The Last Laugh by Paul Hendy. Richmond Theatre, The Green, Richmond TW9 1QJ until 21 June 2025and then on tour until September, 4☆☆☆☆. Review: William Russell.

Photo Credit: Pamela Raith Photography.

The Last Laugh by Paul Hendy. Richmond Theatre, The Green,  Richmond TW9 1QJ  until 21 June 2025and then on tour until September,

4☆☆☆☆. Review: William Russell.

“Dead funny.”

This hilarious comedy by Paul Hendy is just the thing to make one forget the troubles of today. Tommy Cooper is in his dressing room when he is joined by Bob Monkhouse and then Eric Morcambe and they proceed to discuss the art of comedy, how hard it is, and how to refine a joke. In fact we are in the dressing room in the sky as Cooper actually died on stage – a backcloth fell but the show went on. They reminisce about how hard it is to be funny and Monkhouse worries about the perfect joke. He has written jokes for all sorts of people, and also knows that while some comedians are loved he is not actually one of them although they do laugh when he tells them. They talk about who they admire, Cooper does some of his turns, Eric plays the ukulele and the audience is transported to a time when television on Saturday nights was the centre of family life, there were no streaming channels, no mobile phones, no podcasts and the world – at least in retrospect – was a happier place. It could have beem mawkish, but Hendy, who also directs avoids all the pitfalls and his cast, while not actually impersonating the three comics create believable versions of them. It is a fine line not to cross and one they observe perfectly. We are watching actors act. What you get is a play about how comedy is no laughing matter but is an essential part of life. After the interval the actors come on as does Richard Hodder who comperes a Q&A session of sorts – which this time included Hendy. Actually it is more a chance for them to talk about playing the roles and tell some stories like one about a one armed  doorman at the BBC who was a surly chap hated by the talent. One evening he asked Morecambe if he could have a couple of tickets for his next show. Eric said No. The man was aghast. Why? “Because you can't clap” was the reply. He got his tickets. It all ends with the audience joining in with a chorus or two of Positive Thinking.

Cast

Damian Williams – Tommy Cooper

Simon Cartwright – Bob Monkhouse

Bob Golding – Eric Morecambe

Cover – Richard Hodder

Creatives

Set Designer – Lee Newby.

Lighting Designer – Johanna Town

Sound Designer – Callum Wills

Composer & Musical Arranger – Ethan Lewis Maltby