There was British comedy royalty on and off stage at the Grand Opera House York last night.
Smash-hit comedy play The Last Laugh opened at the Grand Opera House yesterday evening (Tuesday). Written and directed by Paul Hendy, the play reimagines the lives of three of Britain’s comedy heroes – Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse.
And in the audience were two more icons of British comedy excellence: Paul Chuckle and Tommy Cannon!
Some audience members spotted the notable comedians in the interval, but during the second act of the show – a Q and A session – they were given a shoutout from the stage, which allowed the actors and audience to show their appreciation – of which they did with much enthusiasm.
The play makes references to the art of the comedy double act, which Tommy Cannon, of Cannon and Ball, and Paul Chuckle, of the Chuckle Brothers, of course, know all about.
It was a wonderful celebration of British comedy both on and off the stage.
The Last Laugh debuted at the Edinburgh Festival in 2024, and went on to have a run in the West End, a stint off-Broadway, and is now embarking on a UK tour.
It’s a love letter to the golden age of British comedy, and stars Damian Williams as Tommy Cooper, Bob Golding as Eric Morecambe, Simon Cartwright as Bob Monkhouse.
The Last Laugh is showing at the Grand Opera House until Saturday 14 June. Tickets start from £15 and are available via the ATG website, and read our review of the show here.