The Last Laugh, Noel Coward Theatre Review
The Last Laugh production image. Photo by Pamela Raith
Written by Penny for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Three comedy legends have arrived in the West End. This new play from Paul Hendy brings together Tommy Cooper, Bob Monkhouse and Eric Morcambe - and imagines a conversation between them, delving into their lives, their legacies and the art of comedy itself.
Crucially, when he wrote The Last Laugh, initially as a short film that was developed into a play during lockdown, Hendy knew three actors who were perfectly suited to take on the roles of the comedy legends. The script, as well as bringing plenty of laughs, also presents its characters with real depth, taking us on an emotional journey through their lives and careers, as remembered by the three featured comics.
The play is performed on a very effective set, designed by Lee Newby. It’s a rather shabby dressing room, and it could be anywhere in the UK. Old theatrical posters cover the walls, along with framed photographs of legendary comedians. Props and costumes are lying around to draw us into this backstage world. The lights around the dressing table mirrors occasionally buzz and flicker. Throughout the performance, excellent use of lighting and sound creates atmosphere, giving us echoes of audience ovations past and interrupting the chat between the three men with a dull and ominous beat that suggests that there’s perhaps more to this rather generic dressing room than meets the eye.
There is no real story to follow in Hendy’s script. Instead, it’s a simple set up - Cooper, Monkhouse and Morecambe are surprised to find themselves on the same bill and while they prepare to go on stage, they share a few of their jokes and routines, good natured banter as well as dealing with a few painful memories. The sudden shift from laughter to sadness is seamless and all the more impactful because of it.
We learn about the men behind the laughs as well as the work they’re famous for. Cooper is the natural clown, Morecambe’s routines in his double act with Ernie Wise play to his instinctive comedic talents and Monkhouse sees himself as less of a comedian, more a student of comedy, with the ability to “chisel” a joke to perfection. Certain jokes and set pieces, including the simple act of Tommy Cooper walking through a white gate, are deconstructed in front of us, offering an insight into the comedian’s craft. But this doesn’t detract from the joke as when it lands – and it always does – it brings the house down, even more so as we’ve seen a little of the creative process.
The casting is perfection. Playing some of the best known comic stars of the 70s and 80s, the performances do not in any way come across as impressions. The actors are so convincing that they appear to fully inhabit their characters, showing a deep understanding of them that goes far beyond an impressionist’s make up, costume and vocal trickery. The three actors – Damian Williams (Cooper), Simon Cartwright (Monkhouse) and Bob Golding (Morecambe) – know their characters inside out and their performances are instilled with a great love and respect for these comedy giants. Their interactions feel natural and spontaneous, it’s more like a fly on the wall documentary than a scripted drama.
Given that Cooper and Morecambe died 40 years ago, Monkhouse 20 years ago, and that they were all at the peak of their fame in the 1970s, it’s a testament to the strength of the writing and direction along with the outstanding portrayals of these huge characters that the The Last Laugh resonates with audiences of all ages. It is a show that has the power to make you roar with laughter one minute and then with a sudden change of pace, you find yourself fighting back the tears as the vulnerability of the characters comes to the fore. It’s also a fascinating exploration of what makes something or someone funny –it’s safe to say that everybody involved in this production has the “funny bones” that are at the heart of great comedy.
The Last Laugh runs at London’s Noel Coward Theatre until 22nd March before embarking on a UK tour. Find out more and book here.
★★★★★
