Eric & Ern. Royal & Derngate. Northampton
If you’ve ever sat through one of your dad’s terrible jokes and wondered where it all went wrong, Eric & Ern might have the answer.
The Eric & Ern production, directed and choreographed by Nicola Keen, pays homage to the iconic comedic duo Morecambe & Wise, who, if you ask your grannies about, will say the “better Ant & Dec.” Throughout the performance, Ian Ashpitel (Ernie ) and Jonty Stephens (Eric) perform ridiculous and satirical acts that are sure to make you feel like you’ve travelled back to the 1970s.
Before entering the Royal & Derngate, my boyfriend turns to me and asks, “Do you think we’ll be the youngest here?” Well, not only are we the youngest, but we are probably the only ones there who were born after the internet was invented. I half expect someone to ask us what it was like growing up with mobile phones. The audience is filled with the generation of the time who loved Morecambe and Wise as if they were good old-time friends.
Ian and Jonty put on a terrific performance as a duo, with their non-stop energy and brilliant chemistry. You can really tell when watching them that they have put a lot of time and effort into bringing the characters of Morecambe & Wise back to life. Additionally, guest singer Olivia Fines puts on a magical performance with not only her beautiful voice, but also her ability to take on the comedic attitude of the production, joining in with the absolute silliness of Eric & Ern.
The humour in this production is simple, with a mix of clever word gags and slapstick. It is the style of comedy that reminds me of the back-and-forth humour used in pantomimes, the kind where you know exactly what’s coming next, yet find yourself laughing at it anyway. Each silly joke and physical play has the audience roaring with laughter, allowing them to go back to a time when they can be a child again, free from responsibilities and happy to laugh at something completely ridiculous.
Throughout the night, many, what I presume to be, references to iconic Morecambe & Wise jokes are made. Those in the audience appreciate them so much that at one point, everyone in the audience begins laughing and clapping before the anticipated joke is even made. My boyfriend and I, who have no idea what is going on, just look at each other and shrug. We spend several moments clapping purely out of peer pressure.
If you’re a lifelong Morecambe & Wise fan, you’ll love every minute. If you’re my age, you’ll spend half the show laughing and the other half trying to work out what everyone else is laughing at. However, even if some references fly over your head, there’s enough silliness to keep you entertained.
Eric & Ern are continuing to tour around the UK throughout the Autumn season, so if this laugh-out-loud tribute performance takes your fancy, then look at their website to see if they’re coming to your local theatre.
Photo credit: Paul Coltas
