The Last Laugh
Rating: ★★★★
Venue: Noel Coward Theatre, London
Cast: Paul Hendy, Simon Cartwright and Damian Williams

Direct from a sell-out run at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, The Last Laugh is a brand new laugh-a-minute play which reimagines the lives of three of Britain's all-time greatest comedy heroes - Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse.

Filled with great gags and touching stories, The Last Laugh is nostalgic and poignant and guaranteed to be London’s best comedy night out.

The Last Laugh brings British comedy legends Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe, and Bob Monkhouse to the stage. Set in a theatre dressing room, the play follows these iconic comedians as they break down the art of comedy, workshop their latest jokes, and reflect on the sacrifices they make to keep audiences laughing. But as they prepare to go on stage, something isn’t quite right—the flickering lights and eerie atmosphere suggest there’s more at play than meets the eye…

The production stars Damian Williams as Cooper, Simon Cartwright as Monkhouse, and Bob Golding as Morecambe—a trio bursting with charm, charisma, and impeccable comedic timing. While I can’t personally speak to the accuracy of their impressions, having no prior knowledge of these British legends, their performances were so convincing that I can only assume they captured the essence of these beloved figures. Some references and impersonations went over my head due to a cultural disconnect, but this didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the narrative or the humour. I can imagine that familiarity with these comedians would only enhance the experience, but even without it, the characters felt vivid and engaging.

Beyond the comedy, The Last Laugh offers heartfelt and touching moments, serving as a poignant exploration of the delicate balance between performance and personal life. The play unexpectedly leans into mystery, adding an intriguing twist from the very beginning. This surprising yet welcome shift adds nuance, complemented by effective lighting and sound design that subtly enhance the eerie undertones.

The set is simple yet effective, transporting the audience into the dressing room for an insider’s glimpse behind the curtain—offering insight into the side of performance life we rarely get to see. The heartfelt moments provide a refreshing contrast to the fast-paced humour, offering depth and reprieve from the rapid-fire wit.

A clever blend of nostalgia, laughter, and reflection, The Last Laugh is more than just a tribute to British comedy—it’s an exploration of the joys and burdens of making people laugh. 

The show runs only until 22nd March, so grab your tickets while you can!

You can book tickets to The Last Laugh at the Noel Coward Theatre, here.

Review by Jude

**photo credit: Pamela Raith**