The Last Laugh at Kings Theatre Portsmouth Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Jan Dixon
Three iconic comedians – Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse – are portrayed in a smash-hit West End play, which the Kings Theatre, Portsmouth are fortunate enough to show from 19th May to 23rd May 2026 inclusive.
The premise is that these three comedians are imagined sharing a seedy dressing room and discussing their own individual takes on comedy performance. Each portrayal is absolutely brilliant, with Damian Williams as Tommy Cooper; Simon Cartwright as Bob Monkhouse and Steve Royle as Eric Morecambe. The play is written and directed by Paul Hendy, whose obvious love of these comedy heroes shines through in the sparkling dialogue and repartee between each comedian.
This would appeal to a particular generation of audience, who can fondly remember the different comedians and their particular style of entertainment. The younger generation would perhaps not know these comics, who were prevalent in the public eye in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Nevertheless, there were members of the audience who were younger who clearly enjoyed the performance.
Damian Williams shared the stature and height of Tommy Cooper, so was distinctly apt to portray the physicality involved in Tommy’s comedy routine, including wearing the distinct red fez. The stock phrases and ‘inept magician’ skits were excellently delivered, with the audience laughing out loud as they recognized and echoed the words.
Steve Royle, dressed as Eric Morecambe (complete with glasses and comb-over), utilised these props effectively. References to Angela Rippon and André Previn again encouraged the audience to take a trip down memory lane and laugh nostalgically. His partnership with Ernie was mentioned and the affection he had felt for him.
Simon Cartwright as Bob Monkhouse looked the part, complete with fake tan and dapper attire. A more serious and earnest comedian, whose thorough research into his craft was portrayed brilliantly. His well publicised joke journals were referred to, along with his methodical approach to comedy writing. References to his gameshow hosting were also made.
Acknowledgments also go to the Set Designer (Lee Newby); Lighting Designer (Johanna Town); Sound Designer (Callum Wills); Composer and Musical Arranger (Ethan Lewis Maltby) and Costume Designer (Amy Chamberlain).
A thoroughly entertaining evening, with equal measures of laughter, poignancy and nostalgic memories resurrected for the audience. The first 80 mins consisted of the play itself, with a Q & A sections following a short interval. The three actors, the writer/director Paul Hendy and Richard Hodder (Walking Cover) fielded the questions asked by the audience and also gave an individual resume of each comedian. Brilliant!
Postscript: Tommy Cooper 15th April 1984 (heart attack on stage); Eric Morecambe 28th May 1984 (heart attack on stage). Bob Monkhouse (prostate cancer on 29th December 2003).
The production of The Last Laugh continues between 20th May 2026 to 23rd May 2026 inclusive at 19.30 with 14.30 matinee performances on 21st and 23rd May 2026. Ticket prices start from £10.00 with concessions available. Approximate running time 2 hours 10 mins (including interval).
I would thoroughly recommend this performance to anyone who enjoys comedy, in particular the comedians portrayed – Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse. Heartwarming, poignant and very funny in equal measures! The phrase ‘Tears of a Clown’ was never more apt …
Rating: 5 stars.
Box Office: 023 9282 8282; Box.office@kingsportsmouth.co.uk
Kings Theatre, Albert Road, Portsmouth, Southsea, PO5 2QJ
The Last Laugh