Review originally written for The Reviews Hub

Fresh from a sell-out West End run, The Last Laugh arrives at York’s Grand Opera House. But is it a laugh a minute, or no laughing matter?

We’re met with Lee Newby’s set – a derelict dressing room where pictures of Laurel and Hardy, Tony Hancock and Sid James gather dust. It’s the ideal setting to let the comedy – and relationships – really shine. And shine they do. 

The Last Laugh brings together the comic stylings of Eric Morecambe (Bob Golding), Tommy Cooper (Damian Williams) and a tangerine-tanned Bob Monkhouse (Simon Cartwright). All three performers excel at every nod and nuance, and you’d be forgiven at times for thinking you were watching the stars of yesteryear. Expect every comic aside, every glasses wiggle and every ‘just like that’.

The dynamic between the trio is natural, and they riff off each other with ease. Golding’s Morecambe is delightfully daft and playful, whereas Cartwright’s Monkhouse is more by the book. Quite literally, as he clings to his book of tried and tested – or hammered and chiselled – jokes. Williams’ Cooper nails the funny look; the ability to make an audience laugh by doing very little…whether it’s his trademark shake of the hands or even navigating a garden gate.

There’s no plot to speak of, instead we’re treated to engaging chatter and dressing room banter peppered with jokes and shtick. But it’s not all giggles and guffaws, and the production blurs the line between tribute act and drama. Paul Hendy’s writing explores health issues, drink problems and the harsh realities of living in the spotlight. The gents ponder why it is they do what they do, and the almost obsessive quest for a laugh at any expense. 

Some scenes are bittersweet, and Tommy Cooper’s final exit is truly poignant. This reviewer’s parents witnessed his untimely passing broadcast live from Her Majesty’s Theatre, so I grew up hearing about it between watching the fezzed funnyman on VHS. We’re reminded of the fragility of life, and the toll the pressure of pleasing audiences night after night can take. These moments of the sad clown are carefully and tastefully implemented. 

The masks don’t slip for long though; the gags fire thick and fast throughout and this appreciative audience lap it up. The second half is a Q&A session with the cast and, at this performance at least, the writer and director too. This is a fascinating insight into how each actor becomes their respective comic, and titbits about how the show was received on Broadway, funny anecdotes, favourite jokes and more.

The Last Laugh is an evening of pure nostalgic delight and a love letter to the golden age of British comedy. How can I give it five stars? Just like that! 

The Last Laugh runs at Grand Opera House York until Saturday 14th June 2025. Find out more and book your tickets at https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-last-laugh/grand-opera-house-york/

Disclaimer: Tickets were kindly provided for this performance, however all opinions are honest and are our own.