Review - The Last Laugh 😂

I went to see The Last Laugh at Milton Keynes Theatre last night for press night – and what a treat it was. At almost 49, I remember growing up on the classic comedy of these three legends. Saturday nights were for sitting together as a family, watching them light up the screen, with my mum howling and crying with laughter. That style of comedy – slapstick, tongue-in-cheek, and playfully sharp – has faded from the spotlight over the years, but The Last Laugh revives it with affection, wit, and thoughtful storytelling.

Set entirely in a theatre dressing room before a big show, the play imagines a fictional meeting between the three comedy greats as they wait to go on stage. What follows is a surprisingly intimate and revealing conversation, as they open up about their careers, personal lives, family, loneliness, depression, and the unique pressures of a life in comedy. It's nostalgic, yes – packed with jokes and impeccable impressions – but also deeply human.

One part that really hit me was the pressure these comedians faced — the expectation to walk on stage and immediately make people laugh, no matter what was going on in their personal lives. Damian Williams captured this brilliantly through a touching and funny story about Tommy Cooper, who was notorious for being late to his own shows. To ease the tension (and buy himself time to get ready), he began performances by pretending to be locked in his dressing room – a gag the audience found hilarious. The laughter would build, and when he finally burst onto the stage, it would erupt into a huge round of applause. It was a clever tactic, but also a reminder of how much effort went into keeping up the illusion of effortless comedy.

The format is just right: 80 minutes of performance, a 20-minute interval, followed by a 30-minute Q&A with the cast, which adds an extra layer of insight and connection for the audience.

The cast is superbly chosen:

Damian Williams as Tommy Cooper

Damian Williams delivers an uncanny portrayal of Tommy Cooper, capturing not just his towering presence and iconic fez, but also his chaotic magic routines, unmistakable laugh, and brilliant comedic timing. Williams has clearly studied Cooper down to the finest detail – every twitch, stumble, and signature wheeze feels authentic. But beyond the caricature, Williams brings real depth to the role, hinting at the sadness behind the smile. It’s a performance that goes far beyond impression and becomes a tribute to the man himself.

Knowing how and where Tommy’s life ended adds an extra layer of poignancy to the performance. On 15 April 1984, Cooper died live on stage during a televised performance, suffering a heart attack in front of an audience who initially thought it was part of the act. He was just 63. With that in mind, Williams’ portrayal becomes more than mimicry – it’s a heartfelt tribute to a man who truly lived and died for his craft.

Bonus moment for front-row viewers: If you're sitting close to the front and centre, you’ll get an unexpected surprise when 'Tommy Cooper' makes his entrance – under-dressed and wearing little more than what’s on his feet! It’s a brilliantly timed visual gag that had the audience in stitches from the moment he stepped on stage.

Bob Golding as Eric Morecambe

Bob Golding brings warmth, wit and a glint of mischief to his portrayal of Eric Morecambe. Having previously played the role to acclaim in Morecambe, Golding steps back into Eric’s shoes with ease – from the signature glasses and physical humour to his perfectly-timed one-liners and cheeky expressions. But what really shines is the humanity in his performance. Golding allows us to glimpse the pressures of fame, Eric’s health challenges, and the quieter side of a man who made a nation laugh. It's a beautifully balanced and heartfelt portrayal.

Simon Cartwright as Bob Monkhouse

Simon Cartwright is mesmerising as Bob Monkhouse – suave, sharp, and razor-witted. Known as one of the UK’s top impressionists, Cartwright embodies Monkhouse with charm and charisma, delivering his polished delivery and quick-fire gags flawlessly. But he also peels back the layers to show Monkhouse’s more private side – his relationship with his children, his pain, and his personal battles. It’s a layered performance that does justice to a man often misunderstood as simply a slick entertainer. Cartwright shows us the real Bob – and it’s compelling to watch.

One running gag that lands particularly well is Bob’s frustration with Tommy “stealing” his jokes – a playful dig that brings real laughs and showcases the competitive yet affectionate dynamic between the comics.

Written by Paul Hendy, The Last Laugh is produced by Jamie Wilson Productions, Evolution Productions, Kevin McCollum and Evolution Productions (Australia). Hendy’s script is clever, touching, and full of warmth. There were stories and moments I hadn’t heard before – the kind of behind-the-scenes truths you don’t get from old TV reruns – and a few emotional beats that genuinely took me by surprise.

Whether you're a long-time fan of these comedy icons or simply curious about the people behind the punchlines, The Last Laugh is absolutely worth seeing while it’s here in Milton Keynes. It runs at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 12 July, and I highly recommend catching it while you can.