A duo who star in an acclaimed Morecambe and Wise stage show can't wait to perform on the Winter Gardens stage to celebrate our Eric's centenary.
Jonty Stephens and Ian Ashpitel will appear in 'An Evening of Eric and Ern' over two nights at the historic theatre where the TV comedy legends themselves performed.
The shows are part of a full weekend of entertainment at the Winter Gardens to celebrate 100 years since Eric Morecambe was born.
"It doesn't get much better to be honest," said Ian, who plays Ernie Wise.
Jonty, who plays Eric, said: "We're absolutely thrilled to be there and we can't wait to celebrate the centenary of the amazing Eric Morecambe, and Ernie Wise who was 100 in November last year."
LISTEN to Ian and Jonty
The 'Eric and Ern' show has been a smash hit on the West End stage, thanks to Ian and Jonty's uncanny portrayal of the much-loved comedy duo.
And the Morecambe shows have proven to be a hot ticket, selling out on the first night (Saturday May 16) so a second date (Sunday May 17) had to be added.
"The show is the closest thing you will get to a Morecambe and Wise television show," said Ian.
"Songs, sketches, routines, some you will know and love, a few surprises, and a few bits and bobs you won't have seen before.
"But basically, the Morecambe and Wise greatest hits."
Ian and Jonty said they are excited to visit Morecambe during the week of Eric's centenary, and will be arriving on the Wednesday and staying until the Sunday so they can enjoy other celebratory events taking place in the town.
Both keen golfers, they are also hoping to get chance to play a round or two while they're here!
Eric's children Gary and Gail will be guests of honour for the performance on Saturday May 16.
The Eric Morecambe weekend will also include a live conversation with Gary and Gail, free to attend, before the stage show.
The Winter Gardens will also host screenings of some of Morecambe and Wise's best-loved moments, as well as their 1966 film 'That Riviera Touch', on Sunday May 17.
Tickets for the Sunday night show available HERE.
Beyond Radio will host a special broadcast to celebrate Eric's 100th birthday with special guests, live from the Kings Arms opposite the Eric Morecambe Statue, on Thursday May 14 from 10am to 3pm.
For info on further celebratory events in the town, to mark Eric's 100th birthday, see HERE.
Eric Morecambe, renowned for his comic partnership with Ernie Wise, was born John Eric Bartholomew on Buxton Street in the town on May 14 1926, and lived on Christie Avenue as a boy.
Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show TV specials were massively popular during the 1960s, 70s and 80s, peaking at 28 million viewers in 1977.
The duo also performed at the Morecambe Winter Gardens several times during their career.
Eric died, aged 58, in 1984. The comic's statue on the Promenade pulls huge numbers of visitors each year.
The Winter Gardens theatre is an iconic Grade II* listed venue which closed in 1977 but is being regenerated back to its former glory with a multi-million pound programme of restoration works. It opens for events regularly throughout the year.
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