Like pets, Morecambe And Wise are not just for Christmas, a fact proven by the popularity of Eric And Little Ern, which has extended its London stage run into the spring.
The nostalgic look at arguably British comedy’s greatest double act, which features many of the gags that helped make Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise so popular, will now run until 2 March 2014, adding extra performances on selected Wednesdays and Sundays.
Starring Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens, Eric And Little Ern, which opened at the West End’s Vaudeville theatre in November, begins with the spirit of Morcambe appearing to his former comedy partner as he lies on a hospital sick bed. As they reminisce over their career, their warm, enduring friendship is laid bare for the audience to enjoy before they perform one final gig together.
When Official London Theatre saw the show, which uses much of the comedy pairing’s original material written by Eddie Braben, Dick Hills and Sid Green, we described it as “pure, unadulterated, nostalgia-tinged entertainment, as warming as a crackling pub fire and as gentle as a new mother’s caress.”
The extension of Eric And Little Ern makes the Vaudeville theatre one of London’s busiest venues. During the Christmas and new year period it is also hosting performances of family favourite Potted Panto and new political farce The Duck House, which opened yesterday.
You can currently book tickets for all three shows through our annual ticket promotion Get Into London Theatre.