Review – The Play What I Wrote – The Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne 

The Play What I Wrote is an affectionate, quick-witted tribute to Morecambe and Wise and is a delight from start to finish. Originally written by Hamish McColl, Sean Foley, and Eddie Braben, this Olivier Award-winning comedy first appeared in the West End in 2001 and has since become a beloved part of British theatre.  

The plot is simple but genius. There are two performers who, unusually for theatre, use their real names. One of them is Ben (Roddy), who is trying to keep the spirit of Morecambe and Wise alive. The other one is Daniel (Crowder), the straight man who dreams of serious theatrical respect. 

Daniel is desperate to move on and stage his own self-penned play: A Tight Squeeze for the Scarlet Pimple, a spoof of French revolutionary melodrama. It’s this central difference that lets the show pivot between classic comedy routines and increasingly absurd theatricality. 

The comic duo at the heart of the play must have the kind of natural rapport and razor-sharp timing that only comes with immense talent and trust — and here, Roddy and Crowder absolutely do. Every glance, pause, and pratfall is executed with polished brilliance. The actors conjure the spirit of Morecambe and Wise without ever slipping into impersonation. It’s a fine line, and they tread it beautifully. 

Adding to the fun is the hilarious “third man”. Marc Pickering is the multi character performer who brings wild energy to each scene, switching accents, characters, and even genders in a blink. This role is the audience favourite, often stealing scenes with outrageous costume changes and quick-fire physical comedy. It’s a masterclass in character acting and Pickering’s performance is a highlight of the show. 

Then, of course, there’s the famous surprise guest star — a Morecambe and Wise tradition lovingly recreated here. At each performance, a different celebrity enters the fray to perform in the disastrous “play within a play” in Act Two. During the month-long run at The Devonshire Park Theatre, the celebrity could be comedian Joe Pasquale, singer Lee Latchford-Evans (from Steps), actor Michael Praed or TV favourite Sue Holderness.   

One thing is always certain; the guest is game for a laugh and pokes fun at themselves with admirable spirit. It’s a stroke of genius that adds an element of unpredictability and makes each performance unique. 

What’s especially touching about The Play What I Wrote is how it honours Morecambe and Wise without relying solely on nostalgia. Yes, fans of the legendary double act will find references, jokes, and even lines they recognise, but the show is also about friendship, artistic ambition, and the joy of live performance. It’s both funny and heartfelt — a rare combination. 

Technically, the production is slick and stylish, with clever set design that changes effortlessly between scenes. Lighting and sound are expertly used to enhance the comedic timing, and the pacing never drags. Even during its more absurd moments, the show remains grounded in sheer entertainment value. 

In an era dominated by the falsehood of social media, The Play What I Wrote is refreshingly sincere. It’s a love letter to British comedy and a reminder of the power of laughter to bring people together. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Morecambe and Wise or discovering their genius for the first time, this show guarantees a fun night out. 

****   Four Stars