A brand-new laugh-a-minute play re-imagining the lives of three of Britain’s all-time greatest comedy heroes – Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse – will be heading to York for the very first time.  Receiving 5-star reviews during The Last Laugh’s current run in the West End, this poignant and nostalgic play focuses on the comedy writing and lives of these comedy legends.

Written by award-winning Paul Hendy, this show is a love letter to the golden age of British comedy.  “I’ve always been fascinated by what makes something – or someone – funny.  I wrote The Last Laugh to explore those questions, to examine comedy’s mechanics.  How a pause, a look, or one word can change the way a joke lands – or doesn’t.”

The show which had a sell-out run at the Edinburgh festival stars Damian Williams as Tommy Cooper Bob Golding as Eric Morecambe, Simon Cartwright as Bob Monkhouse.

Apart from the fact the three actors have played the roles of these comedy legends on stage before, they were also chosen for a reason.  Paul says “Damian Williams is the perfect Tommy Cooper, Bob Golding embodies Eric Morecambe’s essence and Simon Cartwright IS Bob Monkhouse. They’re more obsessed than I am. Damian has a bar in his garden called ‘Coopers’ and Bob named his son Ernie!”

The play, set in a dressing room with songs and gags galore, is a gentle, affectionate show reflecting on the lives and comedic style of these three great, influential comedians.

The Last Laugh is showing at the Grand Opera House Tue 10 – Sat 14 June 2025.

Tickets: atgtickets.com/york

Photo credit: Pamela Raith Photography