The Last Laugh – Floral Pavilion

Humour being universal, maybe one of the worst insults is to accuse somebody of not having a GSOH – GOSH that would most certainly be true if you failed to find this show amusing.

How could it not be, featuring Tommy Cooper, the surreal clown and shambolic magician who knew his audience so well he was damn near physic, whereas Bob Monkhouse could almost be psychotic, so obsessive, perpetually in search of perfection, maybe because of the tragedies in his personal life. And probably better known as a chat show host; the marmite comic, loved and hated in equal measure. As for Eric Morecambe, what more need be said. How about his being multi-talented, an actor, a musician (over half a dozen instruments) and a writer (over 30 books), including new TV series The Reluctant Vampire. All the more ironic that unlike the other two, he didn’t write his own material.

And although they say if you have to explain a joke it’s no longer funny, here’s a fascinating analysis of humour in all its forms, comedy and comedians. No argument that a rapturous reception is the best feeling in the world: scoring the winning goal in the most prestigious competition. Only better.

Not only that, this play is complemented by a first class Q&A section where the panel includes Pete Price with amusing anecdotes about Cooper and Monkhouse. The mc, understudy Richard Hodder, claims he prays each night that he won’t have to step into the gigantic shoes of any of the three characters; he was entertaining enough not to have to worry at all. It was particularly interesting when the discussion turned to past masters who had inspired all of them (as well as a perfectly timed final touch), and current comedians who will still loom large in 40 years’ time (more interesting who didn’t get a mention).

Set in Tommy Cooper’s chaotic dressing room, you do wonder why it wasn’t more salubrious. And how come three such comedy icons are appearing on the same bill? Be that as it may, the actors are all the more brilliant in their portrayals because they are such huge fans. Damian Williams has the hardest task perhaps because Tommy Cooper could just stand still and set an audience laughing. And even if it seems a little odd, no Ernie, Steve Royle clearly establishes that Eric would have been fine as a solo act, and he seems to have been as sunny-natured personally as well as professionally.

But to my mind, it’s Simon Cartwright who is, just, the best out of three, as if Bob Monkhouse had come back to life:  looking, sounding and acting identically. There again, he was actually mentored by Monkhouse, who may not have been as popular as the other two, and obviously was convinced that was the case, but such was his genius for creating jokes, he would even offer gentle suggestions on improvements to other comedians. A cause for tension maybe, said to drive drama, but these three are full of respect and affection, teasing rather than taunting. To include somebody unpleasant as well, a cat among the pigeon to set the fur flying (and mix my metaphors) would have been intriguing, not least the choice of character…

A subtle balance of comedy and tragedy, but overall, warm-hearted and witty makes for one of the best nights out this year. I really, really hate to say it, but this show will make you die laughing. If not, you just have no GSOH whatsoever.

Reviewed by Carole Baldock

Reviewed: 6th October 2026

North West End UK Rating: