A show celebrating one of Britain’s most popular comedians, the late Eric Morecambe, is set to put a smile on the face of Didcot theatre-goers, writes Colin Palmer.

Morecambe: the man what brought us sunshine, the hit of Edinburgh 2009, looks set to be a sell-out at the Cornerstone Arts Centre on Friday, November 20, at 7.30pm. Presented by Theatre Tours International, the show marks the 25th anniversary of the untimely death of Morecambe, one half of a legendary duo with Ernie Wise.

Bob Golding, who bears an extraordinary likeness to the young Eric, takes the starring role in the show, written by Tim Whitnall and directed by Guy Masterton.

The play is a fictional account inspired by Morecambe’s life and while many of the events and characters in the show are real, the story and words are those imagined by the author.

Following its première at Edinburgh, the Didcot audience will be one of the first in the country to see the show on a limited UK tour before it hits the West End at the Duchess Theatre from December 9 to January 17, after which it will embark on an extensive 100-stop national tour.

Twelve years ago, while both were appearing in Steve Martin’s Wasp at the Edinburgh Fringe, Masterton remarked to his on-stage son, Golding, on his striking resemblance to the young Morecambe.

Masterson said: “Bob could have been born to play Eric. He has it all. He’s an all-rounder. He can act, sing, dance, play the harmonica — which is important! But most of all, he has funny in his bones.

“From the moment he appears, all doubts evaporate.”

While working together on Peter Kay’s Britain's got the Pop Factor last year, Golding suggested to his colleague and writer, Tim Whitnall, that he took a look at the life of the much-loved comedian — and the end result was Morecambe. If any tickets are still available, they are priced at £13, £11.50 (concessions) and £10.50 (members), and available by visiting the box office, calling 01235 515144 or online at www.cornerstone-arts.org