Martin Clarkson and The Production Garden, in association with Cube Room Productions, present Eric and Ern starring Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens at Curve, Leicester from 6 – 17 January 2026.
From the Olivier-nominated duo behind the critically acclaimed West End hit Eric & Little Ern, this limited run celebrates the centenary of Morecambe and Wise. Ernie would have turned 100 this year, with Eric’s centenary following in May.
Eric and Ern evokes the golden age of British comedy, when families gathered around the television for Morecambe and Wise’s iconic Christmas specials. Audiences will be transported back to a world of sunshine and laughter.
Featuring beloved routines, songs and sketches—from Greig’s Piano Concerto to Mr Memory’s “Arsenal!”—the show also includes a musical guest, staying true to the original format.
Ian Ashpitel said: “It’s an absolute pleasure and a privilege to portray one half of the country’s most loved and iconic comedy double acts of all time. For a couple of hours each night we get to share with the audience the joy of recreating some of the most famous comedy sketches, songs and routines ever seen on British television. The more they know what’s coming, the harder they laugh. Morecambe and Wise were simply the best.”
Jonty Stephens added: “I am thrilled to be bringing Eric and Ern back to Curve with Ian for this special centenary celebration. I have performed many times in Leicester, both when I started acting at the Haymarket Theatre, and later with Eric and Ern at Curve and De Montfort Hall. I’m looking forward to sharing the sunshine and laughter with the Curve audiences.”
Gary Morecambe, son of Eric Morecambe, said: “It feels wonderful that there is still such great interest in Morecambe and Wise. Eric and Ernie are forever young on tv, so to imagine them now coming up to their 100th birthdays is extraordinary. It makes it even more exciting that Jonty and Ian are out there perpetuating them from their heyday. It’s like they are always young. It’s that feeling which I love and that’s being kept alive by Eric and Ern. I can’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate their special centenary than through this wonderful show.”
Directed and choreographed by Nicola Keen, the production is a heartfelt homage suitable for audiences aged 8 to 80.
Eric and Ern is created by Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens, based on the writing of Eddie Braben.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
