Eric and Ern ★★★★★

Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise undoubtedly cemented their place in the annals of British entertainment history; their TV shows garnered viewing figures which peaked at more than twenty million for their 1977 Christmas special. Celebrities were falling over themselves to get a prized appearance in a sketch with the duo, which would ultimately end in ridicule (who can forget Shirley Bassey staggering around with a piece of scenery stuck around her foot, swiftly replaced with a hobnail boot?). Now, in the year Eric would have turned a hundred years old, their legacy is the focus of Eric and Ern – a new production from Jonty Stephens (Eric) and Ian Ashpitel (Ern).

The show follows on from the success of Jonty and Ian’s play Eric and Little Ern, which debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe and went on to enjoy a run in the West End. The new touring production is more sketch-based and represents many of Morecambe and Wise’s best-loved moments, including Mr Memory (“Arsenal!”), Boom Oo Yata-Ta-Ta and a certain piano concerto. There are also renditions of classic songs associated with the pair, such as “Positive Thinking”, “Following You Around” and, of course, “Bring Me Sunshine”.

From early on the chemistry between Stephens and Ashpitel is apparent – they spark off each other magnificently, whether following the script or ad-libbing (“It’s all happening tonight!”). Their performances go beyond mere impersonation – their movements, reactions and intonation embody the originals to the extent that the viewer would be forgiven for thinking Morecambe and Wise were back on stage. Ern’s slight air of smugness, tempered with his long-suffering endurance of Eric and his impish pranks and gags – all are captured with a real sense of warmth and attention to detail (a push of the glasses speaks a thousand words).

Musical support on the Leicester leg of the tour comes from local actress and singer Olivia Fines, who plays the guest role and sings three numbers – two with help/hindrance from Eric and Ern and one without. Olivia has a fantastic voice and marvellous stage presence – her ability to play it straight when surrounded by tomfoolery is commendable. A name to look out for.

To step into the shoes of such comedy titans is a brave undertaking, but Stephens and Ashpitel pull it off with skill and sincerity. Fans of Morecambe and Wise should have no qualms about their heroes being sold short in any way. Eric And Ern is a nostalgic and joyous hug of a show – fabulous, family-friendly, but most of all funny. Ha-hey!