Eric & Ern – Royal and Derngate – Until Saturday 20th June

This year is the centenary year of Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise, both comics would have been 100 in 2026.. Eric Morecambe would have celebrated his 100th birthday on May 14th and Ernie Wise on November 27th 2025. For many, like me, Morecambe and Wise entertained Britain throughout the seventies and eighties, their Christmas Specials becoming essential viewing for the whole family. In 1977, 27 million people, half the population of the country watched the Christmas show! Stars such as The Beatles (Ringo became Bongo to Eric), Shirley Bassey, Rudolf Nureyev and Laurence Olivier, scrambled to be on the show, such was its popularity. There is even a statue of Eric Morecambe, which was unveiled in the comics birthplace, Morecambe, by our late Queen Elizabeth II in 1999. It has been over fifty years since BBC newsreader Angela Rippon stunned more than 20 million viewers with her high-kicks, and she has said, not a week goes by without someone asking her about it.

Jonty Stephens (Eric Morecambe) and Ian Ashpitel (Ernie Wise)

Watching the stage play, Eric & Ern, created by Jonty Stephens (Eric Morecambe) and Ian Ashpitel (Ernie Wise) quickly made me realise how much I have missed them. Once described as “the most illustrious, and the best-loved, comedy double-act that Britain has ever produced”, Eric & Ernie enjoyed a partnership which lasted for over forty-three years, until Erics sudden death in 1984. Both Jonty and Ian have honed their characters perfectly, after watching the pair for ten minutes, I began to see the two actors as Eric and Ernie, such were their precise mannerisms and perfect voices. The two met in a Birmingham drama school where they became best friends, later joining to create, write and produce the nominated Olivier Award Edinburgh fringe play, Eric & Little Ern.

Many of the jokes and scripts were down to the genius of comedy writer, Eddie Braben, helping to transform Eric & Ernie into a well-loved national institution. His scripts gave the duo a much warmer, character driven style that combined sharp wit, affectionate humour and very many memorable running gags. Eric looking through the bedroom curtains as an ambulance sped past, sirens blaring, jokes, ‘He’s not going to sell much ice cream going at that speed, is he?’ Who could forget Eric referring to Ernie’s “short, fat, hairy legs”, or “you can’t see the join”, where Ernie’s supposed wig was attached. The pair would frequently make fun of their old friend, the singer and entertainer Des O’Connor. In reality some of these put-downs were suggested by Des himself, even appearing on the Christmas special in 1975.

The sketches and gags were so familiar, that many in the audience were ready to finish the punchlines. I had forgotten the empty paper bag trick, with Eric throwing an imaginary coin, into the air, watch it during its flight and then flick the bag with his finger giving the impression that the item had landed in the bag. Needless to say, I have been performing the trick myself, as soon as I returned home! I also loved the ventriloquist’s dummy sketch; it was so funny and everyone if the audience appeared to agree. Eric and Jonty had become one! A big shout out to guest singer, Olivia Fines, for performing the unenviable task of trying to sing and perform, whilst becoming a prop for the comedy of this eternal duo. She was flawless in her approach.

The Royal and Derngate audience lapped it up, louds of laughter and shouts of approval during the two-hour show as we all warmed to the comedy sketches. I simply loved it.

Grab a ticket, take your seat. “Good evening ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the show”.

Eric & Ern – Royal and Derngate – Until Saturday 20th June

PICTURE CREDIT: Paul Coltas