REVIEW - ERIC & ERN | THE LOWRY | 24/03/2026
- Sarah Monaghan
- Mar 25
- 3 min read
Eric & Ern at The Lowry – A Nostalgic Celebration of Classic Comedy
Eric & Ern at The Lowry brings the iconic partnership of Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise back to life in a lovingly crafted stage show. Originally developed at the Edinburgh Fringe before transferring to the West End, this touring production celebrates what would have been both Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise’s 100th birthdays in 2026, making it feel like an especially meaningful tribute to the legendary duo.
For many, Morecambe and Wise were a cornerstone of British television, particularly their hugely popular Christmas specials. Having only ever seen a handful of clips myself, I went into Eric & Ern at The Lowry with very little prior knowledge—making it a really interesting experience to see how the show would land without that nostalgic connection.
Rather than following a traditional narrative, Eric & Ern at The Lowry is structured as a variety-style show, recreating the feel of a classic television special. A series of sketches, musical numbers and familiar routines are woven together, celebrating some of the duo’s most loved moments.
As someone who wasn’t familiar with many of the sketches, there were definitely moments where references went over my head. However, the format itself is easy to follow, and the comedy leans heavily on timing, physical humour and wordplay.
What really stood out was the audience reaction. It was clear that many people in the theatre had grown up watching Morecambe and Wise, with laughter and anticipation building before punchlines even landed. That shared nostalgia created a really lovely atmosphere throughout the evening.
The production design of Eric & Ern at The Lowry is simple but effective, cleverly echoing the style of the original television shows. A familiar sofa setup, stage curtains and minimal props create an intimate setting that allows the performers to shine.
Lighting is warm and unobtrusive, perfectly complementing the cosy, retro feel. Costumes are instantly recognisable and help transport the audience straight back to the era the show celebrates.
Music is a key part of the experience, with live performances adding variety and authenticity. The inclusion of a special guest performer reflects the structure of the original shows and works really well in breaking up the comedy sketches.
Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens deliver incredibly detailed and affectionate portrayals of Eric and Ern. Their physicality, timing and mannerisms are so precise that even without deep familiarity with the originals, it’s clear how much care and craft has gone into these performances.
Their on-stage chemistry is a real highlight, with a natural rhythm that keeps the show flowing effortlessly from one sketch to the next.
Olivia Fines, as the musical guest, brings a fantastic vocal performance and adds another dimension to the show. She fits seamlessly into the format and fully embraces the playful nature of the production.
Eric & Ern at The Lowry is a heartfelt and nostalgic tribute that clearly resonates with audiences who know and love Morecambe and Wise.
Watching it with my dad really highlighted that—he absolutely loved it and was laughing throughout, which made the experience even more special. For me personally, it’s not quite my style of humour, and without that strong nostalgic connection, some moments didn’t land in the same way.
That said, there’s no denying the warmth, charm and skill behind the performances, and the atmosphere in the theatre speaks for itself. This is a show that brings people together through shared memories and classic comedy.
✨ A feel-good evening filled with nostalgia, laughter and a celebration of a truly iconic double act.
Eric & Ern will be at The Lowry until Saturday, 28th March 2026. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.
Photo Credit - Paul Coltas
*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review.
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