Reviewed by Matthew Forrest

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐

For more than a decade, Jonty Stephens and Ian Ashpitel have been delighting audiences with Eric and Ern—a loving, pitch-perfect homage to the brilliance of Morecambe and Wise. Their dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed either, earning Olivier Award nominations and a string of sell-out tours across the UK.

Now, Eric and Ern are back on the road for a run of spring and summer dates, including a five-night stint at The Lowry, before heading out on a full UK tour later in the year. What they deliver is a joyous evening of cabaret, nostalgia, and lovingly recreated sketches. Familiar favourites get a run out which include: “Mr Memory”, Morecambe’s “ball in a bag” routine, and their wonderfully warped take on ventriloquism, complete with Charlie, a hilariously battered and faintly sinister dummy.

Running gags are sprinkled throughout which include regular jabs at Des O’Connor and Ernie’s iron grip on the purse strings among them. Highlights include a clever reworking of the Stripper sketch and a fresh spin on the legendary Grieg’s Piano Concerto routine, both updated just enough to keep them feeling sharp without losing their charm.

Adding a touch of sparkle is West End star Olivia Fines, who proves to be far more than just a supporting act. As well as serving as a brilliant comedic foil, she showcases her vocal talents in a stunning rendition of Stephen Sondheim’s Send in the Clowns, valiantly holding her ground as Eric and Ernie do their best to derail it. She also joins in on “Tea for Two” and the iconic “Boom-oo-yata-ta-ta!” sketch, the latter featuring a particularly brave  audience member.

The atmosphere at times feels closer to a gig than a traditional theatre show at times, with audience members gleefully anticipating punchlines and occasionally joining in. Rather than detracting, it adds to the fun, giving Stephens and Ashpitel plenty of room to ad-lib and play. Their tweaks to Eddie Braben’s original material keep things feeling fresh while staying true to its spirit.

It would be doing Stephens and Ashpitel a disservice to call what they do mere impressions. They don’t imitate, they inhabit. From the physicality to the playful, occasionally chaotic chemistry, they capture the essence of Eric and Ernie so completely that you quickly forget you’re watching anything other than the real thing. The result is a near two-hour ride of high jinks, warmth, and pure nostalgia.

Of course, no evening would be complete without “Bring Me Sunshine,” performed here by the cast with the audience invited to join in. It’s a fitting finale that sends you out into the night with a trademark  Eric and Erm spring in your step.  A perfect way to end an evening of thoroughly feel-good entertainment.

Eric and Ern is at the Lowry until 28th March, tickets are available here.