Silent Film as Never Before: The Dodge Brothers at ASFF
Experience a dazzling collision of classic cinema and live music as, on Thursday 6 November, skiffle band The Dodge Brothers (featuring film critic and BBC television presenter Mark Kermode, along with Neil Brand, Mike and Alex Hammond and Aly Hirji) present their acclaimed live score to Beggars of Life (1928) at York Theatre Royal. The landmark American silent film follows a young woman (Louise Brooks) who, after killing her abusive stepfather, disguises herself as a man and flees the law, navigating perilous freight trains and outlaw camps. Gritty and subversive, it presciently foreshadowed the desperation of the Great Depression, portraying poverty and life on the margins. This unique experience is part of Aesthetica’s Beyond the Frame series of live performances and events, running along the 2025 film festival.
The Dodge Brothers
With renowned film critic and BBC presenter Mark Kermode on double bass and harmonica, and joined by the extraordinary Neil Brand – celebrated silent film accompanist and star of BBC Four’s Sound of Cinema – on piano, this electrifying ensemble transforms a black-and-white masterpiece into a full-blooded cinematic event. Rounding out the lineup are Mike Hammond, a gifted Alabama-born guitarist and vocalist with deep roots in Southern Americana traditions, and Alex Hammond, whose percussion brings the rhythm of jug, skiffle and rockabilly. The band features Aly Hirji on rhythm guitar and mandolin, adding even more richness to the sound.
What to Expect
Fusing blues, bluegrass, gospel, jug band and rockabilly with infectious energy and razor-sharp timing, The Dodge Brothers breathe thrilling new life into this gritty tale of outsiders in early 20th century America. Whether performing at Glastonbury, Latitude, or on screen via BBC Radio 2, The Culture Show and The One Show, The Dodge Brothers have built a cult following for their foot-stomping sound and genre-defying performances. Their live scores are hailed by critics as “a revelation,” combining academic insight and raw musical power. This is silent cinema as you’ve never experienced it — urgent, raw, loud and alive.
Join us for Silent Cinema & Live Score with the Dodge Brothers at York Theatre Royal on 6 November. Book Your Tickets Here.
Discover the full Beyond the Frame programme here.
