Critically acclaimed The Last Laugh set for Theatre Severn
Get ready for a night of nostalgia, quick-witted banter, and "comedy heaven" as the critically acclaimed production The Last Laugh arrives at Theatre Severn from Tuesday, 12 May to Saturday, 16 May 2026.
Following a triumphant trajectory that began at the Edinburgh Fringe and spanned the West End and New York, this poignant comedy is returning to the road for a highly anticipated UK and Ireland tour.
Written and directed by Paul Hendy, The Last Laugh offers audiences a "fly-on-the-wall" perspective into a fictional dressing room shared by three of Britain’s most beloved comedy icons: Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe, and Bob Monkhouse. The play transcends simple impressions, instead imagining a deep and humorous conversation between the trio as they discuss the secrets of life, the inevitability of death, and the true essence of what it means to be funny.
The tour features a powerhouse cast of seasoned performers. Steve Royle, a celebrated Britain’s Got Talent finalist and recent winner of Best Comic at the UK Pantomime Awards, steps into the spectacles of Eric Morecambe. He is joined by Damian Williams, who reprises his celebrated turn as the bumbling magician Tommy Cooper, and Simon Cartwright, who returns to capture the smooth, sophisticated wit of Bob Monkhouse. Both Williams and Cartwright have received extensive praise for their previous portrayals of these comedy giants, ensuring a performance that is as authentic as it is entertaining.
Producer Jamie Wilson expressed his excitement about the production's continued success, noting that the show has built an incredible momentum since its 2024 debut. He highlighted the unique chemistry of the cast and the brilliance of Hendy's script in bringing these three distinct comedic styles together in one room.
The production has already garnered glowing reviews from national critics. The Daily Mail described the show as "immaculate" with "gags galore," while Giles Coren of The Sunday Times called it "pure fun" and a must-see event. With a creative team including set designer Lee Newby and lighting designer Johanna Town, the show promises to be a visual and emotional tribute to a golden era of entertainment.
Tickets for the Shrewsbury run are expected to go fast as fans of classic British comedy look to celebrate the legacies of Cooper, Morecambe, and Monkhouse.
