Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise stage show coming to Birmingham

An Evening of Eric and Ern celebrates comedy duo Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise with comedy sketches in their unique style.

The show stars Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens as the duo, who have been portraying the stars for five years.

“I have been fascinated with Eric Morecambe for as long as I can remember,” says Jonty.

“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 more than 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.

Ian explains: “It was these performances which laid the foundation for a very long and incredible journey that led to rave reviews at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

"This was followed by an acclaimed run at The Vaudeville Theatre in London’s West End, which was topped by an Olivier Award nomination for ‘the play wot we wrote’ - Eric and Little Ern.

“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,” Ian continues.

Jonty said: “More importantly, the audiences love watching it - which is always handy.

"But it’s more than just watching a comedy show - there’s a real emotional connection, because we all remember watching it together. The audience reaction has been amazing.”

An Evening of Eric and Ern comes to Birmingham's Old Rep Theatre on April 17.

For more information and to buy tickets, click here.