Show: Eric & Ern
Location: Playhouse Theatre, Liverpool
Date: Thursday November 19 2021
Time: 19.30
Running Time: 120 Minutes
Age Rating: 8+
Performers: Ian Ashpitel, Jonty Stephens & Sinead Wall
This is our review for Eric & Ern at Liverpool‘s Playhouse Theatre. So, let’s take a look at Eric & Ern!
Eric & Ern
Background
Television stars come and go, but some leave a lasting legacy to last an eternity. And the duo of Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise falls into that category. Indeed, for many years, the Morecambe and Wise double act would rule prime television in the UK. Along with their sketch show, they would also deliver one unforgettable Christmas special after another. This was in the days of there only being three TV channels, ensuring that their shows could garner enormous viewing figures. Yet the team would reward those watching on with many classic moments, including some of the greatest comedy sketches of all-time.
Although comedy has evolved, there’s still a place for light-hearted humour that is genius in its simplicity. Hence why many relive the best of Morecambe and Wise all these years later. And this particular stage show pays tribute to the duo by bringing the Morecambe and Wise experience to life. Indeed, Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens step into the shoes of Eric and Ernie with incredible authenticity. We get to relive some vintage sketches, hear one laugh-out-loud joke after another, and generally revel in the nostalgia. All the while, the duo showcase their talents through singing, dancing and even a spot of ventriloquism! There are also several songs from Sinead Wall, though if you know Morecambe and Wise, they’re not without interruptions ….
Analysis
I loved this show from start to finish. Though it’s a tribute show, at times it almost feels like a true revival of Morecambe and Wise. That’s how good Ian and Jonty are at bringing the legendary comedy duo to life. I can truly believe that I am watching the real-life Morecambe and Wise in front of me. Yes, there are the sketches, but also consider their appearances, voices, mannerisms and facial expressions. You could tell a comedy newbie that this is actually Morecambe and Wise and they would believe you. That’s how true-to-life these performers are, as they encapsulate every single trait of the original Eric and Ernie.
Along the way, of course, we get to relive many of the most famous on-screen moments for Morecambe and Wise. Some were instantly recognisable to the audience, while others would come as a nice surprise. I won’t spoil the routines here for anybody unfamiliar with them, but needless to say that they remain truly hilarious. Sinead Wall also demonstrates her tremendous singing talents as well as breaking up the show nicely. However, leave it to the comedy duo to turn Send In The Clowns into a eye-wateringly funny moment. All three would receive a standing ovation to end the night, one that was fully deserved.
Summary
Eric & Ern is absolutely fantastic. It’s the perfect tribute to Morecambe and Wise, and it’s often unbelievably close to the real thing. Make sure to see this show if you remember watching Eric and Ernie back in their prime. Even if you’re new to Morecambe and Wise, though, you will laugh your socks off from watching this two-hour show. The duo would sing Bring Me Sunshine to round off the evening. Though it was a cold and dark winter night, all involved definitely brought plenty of sunshine to Liverpool here. Flawless.
Notes
Target Audience: 40+
Content: No Content Likely To Offend
Recommendation?: Yes
Overall Rating: 10/10 – Perfect
Eric & Ern Further Links
In addition, Eric & Ern has its own website for you to check out.
Did you see Eric & Ern? Let us know by leaving a comment below!
