A performance dedicated to three of Britain’s best loved comedians – Tommy Cooper, Bob Monkhouse and Eric Morecambe – The Last Laugh lands in Cardiff this week for a limited time, at Wales Millennium Centre.
As all good comedies do, The Last Laugh debuted at Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival. The show re-imagines what it would be like if all three comedians came together for their last night in comedy. There’s one scene throughout the whole show – a dressing room – exposing audiences to conversations between them before they take to the stage.
In Edinburgh, the show became the talk of the town, which later led to sell-out show on the West End. Now, it’s embarking on a UK tour, with Cardiff on its schedule. It’s certainly a show which takes you by surprise – full of funny one liners, nostalgic music and poignant moments which take audiences back in time.
Shows like these often come with a risk, especially when portraying such well-known and loved characters, but the cast were uncanny. In a conversation with the cast, which involved Bob Golding as Eric Morecambe, Damian Williams as Tommy Cooper and Simon Cartwright as Bob Monkhouse, it came to light that each has dedicated their whole career to these comedy legends.
They have spent years perfecting their mannerisms, and Simon even had the pleasure of meeting Monkhouse to perfect his impersonation. These actors truly care and are inspired by the characters that they play, and do complete justice to the performance. They transport the audience back in time – whether through hearing Tommy Cooper’s iconic chuckle, Monkhouse’s hand gestures and softly spoken nature, or Morecambe’s playful movements and one liners. It was like watching the three comedy greats on stage once again.
Cooper, Morecambe and Monkhouse were everywhere in their heyday. The show brings nostalgia to those who may have watched them every weekend in front of their TV or at their comedy shows, and even those who were brought up watching them many years later through their family and friends. They helped to shape Britain’s comedy landscape and continue to inspire many today.
No matter your age, if you love comedy, you’ll love this show.
TUESDAY 12 – SATURDAY 16 AUGUST 2025
DONALD GORDON THEATRE, WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE, CARDIFF