Sunshine!
IAN Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens are bringing the sunshine of Morecambe and Wise back to life. Appearing as Eric & Ern on their 2020 tour, the show comes to The Nottingham Playhouse on Tuesday, February 11, and Wednesday, February 12.
Highly acclaimed for their portrayal of the legendary comedy duo, and also starring musical theatre legend, Ruthie Henshall, this show is full of renditions of the most famous Morecambe & Wise comedy sketches.
The performances also contain some of the first new writing in the style of Morecambe & Wise material in over 30 years.
Ian and Jonty have been performing and writing as Eric & Ern for more than five years.
Jonty said: “I have been fascinated with Eric Morecambe for as long as I can remember.
“I took on his persona at school and it never really left me. He was the funniest and loveliest of men. We both feel it’s a privilege to play Eric and Ernie and some people have said it’s like we’re channelling them – some nights it does feel like that.”
Ian and Jonty met at drama school over 30 years ago and continued their friendship playing golf together at The Stage Golf Society in Richmond. When Jonty was asked to play Eric at a charity show he knew that with his diminutive stature, Ian would be the perfect Ernie Wise. Having brought the house down the two then wrote some “bespoke” material for their friends at the golf club.
Ian explains: “It was these performances which laid the foundation for a very long and incredible journey…
“We do treasure the relationship we have with each other – as did Eric and Ernie and I think it’s obvious that we love performing the comedy of Morecambe and Wise.”
■ Tickets: nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk, 0115 941 9419, £23.