London Month of the Dead - The Man Who Laughs

THE MAN WHO LAUGHS (1928) Directed by Paul Leni An Evening of Silent Horror with Live Music Accompaniment on Saturday the 25th October 2025 at 7:30 pm Step into the world of silent cinema for a rare screening of The Man Who Laughs, a gothic melodrama that blends horror, romance, and tragedy with live musical accompaniment from renowned pianist Stephen Horne. Based on Victor Hugo’s novel, the film tells the haunting story of Gwynplaine, a young man disfigured with a permanent, grotesque grin by a sadistic king’s order. As he grows up in a world that turns his mutilation into spectacle, Gwynplaine becomes a carnival performer, hiding sorrow behind laughter and love behind shame. Directed by German Expressionist Paul Leni, this Universal Pictures classic is famed for its striking visual style and for inspiring the creation of Batman’s iconic nemesis, the Joker. With its shadows, stylised sets, and powerful performances, The Man Who Laughs stands as one of the most emotionally resonant silent films of its kind. Experience this darkly poetic tale the way it was meant to be seen.. with live music, flickering shadows and a room full of wide-eyed strangers. Tickets £15 including a delightful gin cocktail and a 20% donation to the King's Chaplaincy Trust. Please click here to purchase. Stephen Horne Stephen Horne has long been internationally considered one of the leading silent film accompanists. A house pianist at London’s BFI Southbank for over thirty years, he has played at all the major UK venues and recorded music for scores of films. Although principally a pianist, he often incorporates other instruments into his performances, sometimes simultaneously. He regularly performs internationally and in recent years his accompaniments have met with acclaim at film festivals in Europe, North America and Asia. In 2011 and 2012, he was commissioned to compose ensemble scores for the London Film Festival Archive Galas of 'The First Born' and 'The Manxman'. And every year since 2014, he has won in one or more categories in the annual Silent London poll.

THE MAN WHO LAUGHS (1928)
Directed by Paul Leni
An Evening of Silent Horror with Live Music Accompaniment
on Saturday the 25th October 2025 at 7:30 pm

Step into the world of silent cinema for a rare screening of The Man Who Laughs, a gothic melodrama that blends horror, romance, and tragedy with live musical accompaniment from renowned pianist Stephen Horne. Based on Victor Hugo’s novel, the film tells the haunting story of Gwynplaine, a young man disfigured with a permanent, grotesque grin by a sadistic king’s order. As he grows up in a world that turns his mutilation into spectacle, Gwynplaine becomes a carnival performer, hiding sorrow behind laughter and love behind shame.

Directed by German Expressionist Paul Leni, this Universal Pictures classic is famed for its striking visual style and for inspiring the creation of Batman’s iconic nemesis, the Joker. With its shadows, stylised sets, and powerful performances, The Man Who Laughs stands as one of the most emotionally resonant silent films of its kind.

Experience this darkly poetic tale the way it was meant to be seen.. with live music, flickering shadows and a room full of wide-eyed strangers.

Tickets £15 including a delightful gin cocktail and a 20% donation to the King's Chaplaincy Trust. Please click here to purchase.

Stephen Horne
Stephen Horne has long been internationally considered one of the leading silent film accompanists. A house pianist at London’s BFI Southbank for over thirty years, he has played at all the major UK venues and recorded music for scores of films. Although principally a pianist, he often incorporates other instruments into his performances, sometimes simultaneously. He regularly performs internationally and in recent years his accompaniments have met with acclaim at film festivals in Europe, North America and Asia. In 2011 and 2012, he was commissioned to compose ensemble scores for the London Film Festival Archive Galas of 'The First Born' and 'The Manxman'. And every year since 2014, he has won in one or more categories in the annual Silent London poll.