By Tom Bourton BBC News Online

If you are preparing for a stint on Broadway, where better to get in the mood than a south Wales theatre?

That is what the great minds behind the Morecambe and Wise-inspired The Play What I Wrote thought anyway!

Morecambe and Wise's particular brand of comedy is universal

Hamish McColl

After a hugely-successful London run, the production is heading out Stateside in the spring, complete with its tried-and-tested formula of incorporating a mystery guest star every night.

Just as Eric and Ernie invited celebrities onto their TV show, Roger Moore, Ewan MacGregor, and Sting have all trodden the boards alongside the show's mainstays Hamish McColl and Sean Foley.

But, before the show embarks on what McColl is describing as "a big adventure" in the US, it is currently stretching its legs around the UK.

As well as Cardiff, theatres in Woking, Milton Keynes, Newcastle and Belfast have also been included on the itinerary for the Kenneth Branagh-directed play.

"I couldn't think of a nicer tour," said McColl.

But McColl and the rest of the company are fiendishly tight-lipped about the mystery guests who will be giving the UK some sunshine.

Even after a lot of probing about who might appear in Cardiff, all that is confirmed is that Hornblower star Ioan Gruffudd did "enjoy" appearing on the show during its London run.

Unpredictable antics

Although the mystery guests might steal the headlines, this successful show is far more than just a celebrity gimmick.

"Morecambe and Wise's particular brand of comedy is universal - it is just a straight-up good time," said McColl.

He even revealed the script is peppered with jokes from the legendary duo's most famous writer Eddie Braben.

Sean Foley and Hamish McColl star in the show

And predictable it is not - there is improvisation aplenty, and the last 20 minutes are completely rewritten specifically for the night's celebrity.

As such, the format just does not work if the star is not big enough, and a steady stream of stellar celebrities have all been enlisted.

"It is very seductive to get big laughs, and most of the stars are delighted to take part," said McColl.

He is particularly indebted to the show's early guests, such as Richard E Grant, who appeared before the show really took off (when Ralph Fiennes emerged from behind the curtain).

And McColl is still in shock about the impact of the play, which has picked up a succession of awards including the Olivier Award for best new comedy.

Dawn French has taken part

"How could you predict the success? It is a delight," he said.

A delight it may be, and it is certainly versatile!

Even the suggestion of taking the show to Morecambe and having hard-tackling footballer Dennis Wise as the surprise guest is greeted favourably.

"You book it and we'll do it," laughed McColl.

David and Victoria Beckham have even been linked to a role, although all McColl will say on that subject is: "They haven't appeared yet."

As for next year, McColl believes the Broadway run can be as successful as London, even though the Eric and Ernie never made it big across the pond.

"They had some TV spots, but they never had their own show," he said.

"It will be great to take the spirit of their work out there."

The Play What I Wrote is in Cardiff from 7-12 October, Newcastle from 15-19 October and Belfast from 21-26 October.