Bringing sunshine as comic Eric Morecambe (From Swindon Advertiser)

Bringing sunshine as comic Eric Morecambe

8:43am Tuesday 26th January 2010 in

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THE song asks for sunshine and Morecambe brought it to the Wyvern Theatre by the bucket load.

The show, which is about the life of comedian Eric Morecambe has proved itself to be a hit across the country... and it looks as though the successful streak will continue here.

As British as Bank Holidays this is a show you can sit down and enjoy with the whole family, just like the duo’s television shows from all those years ago.

The funnyman is played by Bob Golding, who looks every inch the part.

Having only been born four months before he died, all of my encounters with the comedian have been re-runs of the shows on TV.

But that isn’t to say that those who weren’t around to witness the pair in their heyday will feel alienated by this show, oh no.

Golding does such a fantastic job that you are drawn in from the moment he walks onto the stage.

His comic timing is perfect and he knows how to work an audience, just like the legend he is portraying. His boundless energy keeps the one-man show running along at an extraordinary pace, and you never see him breaking into a sweat.

Even more impressive is the fact that, as well as impersonating Eric, he also turns his hand to Bruce Forsyth and other great names from the period.

For those who are unfamiliar with Eric Morecambe’s background he was a well-rounded, clean-living comedian who loved his family and had a great relationship with his onstage partner.

His one weakness was his “achilles” heart, which cost him his life after a show in 1984.

Not much drama to make a play out of, but there are touching moments and laughs aplenty throughout.

Ernie Wise is portrayed by a puppet and Golding interacts brilliantly with it.

There is a homage to all of the star’s funniest lines; “What do you think of it so far?” and “Sofa so good” as well as some of the best-loved sketches such as his performance alongside Andre Previn, where after playing a piece on the piano, he famously said: “I’m playing all the right notes, just not necessarily in the right order.”

And when he pulled out a paper bag the giggles rang out around the auditorium before the actor had even had a chance to do anything.

Whether you are a long-time fan or know next-to-nothing about the all-round performer, Morecambe is guaranteed to leave you wanting more.

And that’s exactly how Eric would have wanted it.

n Morecambe runs at the Wyvern Theatre at 7.30pm tonight and tomorrow.

Tickets cost £15 and are available by calling the box office on 01793 524481 or by logging on to www.wyverntheatre.org.uk