Royal & Derngate Theatre, Northampton – until 20th June 2026
Review by Amanda Allen
5*****
Bringing us Sunshine and Laughter, as Tributes go this was Brilliant. There were times when I had to remind myself that this was not the real Eric and Ernie but supremely talented actors portraying the nations favourite comedy double act. With lots of laughs and positive thinking they transported those of us of a certain age back to our childhood and back to a time when good TV was watched by us all, as a family, at the same time and then discussed at length, something that sadly just does not seem to happen anymore.
Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens not only looked like Morcambe and Wise but mimicked their mannerisms and characteristics brilliantly too. Their comic timing was spot on, looking out at the audience to make a point and so in tune with each other they made it all look really easy, just as the real Eric and Ern did. The old jokes flowed fast and furiously with the audience anticipating all the well known punch lines, sometimes before they had even been uttered!
The Guest singer on this show was Olivia Fines, she played her part really well and when given the chance to sing properly wowed the audience with her beautiful voice and amazing silver dress! Eric and Ernie of course had to spoil the Sondheim song by being the “Clowns” in the background. Amazingly she managed to perform the entire song without breaking up in laughter. Maybe it was a good job they were behind her so she didn’t see them!
The Nostalgia was laid on thickly, with the old fashioned radios and telephone props used to full effect. I wonder if younger audience members would understand the frustrations of a telephone attached to the wall by a curly wire and the simple pleasure of the Dandy Comic on a Saturday! The reproduction of some of the favourite sketches from the old Morcombe and Wise shows was loved by all, familiarity in this case bringing laughter. My favourite piece was the bed scene, with the police car, sirens blaring, going past the window and Eric muttering the immortal line “he won’t sell many ice creams going that fast” the audience got there before Eric even had his words out! A demonstration of how loved the show was in its day, my father used this joke every time he heard a siren sounding.
I am not sure younger audience members would understand all the old jokes and sketches but don’t let that put you off. Providing you don’t have a medical condition, so that sustained hilarity could cause you a problem, I heartily encourage you to go and see this show, especially if like me you are of a certain age! It has certainly brought Sunshine and Laughter to Northampton today.