The Wolsey Theatre was a great stage for the heart-warming homage to the greatest comedy double act that Britain has ever seen, in the performance Eric and Little Ern.

Morecambe and Wise were perfectly portrayed by Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephen, recreating some of the best moments of Eric and Ernie’s stage performances as well as capturing the highs and lows between the two friends. The fact that these two actors have a very close similarity to the duo is one thing, but when you find yourself pulling back into the theatre from a place where you actually believe you are back in the late 70’s, as a child sitting in front of the TV, you KNOW that this isn’t just a good show, it’s an AMAZING performance by two incredibly talented actors.

The performance begins at the end with Wise (Ashpitel), lying in hospital following a heart attack. However it is not long before he is joined by his life friend Morecambe (Stephen), who is disguised as a doctor! It is here that the audience is given an insight into their life with the duo reminiscing about the past and their favourite moments, including the famous Grieg piano concerto sketch.

The first half of the performance rushes pleasurably by, far too fast, we thought! After the interval the hospital setting is transformed as a stage as if the original double act were performing on TV or on stage where the audience was treated to more delights from a time gone by. Never again will a generation appreciate the pleasures of the Royal Variety Show, of families coming together in front of the TV, or the rib chuckles of live double acts, such as Morecombe and Wise. All of this made this evening more poignant and special.

I would highly recommend this performance to anyone of all ages who enjoys comedy, friendship and a heart-warming look back on what one can only call a wonderful friendship between two amazing writers and comedians.

To get a sneaky peek of what’s in store click here. Eric and Little Ern are currently touring the UK. For details of where they are playing next click here.

For a complete listing of what’s on at New Wolsey Theatre click here, and if you’re looking for what’s on at the theatre in Ipswich, and event in Ipswich then visit our Events Page.

By Rebecca Riches, undergraduate at University Campus Suffolk

Walking into the New Wolsey Theatre for the first time I took my seat and regarded my surroundings; an intimate setting ideal for the style of comedy duo Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise. The set was decorated with a bed attached to hospital equipment accompanied by a sofa, table and chest of drawers all of which reflected the pinnacle era of this twosome’s original sketches; the 1960’s.

As I settled in ready for an evening of comedy the lights dimmed to complete darkness then rose again to reveal Ernie (Ian Ashpital) now lying in the bed asleep followed shortly by Jonty Stephens as Eric dressed as a doctor. To say the resemblance between this acting pair and the original comedians was uncanny would do it no justice and this similitude didn’t just stop with appearances. Right from the start Stephens’ portrayal of Eric Morecambe was on point highlighting his use of child-like humour and simple puns. This continued throughout the entire first act in which Eric is visiting Ernie in hospital after he has suffered from a heart attack. The use of original material interlinked with their own ideas is a great way to highlight their own talent along with honouring the work of Morecambe and Wise. I particularly favoured the reuse of a piece taken from comedy week within which Eric gives Ernie dog powder to help ease his illness then goes on to treat him like a dog using commands such as ‘sit!’.

In both their original works and this re-creation it is clear to see that Ernie has a sensible side that Eric doesn’t seem to share. However, for me, Ashpital’s portrayal of this played a little too heavy and masked much of the comedic qualities that Wise would illustrate. Overall I found Act One slightly lacklustre and although it had moments of comical highs I felt that the review they read about themselves within the play described my emotions on the performance until this point; that they put in ‘a lot of effort to please an audience only for them to be left disappointed’.

It’s safe to say that I was therefore slightly apprehensive concerning the second act of this production and as I once again took my seat I noticed the change in set. Gone was the furniture and instead the stage was clear with only a red curtain as a backdrop. Right from the start it was evident that the style of this piece was going to be very different from the first act. Where the first act took a look into the life of Eric and Ernie the second act was them performing to an audience. This breaking of the fourth wall to engage the audience was a much more enjoyable experience for me personally and from the start of the second half I felt a greater connection with the performers.

This second set incorporated their comical genius with musical numbers in which they both sang and danced. They managed to successfully embody all that Morecambe and Wise stood for and had the audience in stitches with their easy to-and-fro interactions. A particular highlight for me was the re-enactment of Morecambe’s brown paper bag trick that has been a favourite of his since he was little. It was comedy at its finest and just further demonstrated how casually the pair would mock both themselves and each other.

Overall I found the chemistry between the pair flawless resonating what is described in modern culture as the ultimate ‘bromance’ and to further this their showcase of comedy was impeccable; although I feel Ashpital’s representation of Wise could be slightly improved upon Stephens’ Morecambe was perfection. Any fans of Morecambe and Wise’s original work can clearly see them being revived with the direction of Owen Lewis in this production and it is without a doubt an honourable homage to the great comedians.

For me, the entire piece had a slow start and left me somewhat underwhelmed until the second act wherein which the change of pace and style had me laughing out loud and disappointed when the end came around all too soon.

Sengagh Hill, undergraduate at University Campus Suffolk