“Here then is a picture that will live forever. Chaney’s portrayal of Quasimodo the hunchback is superb, a marvel of sympathetic acting. Chaney, in some miraculous way, awakens within us a profound feeling of sympathy and admiration for this most unfortunate human being”
DOORS: 19:00 | FILM STARTS: 19:30
Bristol Cathedral hosts an atmospheric centenary screening of The Hunchback Of Notre Dame this March. Join us after dusk in this magnificent building to watch this piece of cinema history come to life. The film will be accompanied by a live, entirely improvised organ recital by the award-winning composer Dr. David Bednall, blending silent cinema with live music to create a unique performance that promises to bring the film to life in a dramatic new interpretation.
This landmark adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel was Universal’s most successful silent film release of all time, launching Lon Chaney to superstardom and paving the way for the development of both big-budget blockbusters and the horror genre. Although 15 minutes of the director’s cut has been lost to time, the surviving film has been carefully digitally restored, and we are thrilled to be presenting this restoration alongside another of David Bednall's incredible improvised scores.
About The Film
1923 | PG | 100 mins
In 15th Century Paris, the deformed bellringer Quasimodo tends to the great Notre Dame cathedral. However, when his evil master bids him kidnap a beautiful dancing girl called Esmerelda, Quasimodo becomes embroiled in a bitter political power struggle - and a complex web of relationships - which leaves his formerly humble life changed forever.
Contains some mild violence
About The Location
Founded in 1140 as an Augustinian Abbey, Bristol Cathedral is one of England’s greatest medieval churches. Its Chapter House and Abbey Gatehouse date from c. 1260, and the Cathedral’s East End is considered to be one of the finest examples of medieval ‘hall church’.
Music is central to the life of the Cathedral, and its organ dates back to 1685 - only undergoing its first complete restoration in 1989. The Cathedral’s ongoing Organ Renovation Project aims to ensure that this magnificent instrument exists at the heart of the building for years to come. Find out more here.
About The Organist
David Bednall is recognized as one of the leading choral composers of his generation. He studied for a PhD in Composition with Professor John Pickard at the University of Bristol and is signed to Oxford University Press. He has an extensive freelance career as a performer as well as being Sub Organist at Bristol Cathedral. He studied with Dr. Naji Hakim and David Briggs and was Assistant Organist at Wells Cathedral.
Arrival Drinks
We will be operating a bar selling snacks and drinks at this venue.
Beat the rush and order an arrival drink to collect before you take your seat - simply select your chosen beverage from the options below.
Watch The Official Trailer
TICKETS
More Information
• Bristol Cathedral is located on College Green in Bristol City Centre.
• The venue is close to several bus routes. The nearest train station is Bristol Temple Meads.
• Wherever possible, we encourage walking or using public transport to travel to our events.
• Public parking is available at Millennium Square and on St George's Street, behind the council buildings. See map for more detailed information. For a full accessibility report see the Disabled GO site for more information.
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• If you are a wheelchair user, please contact us in advance so that we can arrange a suitable seating space.
• There is a disabled toilet which is located in the cloister, next to the cafe. If you are a wheelchair user and wish to access the toilet you need to go back outside the Cathedral, under the arch of the Cathedral Gatehouse building and up the driveway into the Cloister car park, and in through the large wooden door in the corner.
•We want to make your visit as enjoyable as possible, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you require further information about this venue’s accessibility.
• We cannot guarantee access before the stated doors time on your ticket, so advise you arrive as close to this time as possible.
• Please do not consume hot food at this event.