Eric and Ern
Curve Leicester, 7th January 2026
In the 70s and 80s two of the biggest stars in show business were the partnership of Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise. With just three channels to choose from, entire families would sit around TV sets to watch their shows. This is perhaps one of the main reasons why their sketches remain firmly in people’s memories to this day. At the height of their success, the Morecambe and Wise Christmas Shows broke audience records as the biggest stars of the day lined up to be sent up by the comedy duo. Walking into to the Curve Studio to see the iconic MW monogrammed curtains will bring memories flooding back for those who lived through that era.
Eric and Ern reunites Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens who originated their roles in an earlier West End production to critical acclaim. Stephens relives Eric’s moves and mannerisms perfectly whilst Ashpitel plays Ernie’s straight man act with incredible attention to detail. For both, their vocal impersonations – from Ernie’s squeaky protestations to Eric’s ‘Wah-hay’s – are flawlessly captured.
As Eric and Ernie delight the crowd with some of their most popular scenes it is hearing the famous lines (‘I’m playing all the right notes, but not necessarily in the right order’) that bring the biggest laughs and make the evening so appealing to the mostly senior audience. The comedy however feels rather of its time, not so much laugh out loud funny but more gentle chuckles of fondness and familiarity. Eric’s rendition of Grieg’s Piano Concerto and a nod to the ‘breakfast sketch’ were particular highlights.
No Morecambe and Wise show would be complete without a special guest and local performer Olivia Fines adds a touch of star quality. Her performance of Send in the Clowns, accompanied by Eric and Ern’s balloon antics, showed us not only her vocal talents but also what a good sport she is.
The real success of Eric and Ern is the accuracy with which Ashpitel and Stephens recreate these comedy legends and it’s hard not to be impressed by what they have achieved. I’m not quite sure how this brand of comedy would land nowadays with younger audiences but as a slice of nostalgia, it is bound to please.
Brought up watching the M & W show. It was a family occasion around the TV every weekend. So today , I was looking forward to being brought back to those happy memories once again. I was indeed transported back. It was truly amazing how accurate this Eric N Ern performance was at the Curve Theatre. The various sketches did the trick. . Both actors were magnificent, their mannerisms perfect and comic timing immaculate. Thank you Ian & Jonty, your antics certainly turned back my clock 🙂