Mushy peas and marshmallows are not a common request on performing artists' contract riders but they formed the unlikely combination of treats served up to Mark Kermode when he played Bo'ness Hippodrome's silent film festival last year.

For the bassist with the Dodge Brothers is perhaps better known as a film critic, and his pathological hatred of cinema-goers who eat noisy food goes before him it seems.

"It was the projectionist's idea to present him with foods like mushy peas and marshmallows in keeping with his code of cinema etiquette," explains festival director Alison Strauss.

Although, a silent film, conversely, is perhaps one of the few screenings where even the most enthusiastic nacho munching is likely to be drowned out. The live musical accompaniment, which ranges from rousing to riotous, means silent cinema is typically far less sedate than a regular screening. Certainly, the Dodge Brothers' blend of blues and skiffle went down a storm at their 2013 appearance.

"The first word I would use is joyful," says Strauss. "There was this real sense of joy and fun and delight in bringing out the story. The audience were stamping their feet and whooping. It was very exciting for us because it was their first Scottish gig."

This time, the band will play accompaniment for Beggars for Life, the 1928 film starring silent icon Louise Brooks.

"The music is influenced by American blues music that was around when the film was set and music of depression era America so it's that rockabilly and skiffle and American delta blues sound that they capture. It's not slavish, it's their interpretation."

"There is the star factor. It was quite a thrill that Mark Kermode was there, but in my experience people who play for silent film will always bow to the screen at the end of a film. They are there to serve. They are performers and they are big, but it's a very interesting relationship."

The Dodge Brothers will be joined by acclaimed pianist and composer Neil Brand, who also accompanies the comedy triple bill that features Buster Keaton. "Neil is just such a wonderful, wonderful performer and some people still can't get their head around the fact that he is improvising. He loves bringing those films to life for people. He brings this fantastic sense of occasion and fantastic sense of fun."

This year's festival is the fourth at the Hippodrome, Scotland's oldest purpose-built cinema. Originally opened in 1912, the unique round cinema was brought back from dereliction following a £2.15 million renovation and re-opened in 2009. The only silent film festival in the country, it includes 13 events across five days, and the live music element is becoming an increasing strong draw at the ticket office.

"It's a lovely venue to perform in and a lot of performers comment on the nice quality of sound created by the wooden panelling all around," says Strauss.

Also on the bill is beatboxer Jason Singh, who has created a score for the film Drifters and will perform with the 17-strong Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra. Another musical highlight is the world premiere of Edinburgh composer Jane Gardner's new score for Dragnet Girl, the Japanese gangster noir film.

"Film can be thought sloppy seconds because it is not considered to be unique, [People say] how can it be art if it's produced through mechanical reproduction? But adding live music means that that which you experience with those people is unique to that particular performance.

"The aim is to offer something which isn't offered in a regular cinema experience and to open people's eyes to other types of film; to give people that depth of engagement with film that you get from a live cinema event where you've got live music. Instead of being separated from your neighbour in the audience, you're all connected."

The Hippodrome Festival of Silent Cinema, March 12 to 16. Tickets from www.hippfest.co.uk or by calling 01324 506850.