Comedy, Film, Music: Beyond the Frame at Aesthetica 2026
For 2026, Aesthetica is evolving beyond a traditional film festival model into a wider celebration of screen culture, live performance and storytelling. Beyond the Frame is a season of evening performances at York Theatre Royal, injecting comedy and live performance into an already-packed programme of screenings and industry events. From silent film screenings accompanied by new soundtracks, to stand up and even a music festival – this is the place to engage with culture this November.
Music & Film | Nosferatu with Live Score
On Thursday 5 November, audiences will welcome in the winter nights with a chilling silent film screening, accompanied by a live score. FW Murnau’s Nosferatu (1922) – arguably the film that gave birth to the horror genre – was the first cinematic interpretation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Its combination of expressionistic acting and unforgettable images render it just as powerful and unsettling today as when it first thrilled cinema-goers 100 years ago. As part of Beyond the Frame, it plays alongside a live performance by composer Chris Green, whose soundtrack was commissioned by English Heritage and first shown at Whitby Abbey (Dracula’s spiritual home). The music is a haunting blend of electronic and acoustic instruments, and, when combined with Murnau’s iconic images, makes for a remarkable cinematic experience.
Save 10% on Nosferatu with Live Score with code ASFF18 »
Comedy | Seann Walsh: This Is Torture
Then, on Friday 6 November, Seann Walsh kicks off the weekend with a laugh-out-loud night of comedy. After his sell-out 2023 tour, the UK’s “dishevelled king of stand-up” returns with a brand-new hour of side-splitting humour. Hailed by The Guardian as “unquestionably the best observational comic of his generation,” he brings trademark high-energy exasperation and razor-sharp reflections on everyday life to York. Walsh has named the show after the phrase he says the most: “this is torture.”
Save 20% on Seann Walsh: This is Torture with code ASFFSEANN »
The Headliners of Tomorrow | Aesthetica New Music Stage
Taking over York Theatre Royal on Saturday 7 November is the all-day Aesthetica New Music Stage. Ten of the UK and Ireland’s most significant emerging voices – Other People’s Leisure, WineMom, PH, roe, Katherine Aly, Circe, Caro, LFay, Chisara and Lepani – will perform throughout the day. The 2026 line-up spans a huge variety of genres, from alt-pop to electronic, hip-hop, jazz, soul and more. This an exclusive chance to hear the next big thing in the music industry, before they explode onto the world stage. Beyond performances, the day includes an industry panel featuring representatives from Universal, Fontana, EMI, Rough Trade and Matador Records, as well as networking sessions for music fans to meet. There will be a performance from last year’s winner, Dilettante, before the 2026 winner is be announced.
Book Your Aesthetica New Music Stage Ticket here. or experience more of the Festival with a Music at Aesthetica Pass »
Supported by TALENTBANQ, Caffè Nero, Innovate UK, Leeds Conservatoire, Imagesound and Beggars Group.
Beyond the Frame runs 5-7 November at York Theatre Royal, as part of Aesthetica Film Festival (4-8 November).
Click Here to Download the Official Aesthetica Film Festival Programme 2026 »
