The General 100th Anniversary + Live Piano (U)
In 2026, one of cinema’s greatest achievements reaches a remarkable milestone: the 100th anniversary of Buster Keaton’s The General (1926). Widely regarded as one of the finest silent films ever made, The General remains a perennial audience favourite — blending breathtaking action, technical innovation, and Keaton’s timeless comic genius.
Ticket price includes rare screening with live piano accompaniment from Hastings composer and musician Mike Hatchard part of our new strand, Sunday Silents.
Mike Hatchard started out in the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, then toured America and Europe accompanying Cleo Laine on piano and became Matt Monro’s youngest ever musical director.
Subsequently he toured with Barbara Thompson’s Paraphernalia, the Pasadena Roof Orchestra and worked with artists as varied as Maxine Daniels, Johnny Van Derrick, Salena Jones, Tina May and David Essex.
Touring with Freddy Starr and becoming musical director to Pamela Stephenson he took an interest in comedy and performed his own shows on the circuit as ‘Marvin Hanglider’ which led to co-writing songs with Frankie Howerd and Spike Milligan.
We are delighted to welcome him to the Electric Palace and get our in-screen piano some action!
Your thoughts on Silent Sundays:
"Magical experience to hear live piano with the film! A rare treat!"
"Great film and marvellous having piano"
"Loved it!"
"Mike was brilliant on the piano!"
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