The Morecambe and Wise Story - coming to the Criterion Blue Town
- Jul 6
- 3 min read
What do you think of it so far?
What made Morecambe and Wise tick? Why were Eric and Ernie so funny?
Comedy impressionist Christopher Gee goes behind the laughs in a special illustrated show at the Criterion Blue Town on Wednesday, July 15, to reveal some of pair’s secrets.
Christopher, who last appeared at the Sheppey theatre in March with his Shamrock and Roll comedy show with fellow entertainer Keith Slater, said: “I give a number of talks about comedians but this one is the most requested.
“These two great performers had a wonderful chemistry between them. But their life stories, about how they became the nation’s favourite double act, are even more fascinating.
“What many people might not know is the tremendous struggles they suffered early in their careers and how Ernie, as the business brains of the partnership, kept pushing them on.
“They were always so professional in their work and surrounded themselves with people who understood the duo’s dynamics. Writers like Eddie Braben forged the comedy routines in an unforgettable way. They were always clever, loveable, funny, well-written, beautifully timed, non-offensive comedy.”
He added: “Eric and Ernie were also determined to remain a family-friendly act. When other entertainers turned to blue jokes on the club circuit to get a quick laugh, Eric and Ernie refused to swear on stage. They were never crude. I talk about the ‘comedy triangle’ which became their trademark.”
Christopher admitted: “I love impersonating Eric and some of his mannerisms have now become part of my own daily life. I give Ernie my best shot.
So, did Christopher, who lives on a canal boat, ever meet them?
He revealed: “For a while, I was a travel agent in the same town where Ernie lived. He turned up at the shop as Mr Ernest Wiseman, his real name. I had watched him on the TV like everyone else and was so in awe of him I tried to get him upgraded. But as he was booking a domestic flight to Scotland there was only one class!”
Morecambe and Wise, also known as Eric and Ernie, were an English comedy double act comprising Eric Morecambe (1926 –1984) and Ernie Wise (1925 –1999).
Eric’s real surname was Bartholomew. He took his stage name from the town where he was born. Ernie shortened his surname from Wiseman to Wise.
The pair worked their way up from variety theatres, including a stint at the racy Windmill Theatre known for its nudes, and on radio shows before eventually taking the world of TV by storm.
Their Christmas specials became legendary, attracting millions of viewers and a host of surprise special guest stars including conductor Andre Previn trying to get Eric to play Grieg’s Piano Concerto (with all the right notes but not necessarily in the right order); rock star Elton John; actress Glenda Jackson; newsreader Angela Rippon and even The Beatles.
The song and dance men adopted Bring Me Sunshine as their signature tune.
Famous sketches included remakes of Singing’ In The Rain and There Is Nothing Like A Dame and preparing breakfast to the music of The Stripper.
Their partnership lasted from 1941 until Eric’s death from a heart attack in 1984 at the age of 58. This May would have been his 100th birthday.
The Criterion Blue Town, a former kitchen show room, was turned into a working music hall by Jenny Hurkett 15 years ago. The original Criterion Theatre stood on the site before it was destroyed by German bombers in the First World War. It now also boasts a three-storey museum.
Christopher also gives talks on Tony Hancock, Tommy Cooper, Frankie Howerd, Benny Hill, comedy writers Croft and Perry who created Dad’s Army and the story of the Carry On films.
His Morecambe and Wise talk, presented without notes (but all in the right order) features photos and TV clips of the pair’s comedy sketches.
It is at the Criterion Theatre, 69 High Street, Blue Town, Sheerness, on the Isle of Sheppey, on Wednesday, July 15, at 1pm.
Tickets are £10 from www.criterionbluetown.co.uk. For more details email criterionbluetown@outlook.com or call 01795 662981.
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