Morecambe Show Review @ Duchess Theatre (London) - 10 Dec 2009

Morecambe

Show Review

Bob Golding has the job of his dreams, according to the programme notes. Watching hours and hours and hours of archive material by one of, if not THE, funniest men ever to grace our stage and screen seems like an easier-than-drinking task to me. However, after observing about 30 seconds of the man picked to portray the genius of Eric Bartholomew (or 'Jifflearse' as his Mum christened him), I was in fits of laughter before realising that Golding has worked his proverbials off for this part. 'Wahey!', as Eric would no doubt have said.

'Morecambe' is that rare breed of biographical account - it is a celebration rather than a dissection of a much-loved public figure. There was no malice, no smut, no alcoholism, no controversy in Eric, just a love and a desire to make people happy. But he had one weakness - his heart. It was the very thing that, ultimately and sadly, drove him to his death (his 'Achilles heart', he named it), yet he wouldn't let it beat him. Instead he and his life-long comedy partner (and stooge for numerous gags and onstage ad-libs), Ernie Wise became the most successful duo in comedy history.

Refreshingly, the whole mood of the one-man performance is one of positive thinking (the name of one of their earlier songs) and laughter. No period is dwelt on for too long, in fact I learnt a lot about the double act throughout the play, the main thing being that during Morecambe's first heart relapse, Wise would ensure that any money made from the pair's name was sent to him during his illness. Their platonic love for each other was obvious to all who watched their successful TV shows, but probably wasn't considered in real life. Morecambe also loved his wife Joan and his parents with undeniable loyalty, respectfully touched on here without any schmaltz or sugary-coating.

Many familiar sketches and gags are subtly re-enacted by Golding to perfection. The famous 'Breakfast Scene' that originally featured the deft slicing and fevered juicing of grapefruits, was duly replaced by Eric tossing his pill-medication into his mouth, the man making light of his ailment to the strains of 'The Stripper'. The audience clapped every familiar quip or catchphrase with glee. I actually lost control of my tear-ducts during the 'Andre Previn' recital where Morecambe & Wise try to belittle the talents of one of the greatest conductors and arrangers of all time. 'I'm playing all the right notes - but not necessarily in the right order'. Even the simple visual gag of Eric holding an open paper bag in one hand, tossing an imaginary coin or ball up in the air, watching it's flight path into the bag and clicking the bag with one finger to suggest its successful 'landing', caused hysterics. Of course, he asked the audience the all-important question at one point:

"What do you think of it so far?" - At this point the entire theatre hall (bar one grumpy journo nearby) shouted "rubbish!".

The real genius with Golding though, is his attention to detail, not only with the Morecambe impression but other characters portrayed. Lou Grade and Eddie Braben (TV moguls who signed the duo up at various points) are played with a twinkle in the eye and his impression of Bruce Forsyth frankly shames Jon Culshaw's attempts on the current Impressions show. Remember, this whole play is acted out by one person (and a ventriloquist's dummy as Ernie) - no mean feat.

The play comes to a close with the sad passing of the poorly comic and yet another timely gag in the face of adversity. An ambulance siren forms part of the aural background during his final attack, to which Morecambe observes, 'he'll never sell ice creams at that speed'. Laughs to the very last breath.

I defy anyone with a pulse to come away from this amazing performance without having at least cried once - and I mean tears of joy not sadness. I tire of some of the unfunny idiots on the circuit at the moment - this is a masterclass in true comedy, without resorting to profanity at every turn. The best show I have ever seen. And I said that without moving my lips......

Paul Pledger

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Tue 14th Sep 2010 to Sat 18th Sep 2010
- Morecambe
- Richmond Theatre (London)
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Mon 25th Oct 2010 to Sat 30th Oct 2010
- Morecambe
- The Lowry (Manchester)
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