This new production of Tim Whitnall’s hugely successful Olivier Award-winning play, Morecambe arrived at The Lowry for one of its final stops since this current tour began way back in March at St Albans Arena.
Starring Olivier-nominated actor Bob Golding as comedy legend, Eric Morecambe, this biographical one-man show guides us through the highs and lows of Morecambe’s life from his days as a cheeky schoolboy through to the heady heights of being one half of Britain’s best loved comedy duo’s Morecambe and Wise who at their peak delighted an audience of 28 million people with their Christmas Special in 1977.
First premiering at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2009 before a UK tour and a west end run, Morecambe has racked up five star reviews wherever it goes. Bob Golding’s characterisation of Eric Morecambe is impeccable, my goodness that man works hard! Not only does he portray Eric Morecambe to perfection but also takes on many other characters from agents who represented the duo to the living legend that is Bruce Forsyth, each character has their own individual physicality and a strong sense of character.
Bob Golding’s characterisation of Eric Morecambe is impeccable, my goodness that man works hard!
Directed by Paul Hendy, Morecambe is a production that will make you smile, Bob Golding literally brings sunshine into the theatre, it is heart-warming, giggle-inducing all round fun. Whitnall’s dialogue is witty, poetic and expressive with lots of familiar quotations that audience members recognise fondly. Julia Bunce’s set is simple but very effective, consisting of a music hall style curtain at the rear, a shabby sofa (which in the second half becomes plusher theatre seats) and a travelling trunk which contains props and costumes for the many on stage costume changes Golding breezes through.
What makes this show so special is Bob Golding’s performance; he isn’t just an impersonator his portrayal of Eric Morecambe is touching, spookily accurate and full of depth. He gives the audience a master class in multi-tasking, he sings, dances, changes costume on stage, interacts touchingly with little Ernie Wise (who is portrayed by a ventriloquist dummy) and even manages the infamous paper bag trick flawlessly. Morecambe is the kind of show you watch and regret not bringing all your friends and family along to see. Hugely entertaining, touching and jolly good fun, it’s an all-round marvellous piece of theatre, on this occasion they’re playing all the right notes and most definitely in the right order!
Morecambe
The Lowry
Salford Quays
