There are some productions that entertain, and others which transport you to another time. The Last Laugh, written by Paul Hendy, does both with effortless charm. Set entirely within a theatre’s dressing room, the play imagines comedy legends Tommy Cooper, Bob Monkhouse and Eric Morecambe, preparing for another performance; three old friends, masters of their craft whose influence on British comedy is still felt today.
As we take our seats, familiar songs of a bygone era – My Old Man’s A Dustman, anyone? – drift through the theatre. The dressing room set is beautifully realised, every detail adding authenticity, and the props elevate the production even further. Tommy Cooper’s iconic duck, the stream of balls and the white picket gate: all affectionate reminders of a style of comedy that used visual spectacle alongside impeccable timing. More than simple recreations, these moments celebrate the artistry behind classic slapstick and remind us why these performers became household names.
The Last Laugh is by no means just an exercise in recreating famous routines. Hendy’s script is a celebration – and a fascinating dissection – of comedy itself, exploring what makes people laugh, why humour matters and the different approaches each comedian brought to the stage. It becomes almost a visual dissertation on standup and comic performance: examining timing, delivery, confidence and vulnerability with intelligence and warmth. These deeper reflections never become heavy, instead emerging naturally through witty exchanges, playful rivalries and moments of genuine affection between three friends.
The success of the production ultimately rests on its cast, and Damian Williams, Simon Cartwright and Steve Royle are superb, holding this audience captivated for 80 minutes without losing momentum. Their portrayals go beyond impersonation, capturing Cooper, Monkhouse and Morecambe’s voices and mannerisms, but also the humanity behind their personae. Musical interludes provide welcome moments of light relief, complementing the dialogue and reinforcing the nostalgic atmosphere.
An affectionate love letter to British comedy’s golden age, The Last Laugh is funny, thoughtful, nostalgic and wonderfully easy to watch, celebrating not only three extraordinary entertainers but also the enduring power of laughter itself.
The Last Laugh, New Theatre, Cardiff, Tue 7 July
On until Sat 11 July. Tickets: from £21.50. Info: here
words DAFYDD LLYR
