Actor's Likeness to Eric Morecambe Praised by Daughter
The daughter of Eric Morecambe has described the actor portraying her father in a special stage production as "incredible," highlighting the remarkable resemblance and performance in a show commemorating the 100th birthdays of the iconic comedy duo Morecambe and Wise.
Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephen are starring as Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise in Eric and Ern, a production scheduled to run at The Lowry in Salford later this month. The show is part of the centenary celebrations honoring the legendary entertainers.
The actors drew inspiration for the production, which will be performed from 24 to 28 March, from the writings of Eddie Braben, the renowned writer who crafted material for the Morecambe and Wise double act.
Gail Stuart, Eric Morecambe's daughter, commented on Jonty Stephen's portrayal, stating:
"Stephen was incredibly like him and gets the mannerisms amazingly well."
Following a limited engagement at the Curve Theatre in Leicester, Eric and Ern will move to The Lowry before continuing to the Garrick Theatre in London's West End and Morecambe's Winter Gardens.
Challenges of Portraying Comedy Legends
Jonty Stephen spoke to BBC North West Tonight about the demanding nature of embodying the much-loved comic duo, describing it as the most challenging role of their careers.
"We have never worked as hard in our career as portraying these geniuses.
Every little movement, every little gesture, every little wig that Ernie wears - we've got to be spot on. And hopefully we are."
"We do treasure their memory and hopefully the show we do can transport the audience back for that two hours to a time when they were watching Morecambe and Wise."
The actors pay homage to some of the comedians' most cherished sketches in the production.
Stephen remarked on his favorite sketches:
"I like the sketches when the boys are in their flat sitting at the sofa or in bed together, where Ernie has got the Financial Times and Eric has got the Dandy. It is a perfect picture of the two."
Ian Ashpitel, who plays Ernie Wise, noted the audience's enthusiastic participation during performances.
"The audience knows what's coming - and the more they know - the bigger the laugh.
Sometimes they say the line before we do," he added.
Both actors expressed their enduring enjoyment of performing the classic comedy lines.
"We just love it," said Stephen.
Ashpitel added:
"We met in drama school 41 years ago. We've known each other almost as long as Eric and Ern did and we are like the Yin and Yang of each other.
Like Eric and Ern were like brothers, we are the same.
It's a joy to make people laugh and there is that emotional connection because people remember watching Eric and Ern making them laugh when they were kids with their mums and dads."
Stephen further reflected on the public's affection for the duo and the impact of their show.
"Morecambe and Wise weren't just liked, they were loved by the public. And with our show we get a little bit of that back, and it is wonderful."
Legacy of Morecambe and Wise
Born John Eric Bartholomew in 1926, Eric Morecambe adopted his stage name from his Lancashire hometown. A statue commemorating him was unveiled on the promenade by the Queen in 1999.
Morecambe passed away on 28 May 1984 after collapsing on stage from a heart attack shortly after his 58th birthday.
Ernie Wise, born Ernie Wiseman, formed the comedy partnership with Morecambe when he was 16. Wise died in 1999 at the age of 73.
Both entertainers were appointed Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBEs) in 1976.
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