1. Getting Together

Eric Morecambe met Ernie Wise for the first time at the Swansea Empire in the 1930s.

They were appearing as separate acts in one of Jack Hylton’s touring variety shows.

Both were successful child stars, and each instantly recognised a kindred spirit. They were soon touring together with Sadie, Eric’s redoubtable mother, finding them digs and looking out for them.

The duo learnt their trade the hard way with periods of 'resting' and several flops. On the Ed Sullivan show in New York they had to re-write virtually the entire act for the American sense of humour. But the hard won experience gained on the way up proved the making of them.

With brilliant writers like Eddie Braben, Morecambe and Wise found success first at ATV, then at the BBC with The Morecambe and Wise Show, which included stunning and legendary sketches with Andre Previn, Shirley Bassey and Angela Rippon.

Morecambe and Wise became a national institution, with their shows topping the ratings right up until the end.

The story of the much-loved comic duo is written by Louis Barfe

Abridged in five parts by Libby Spurrier

Read by Penelope Keith, who famously appeared in one of their BBC TV shows.

Producer: Celia de Wolff

A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2021