Review of Eric and Ern at Royal & Derngate (Royal), Northampton

The comedy of Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise is carved into the very essence of Britishness, and while the years may now be distant from their domination of TV comedy, the light still shines bright on their work. This is thanks mostly to generation after generation being introduced to the shows via that near-annual appearance on TV schedules at Christmas. This will perhaps one day pass, but for now, this brilliant little show, Eric & Ern, now at Royal & Derngate, continues to honour that comedy on stage.

Created and performed by Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens, Eric & Ern is a show bringing the duo's most famous sketches and jokes back to the stage. Having worked together now for over twenty years, Ashpitel and Stephens have created the comedy act to perfection.

Stephens brings Morecambe’s edgy, frantic energy and combines it perfectly with his timing and mannerisms; everything from the flick of the glasses to the wipe of the nose is pure Eric. Ashpital, as Wise has perhaps the more difficult task, as his style is less obvious and less mimicable; however, he masters both the vocal delivery and movement so renowned in Ernie on stage.

As a pair, they are the living form of Morecambe & Wise, looking the part, moving the part, and delivering the script, drawn together from the works of Eddie Braben, Dick Hills and Sid Green, with perfect timing.

The selection of pieces is clever and moves at a pace, with the very best being the straight sequences of the two chatting together on stage or in bed, waiting for the ice cream van to come by. You could do a very effective drinking game, ticking off the jokes you all know that well.

What is slightly less effective are the attempts at the bigger sketches, and while they are well received by the audience, and perhaps expected, flashes of The Stripper scene and most prominently the Grieg Piano Concerto sketch just don’t quite have the same impact scaled back for the pair to perform within this show.

What is brilliant, though, is the musical guest: for this performance, it was the talented Olivia Fines, who happily plays along with the pair of clowns and delivers tremendous vocal moments. With mention of music, it's also great to hear three of the duo's classic show songs, including, of course, Bring Me Sunshine, all performed skillfully by Ashpitel and Stephens.

So, anyone who is a fan of the original comedy shows will find endless delight in these shows; those less familiar with the work may need to take a retro pill and take this comedy for what it is. It is classic, brilliant, simple comedy, and in the hands of Ashpitel and Stephens, it lives once again. Fabulous stuff.

A magical stroll down memory lane.
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Performance reviewed: Wednesday, 17th June 2026, at the Royal & Derngate, Northampton.

Eric and Ern is at Royal & Derngate until Saturday, 20th June 2026, before continuing its tour from October.

For further details of the tour, see the website at https://www.ericandlittleern.co.uk/

For further details about the Royal & Derngate and to book tickets, see their website at http://www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Production photos: Paul Coltas

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