Wondering if *The Last Laugh* at Noël Coward Theatre is worth your time? This The Last Laugh review spills all the beans on this West End tribute to comedy legends Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe, and Bob Monkhouse—read on to see if it’s your cup of tea!

So, What’s *The Last Laugh* All About Then?

Alright, let’s kick off this *The Last Laugh review* with the basics. Picture yourself in London’s West End, specifically at the Noël Coward Theatre, where *The Last Laugh* has landed after a smash run at the Edinburgh Fringe. It’s on from 25 February to 22 March 2025, and it’s a play cooked up by Paul Hendy—he’s the bloke who wrote and directed it. What’s it about? Well, it imagines a night where three of Britain’s comedy giants—Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe, and Bob Monkhouse—end up sharing a dressing room. Yep, the same Tommy with the fez, Eric from Morecambe and Wise, and Bob with his slick one-liners.

Now, if you’re new to these names, don’t worry—this *The Last Laugh review* will fill you in. Tommy was the big, bumbling magician whose tricks always went wrong (on purpose), Eric was half of the telly duo that had the nation in stitches in the ’70s, and Bob was the game-show king with a gag for every occasion. The play’s not some deep history lesson, though—it’s a laugh-packed 80 minutes of their best bits, sprinkled with a touch of nostalgia and a few teary moments. So, should you go? Let’s break it down.

The Story: What’s Happening in This *The Last Laugh Review*?

Imagine you’re sat there, lights dim, and the curtain’s up. First bloke you see is Tommy Cooper—well, Damian Williams playing him—stumbling in, fez on, trousers off, clutching a pair of daft yellow webbed boots. You’ll chuckle straight away; he’s a mess, but a funny one. Then Bob Monkhouse (Simon Cartwright) swans in, all tanned and smug, followed by Eric Morecambe (Bob Golding), wiggling his glasses like he’s about to nick your sweets. This *The Last Laugh review* can tell you it’s a proper treat watching them bounce off each other.

There’s no big plot to follow—it’s more a chat between mates who happen to be comedy legends. They’re backstage, supposedly prepping for a gig, swapping old gags and stories. You’ll hear Tommy’s “just like that” catchphrase, see Eric do his daft paper bag trick, and watch Bob reel off zingers like he’s got a joke machine in his head. But it’s not all laughs—there’s a hint of something darker, like flickering lights and a vibe that this might be more than a random meet-up. The Stage’s take in their *The Last Laugh review* calls it a “well-trodden concept heightened by clever writing,” and you’ll see why—it’s simple but smart.

What’s It Trying to Say?

Okay, so this *The Last Laugh review* isn’t just about the giggles—there’s some meaty stuff here too. The big theme’s nostalgia—you’ll feel it dripping off every line, especially if you grew up with these lads on the telly. It’s about how comedy was back then—clean, daft, and universal—compared to today’s edgier stuff. But it’s not just a trip down memory lane; it digs into what makes a comic tick. Tommy’s all about gut laughs—doesn’t matter why it’s funny, as long as you’re laughing. Bob’s the opposite, chiselling every joke like it’s a science project. Eric’s somewhere in between, leaning on his charm.

Then there’s the sad clown bit. You’ll catch Tommy muttering about tough crowds, Bob fretting over his past, and Eric missing his kids while he was off being famous. It’s not heavy-handed, but it’s there—a peek at the cost of always being “on.” This *The Last Laugh review* reckons it’s a nice balance: you’re laughing one minute, then quietly nodding the next. It’s about legacy too—will anyone remember these blokes? Spoiler: this play’s betting you will.

The Characters: Who’s Stealing the Show?

Right, let’s talk about the lads bringing this to life, because this *The Last Laugh review* wouldn’t be complete without them. Damian Williams as Tommy is a riot—he’s got the lumbering walk, the throaty chuckle, the whole bit down pat. There’s a moment where he’s faffing with a white gate, and you’ll be in bits—it’s pure Cooper magic. Simon Cartwright’s Bob is spot-on too—all smooth and smarmy, like he’s about to host *Family Fortunes*. He’s the brainy one, and you’ll love how he needles the others.

Bob Golding’s Eric is the heart of it—bouncing about, daft as a brush, but with a twinkle that makes you miss Morecambe and Wise all over again. The Stage’s *The Last Laugh review* praises the “superlative comedy performances,” and you’ll agree—these three have played these roles before, and it shows. They’re not just doing impressions; they’re living it. You might wish you got more of the supporting cast (there isn’t one, really—it’s all them), but honestly, they carry it so well you won’t mind.

The Stage: What’s It Look Like?

So, you’re in the Noël Coward Theatre—posh but not stuffy, about 900 seats, right in the West End. This *The Last Laugh review* can tell you the set’s dead simple: a grotty dressing room with peeling posters and a knackered mirror. It’s not flashy—designed by Lee Newby—but it works. The flickering lights add a creepy edge, like something’s off, and you’ll feel the grime of years on the road. Paul Hendy directs it with a light touch, keeping it snappy at 80 minutes flat—no interval, so you’re not faffing with queues.

It’s all about the actors, not the props, and you’ll appreciate how they turn that bare space into a laugh factory. The Stage calls it “clever writing” lifting a basic idea, and you’ll see that in how they use every corner—Tommy’s gate bit, Eric’s prancing, Bob’s posing. It’s not a big production, but it doesn’t need to be—you’re there for the banter, not a spectacle.

The Acting: Are They Any Good?

Mate, the acting’s cracking—this *The Last Laugh review* can’t fault it. Damian Williams is Tommy to a T—funny bones and all. He’s got this knack of doing nothing and still making you laugh, like when he shrugs and grunts. Simon Cartwright’s Bob is pure class—every line’s delivered with a smirk, and you’ll buy him as the joke nerd. Bob Golding’s Eric is a joy—silly, warm, and spot-on with the glasses wiggle. The Stage raves about their “superlative” skills, and you’ll nod along—they’re pros who know these blokes inside out.

It’s a tight trio—no weak links. They riff off each other like old pals, and you’ll feel like you’re eavesdropping on a proper laugh-in. If there’s a downside, it’s that it’s just them—no big ensemble—but this *The Last Laugh review* reckons that’s a strength. They don’t need anyone else to shine.

The Techy Bits: Any Fancy Stuff?

Don’t expect bells and whistles—this *The Last Laugh review* keeps it real. There’s no fancy tech, just some moody lighting (cheers, Johanna Town) and a bit of crackly sound (Callum Wills sorting that). You’ll hear a few disembodied stage calls, adding to the eerie vibe, but it’s subtle. The music’s by Ethan Lewis Maltby—think wistful tunes that tug the heartstrings without overdoing it. It’s all there to back up the lads, not steal the show, and you’ll like how it keeps things grounded.

How’s It Feel?

Here’s the emotional bit of this *The Last Laugh review*. You’ll start off grinning—Tommy’s stumbling, Eric’s daftness, Bob’s quips—it’s a proper giggle-fest. Then it sneaks in some sadness. Tommy’s talking about crying in a pub, Bob’s on about his regrets, Eric’s missing his family—you’ll feel a lump in your throat. It’s not a tearjerker, mind—it’s too quick and funny for that—but it’s got depth. You’ll leave with a buzz, maybe a bit reflective, and definitely glad you went.

Is It Proper History?

Right, this *The Last Laugh review* should clear this up—it’s not a documentary. The meet-up’s made up, but the spirit’s real. Tommy died on stage in ’84, Eric had heart trouble, Bob kept going till ’03—it’s all nodded to, not spelled out. Hendy’s tapped into their lives (he’s a comedy buff), and you’ll feel the truth in the gags and quirks. Today? It’s a reminder of a gentler comedy era, and with the West End full of flash, this *The Last Laugh review* says it’s a refreshing throwback.

The Good and Bad: What’s the Deal?

Pros first—this *The Last Laugh review* loves the laughs, the acting, and the nostalgia. It’s a tight, funny tribute that doesn’t drag—80 minutes flies by. The Stage calls it “clever” and “superlative,” and you’ll get why. Cons? It’s basic—no big story or flashy set. If you don’t know these comics, you might miss some in-jokes, but it’s still a hoot. Could use a bit more oomph in the sad bits, maybe, but it’s a minor niggle.

Should You Go? Final Thoughts in This *The Last Laugh Review*

So, here’s the bottom line of this *The Last Laugh review*: if you fancy a night of proper laughs with a touch of heart, get yourself to the Noël Coward Theatre. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s a cracking tribute to three legends—Tommy, Eric, and Bob—who’ll have you in stitches. Tickets start at £15 (up to £97 if you’re flush), and it’s on till 22 March 2025 before touring. This *The Last Laugh review* says go for it—grab a mate, soak up the nostalgia, and enjoy a top West End night out.