Eric and Ern

Curve Studio Leicester

**** Classic comedy is timeless

Some much-needed Winter sunshine arrives in Leicester this week, courtesy of this lovable homage to arguably the greatest British comedy double act, Morecambe and Wise. I first enjoyed a somewhat trimmed down version of this show at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2013, since then Jonty Stephens and Ian Ashpital have honed and mastered their interpretations of the much-loved duo with skill and some enviable care. Ernie Wise would have been 100 last year and Eric this year so it seems a timely moment to revisit their ageless routines. And this they do in layers, the ice cream van, the piano concerto, the vent act and of course the paper bag routine. All there and all lapped up by an audience who seemed to be easily recalling the original and at time even one step ahead.

The physicality and timing of Stephens and Ashpital is spot on and a real nostalgic joy to observe. Olivia Fines joins the boys as their special musical guest and of course gets involved as a stooge for them for a couple of moments, as do some unsuspecting members of the audience.

It is a variety show, crammed with much loved routines, we don’t learn anything new about the men, their friendship or ambition or disappointments. I was curious to peep behind the long red drapes that served as the backdrop.

But the sunshine is warm and welcoming, and the tribute is heartfelt and superbly crafted.

Classic comedy it seems is timeless.

David Robinson