Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review
Expect big laughs and plenty of nostalgic charm with Eric and Ern, a celebration of the classic comedy duo Morecambe and Wise. The show is a beautifully crafted, utterly joyous dose of theatrical sunshine that breathes vibrant new life into one of the nation's favourite comedy duos.
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| Photo by Paul Coltas |
As Eric and Ern, Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens don’t just imitate the comedy legends, they practically become them. From the moment the show begins, you are instantly transported back to the golden era of television. Ashpitel and Stephens have captured every nuance, every look, and every perfectly timed beat that made Eric and Ernie household names.
The show is 2 hours of hilarity and good, clean fun. The jokes keep coming, as does the silliness. Some of the more famous routines and jokes are met with an air of expectation, and punchlines are cheered when they land. It does feel like a greatest hits celebration with routines ranging from Mr Memory ("ARSENAL!"), Grieg's Piano Concerto and a delightful ventriloquist routine. The humour is delivered with such a clever eye by both Ashpitel and Stephens that you barely have time to catch your breath between the laughs.
The duo's timing is outstanding, and with a long-established partnership, you instantly feel their connection. They don't just copy the old scripts, but perfectly capture the warm, chaotic magic of those legendary Morecambe and Wise shows, making every single gag feel as fresh, surprising, and undeniably funny as the first time we saw them.
Stephens is a hoot throughout, with high energy and absolute silliness. His energetic delivery and sense of play never dull throughout. Ashpitel matches with the straight humour required, whilst also having a great twinkle in his eye. Together, they create a bond that is as strong as any and this allows for an ease in both of their deliveries. They know how to play off each other, adding ad-libs throughout.
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| Photo by Paul Coltas. |
The pair welcome guest star Olivia Fines to join in a few of the musical routines. Fines has a gorgeous voice and a great stage presence. A hilarious routine as she deftly delivers 'Send In The Clowns' proves her own comedic timing is second to none, whilst also managing to keep a straight face, which can't always be easy.
The show is a beautifully wrapped gift of nostalgia and comedy. It doesn't just do justice to the legacy of Morecambe & Wise, it elevates their routines with warmth and excellence. It’s a joyous piece of theatre that manages to feel both beautifully preserved and vibrantly alive and leaves you aching from smiling.
If you want an evening that will completely lift your spirits and unite the whole family in laughter. An immaculate celebration of Morecambe and Wise, long may Ashpitel and Stephens bring sunshine to audiences wherever they play this show.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Eric and Ern plays at Northampton's Royal and Derngate until Saturday 20th June. For tickets visit https://royalandderngate.co.uk/whats-on/eric-and-ern/
The show then plays an Autumn tour opening at the Royal Spa Centre in Leamington Spa on 27th September and runs until 20th December. For full tour dates and further information visit https://www.ericandlittleern.co.uk/
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| Photo by Paul Coltas |
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