make and create project. A free playgroup at Hamara Healthy Living Centre By Victoria Lungu.
Learn MoreFreedom Mills
Freedom Mills is a multi-platform events space which runs a regular night programme alongside a range of events, including rave nights. The Mills also hosts…
Learn MoreHyde Park Book Club
Hyde Park Book Club is at the heart of Leeds’ creative arts scene and has achieved its vision in becoming an events-led, pan-arts creative hub.…
Learn MoreAssembly House
An artist-run studio space situated in a Victorian textile mill by the historical Leeds-Liverpool Canal. Providing affordable spaces and career support for budding artists. Throughout…
Learn MoreOulton Institute
Built on land donated to the people of Oulton and Woodlesford by Edmund Calverley of Oulton Hall, the Institute stands proudly at the heart of…
Learn MoreGranary Wharf
Granary Wharf, just a five minute walk from Leeds city centre, is the ideal beauty spot to spend a few hours outside and enjoy the…
Learn MoreSt Gemma’s Hospice
St Gemma’s Hospice is a local, independent charity and has been providing expert care to the people of Leeds for over 40 years. We provide…
Learn MoreSt Chads Parish Centre, Headingley
Our church’s Parish Centre is a thriving and hugely popular venue, surrounded by green space, mature trees and the local cricket ground. Built in the…
Learn MoreLeeds City College, Quarry Hill Campus
Leeds City College, Quarry Hill Campus, Playhouse Square, Leeds, LS2 7BS
Learn MoreThe Warehouse In Holbeck
It is a large warehouse space with two rehearsal rooms/performance spaces.
Learn More