Review | The Last Laugh | Manchester Opera House | 29/07/2025

Originally debuting as a short film in 2016, The Last Laugh has since been adapted for the stage, taking last year’s Edinburgh Fringe by storm. After successful runs both in the West End and Off-Broadway, it has now embarked on a UK tour.

Set entirely within the confines of a tired dressing room, Paul Hendy’s play imagines a fictional encounter between British comedy legends Tommy Cooper (Damian Williams), Eric Morecambe (Bob Golding), and Bob Monkhouse (Simon Cartwright). As the trio prepare to take the stage, we’re given a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how they saw themselves and each other, as some of the biggest names in British comedy.

Despite its single set, the 80-minute show itself never feels static. It strikes a delicate balance between humour and poignancy. It is the perfect blend of comedy, drama, and charm, which will keep you entertained throughout. Yes, it is brimming with nostalgia, but it offers more than a simple trip down memory lane. As someone less familiar with some of the references and personas, I found the show equally accessible and heartwarming as those around me who were lifelong fans of the famous comedians.

Like the characters on which they are based, each of the actors is hilarious in different ways and acts as the perfect tribute. It is, however, Damian Williams who steals the show completely as Tommy Cooper. He channels Cooper flawlessly, making every moment hilarious with just a look, nod, or grunt. His performance, as with the others, remains both hilarious, authentic, and respectful.

What could have felt merely a great tribute show manages to be so much more. The show culminates in a surprisingly touching ending, adding an unexpected emotional depth which I won’t spoil here. Full of heart and cross-generational appeal that other shows can only dream of, The Last Laugh delivers a fantastic night out at the theatre and is on at Manchester Opera House until Saturday 02 August 2025.

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Note: My ticket was gifted. Irrespective of whether a ticket is gifted or bought, I always ensure that my reviews are fair and based on my honest opinion alone.