Paul Merton, the quick-witted team captain from BBC1’s Have I Got News For You, will present Silent Clowns at the Grand Opera House, York, on April 7.

Merton will reflect on the silver-screen deeds of Charlie Chaplin, Laurel & Hardy, Buster Keaton and Harold Lloyd, complementing his thoughts with film extracts.

The evening will climax with a screening of Keaton’s Steamboat Bill Junior, with live accompaniment by pianist Neil Brand.

Tickets cost £14.50, £9.50 for children, with concessions available, on 0844 847 2322 or grandoperahouseyork.org.uk.