Eric & Ern - Royal & Derngate Theatre, Northampton
- 9 minutes ago
- 2 min read
I time travelled back to the 1970’s this week as Eric & Ern is playing at Royal & Derngate Theatre in Northampton.
I was still in single figures when I first discovered this style of humour. Unbeknown to me at the time, my grandad had borrowed more than a few jokes from Morecambe and Wise. He was always performing the famous paper bag gag and even had a ventriloquist dummy that appeared at our birthday parties. We thought he was amazing, and I genuinely felt I had the grandad every other child wished they had. Chatting to someone in the audience last night, I discovered they had done exactly the same for their family. It seems Morecambe and Wise inspired parents and grandparents to share their comedy magic in homes across the country. Let’s be honest, Morecambe and Wise were top of the game in the world of comedians in the 1970’s and I can confirm its still just as funny today.
Eric & Ern is brilliant homage crammed full of renditions of those famous comedy sketches, that hits all the right notes! From Greig’s Piano concerto to Mr Memory, “Arsenal!” It’s a show full of Morecambe and Wise’s most loved routines, songs and sketches.
Jonty Stephens plays Eric, and with the glasses, the distinctive stature and those instantly recognisable mannerisms, he delivers a wonderful tribute to the genius of Eric Morecambe. His facial expressions alone have the audience in stitches before he even says a word.
Ernie is played by Ian Ashpitel, who not only proves he can sing when given the chance, but also perfectly captures Eric's long-suffering partner, happily accepting the height jokes and serving as the punchline to many of Eric's gags.
I was probably one of the youngest people in the audience, but not only did the show bring back happy memories, it had me laughing out loud throughout. The humour still works. It's the perfect production for anyone who never got the chance to see Morecambe and Wise live, as well as those who fondly remember them from prime-time television.
The show tugs at the heartstrings with nostalgia while reminding us exactly why they were Britain's favourite comedy double act and why their Christmas specials continue to be shown every festive season.
All my favourite bits were there. The ice cream van joke (that the audience were waiting for), the playing the right notes in the wrong order, The ventriloquism act, ribbing Des O’Connor and of course having someone come and sing so that they could take the mickey. Olivia Fines is a hugely talented performer with a beautiful voice. Yet, in between my laughter, I couldn't help feeling a little sorry for her as she sang Send in the Clowns, because everyone knows exactly what's about to happen next. Sure enough, Eric and Ern appear dressed in full clown costumes attempting to blow up balloons.
The evening ends exactly as it should with Bring Me Sunshine.
Eric & Ern is playing at Royal & Derngate Theatre in Northampton until 20 June 2026. A joyous, nostalgic celebration of Britain's greatest comedy double act. It really does bring you sunshine!
