Comedian Eric Morecambe quite simply had funny bones, he and Ernie Wise worked exceptionally hard through up and downs as a double act for a glorious 43 years until Eric’s untimely death in 1984.
Whilst touring with “Morecambe” I visited and experienced many of the towns and cities of England, Ireland, Scotland & Wales over 260 performances and I can wholeheartedly say that without fail, each and every one of those places are brimming with people old and young, who have a very genuine and special regard, if not Love for Eric.
As a local boy I feel incredibly lucky to have a connection with Eric, not just through my playing him on stage but also through knowing he called Harpenden his home. Legacy is an important word and it’s touching at the very least that the town should be proud of one of its most treasured residents.
Whilst on tour I played two nights in the beautiful cathedral city of Worcester at the Swan theatre where I was extremely touched and honoured to have been presented with a magnificent bust of Eric sculpted by local artist Victor Heyfron.
Vic and I became friends and he regaled some lovely tales of the time he spent with Eric, one of which was quite lovely. When asking Eric about how comedy works Eric replied ” Vic, I can teach someone how to tell a joke, but I can’t teach them how to be funny”.
I think it was Mike and Bernie Winters who said with faux jealousy ” Someone like Eric only comes along once in a lifetime…. but why the bloody hell does it have to be in ours!!”
Eric Morecambe was a National treasure, and I’m sure I speak for the whole of Harpenden when I say how proud we are to have even a tiny connection with him.
Bob Golding
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