The Last Laugh – Bord Gáis Energy Theatre – Review

THE LAST LAUGH – Produced by Jamie Wilson Productions
21 – 25 July 2026

Photos by Pamela Raith

The Last Laugh transports us back to the golden age of British television comedy through its affectionate portrayal of three legendary entertainers: Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse.

The play opens backstage before a performance, where Tommy Cooper stands in nothing more than his vest and underwear, amusing himself with visual gags while preparing for the show ahead. He is soon joined by the impeccably dressed and meticulously mannered Bob Monkhouse, armed with his ever-present book of jokes. Minutes later, Eric Morecambe bursts onto the scene, immediately shifting the dynamic once again. As the three wait to go on stage, they reflect on their careers, their shared love of performing before a live audience, and the sacrifices that accompanied their success. The script also touches upon their complicated personal lives, hinting at private struggles without dwelling on them. Rather than simply recreating their famous stage personas, The Last Laugh presents them as fully rounded individuals, revealing the humanity behind the comedy.

The production stars Damian Williams as Cooper, Simon Cartwright as Monkhouse and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Steve Royle as Morecambe, although Richard Hodder played the role on the night of this review. All three performers bear a striking resemblance to the comedy legends they portray, capturing not only their physical appearance but also their distinctive mannerisms, vocal rhythms and instantly recognisable catchphrases. At times, it feels as though the original trio have stepped back onto the stage. As understudy for all three roles, Hodder faces the impossible task of physically matching three very different comedians, yet he proves a thoroughly engaging Eric Morecambe, delivering the character’s trademark wit and warmth.

Each of the principal actors has portrayed their respective comedian in previous theatrical and comedy productions, lending an extra layer of authenticity to their performances. The play itself began life as a 20-minute short film in 2017, written and directed by Paul Hendy, before being expanded into a full-length stage production for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Following a sell-out run there, The Last Laugh has enjoyed extensive touring success. This latest production visits eleven venues, with the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre hosting its only Irish performance. There is even talk of a film adaptation of the play later this year!

Running for approximately 90 minutes without an interval, the production is followed by what is billed as a “Second Act”: an informal question-and-answer session in which the cast share stories and anecdotes about the comedians they portray. It is an enjoyable addition, with all three actors coming across as warm, engaging company who could happily spend hours discussing the careers and legacies of their comedy heroes. The production feels a little smaller than those we are used to in the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. It is essentially a three-person play, without the excitement and spectacle of many of the large-scale musicals.

The Last Laugh offers a nostalgic glimpse into three of Britain’s most celebrated entertainers, whose television heyday came during the 1970s and early 1980s. While younger audiences may not have the same connection to Cooper, Morecambe and Monkhouse, those who grew up watching them will find much to enjoy. Many of the jokes and routines are lifted directly from their classic performances and are delivered with impeccable timing. Given that the three comedians spent decades performing in the same clubs, theatres and variety circuits, the imagined conversations between them feel entirely plausible. Although the dialogue is fictionalised, it is grounded in careful research and offers insights into the personalities behind the public image. For longtime admirers, The Last Laugh is a heartfelt tribute that resurrects three much-missed comedy icons, allowing them to share the stage together once more, if only for one night.