The Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Show radio show (1975-1978, United Kingdom)
Episode time
28 minutes
Language
English
Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise became icons of British comedy in the 1960s and 1970s through their unique style of comedy taken straight from their life-long variety show experience. Ernie Wise played the straight man to Eric Morecambe’s tomfoolery, they had their catchphrases, they had their segments that kept being repeated (like plays written by Ernie), they had the sketches, they had the songs and guest stars - they had everything a variety show should have. Their secret ingredient was Eddie Braben, who wrote for them for most of their career and who knew how to play around their personalities in a variety of settings.
Throughout their long career they became arguably the best comedy duo in history, and in 1975 the BBC decided to try them in a different medium, radio. The Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Show was also written by Braben, it had similar format to their TV shows, although the episodes were shorter (28-30 minutes instead of their usual 30-45 minutes). All of the energy of the original shows transitioned well into the radio format, although of course, some of the physical comedy was out.
The Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Show is a treat, it is a comedy show that lost very little of its quality throughout the years, it is still an enjoyable and relaxing time. Just one small caveat - some of the elements, catchphrases and even some jokes, require a bit of knowledge about the TV series. You might hear "(cough) Arsenal!" and you won’t know why this is funny. But even if you’ve never seen their shows, there are plenty of things to enjoy in this one.
add a commentThe Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Show quotes
Eric Morecambe:
What exactly do you do on this show?
Ernie WIse:
What do I do?!
Eric Morecambe:
You see, you don’t know either.
Creators of The Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Show
screenplay
Cast of The Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Show
as himself
as himself
