New Eric Morecambe mural to be unveiled for centenary

BBC

A new mural of Eric Morecambe is set to be unveiled in the comedian's birthplace on what would have been his 100th birthday.

Morecambe is honouring the comedic double act Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise with the artwork, which will be revealed by Eric's children Gary and Gail.

The ceremony is taking place at 11:00 BST at Johnny's Bar, on Marine Road Central, with a whole host of events planned for the remainder of the week.

"Dad and Ernie created something truly special together, built on friendship, respect and a shared love of making people laugh," Gary Morecambe said. "To celebrate that partnership during the centenary weekend, and in Morecambe itself, feels incredibly fitting."

PA

Eric and Ernie met in 1940 when they were both teenagers and booked to perform in the same Nottingham stage show.

In the 43 years that followed, the duo became one of Britain's best-loved comic double acts.

From stage shows to film, radio - and most notably television - Morecambe and Wise became a household name - attracting record breaking figures, including a television audience of more than 27 million on one occasion.

Eric - who died aged 58, after collapsing due to a heart attack as he was coming off stage in 1984 - would have turned 100 years old today.

What's happening in Morecambe?

From West End shows to walking tours, here's all you need to know about this week's upcoming celebrations...

• Before the mural unveiling, Gary and Gail Morecambe will visit the town to mark their dad's 100th birthday with a visit to his iconic statue on Morecambe Promenade on Tuesday, 14 May at 10:30 BST.

PA

• 'Follow The Sunshine': Eric Morecambe Centenary Walks

Guided walks will be hosted by local historian and 'Morecambeologist' Peter Wade, on Thursday 14, Friday 15 and Saturday 16 May at 14:00 - 15:30.

This whistlestop tour of key locations in Eric's early life and career will set off from the comedian's statue on the promenade and attendees will be charged £2 per person, payable on departure.

• 'Follow The Sunshine': Eric Morecambe Centenary Exhibition

A free exhibit at the Arndale Centre's Morecambe Heritage Centre will run throughout the summer - featuring a collection of photos, postcards, letters and scripts and including personal items from Eric's collection.

• Morecambe Bay Academy's Eric Morecambe Run

On May 15, Gary and Gail Morecambe will fire a starting gun as more than 800 students from Morecambe Bay Academy run 1 mile from Broadway to the Bay Arena, performing a "trademark Morecambe and Wise skip" as they pass Eric's statue.

Supporters are encouraged to attend. Timings are yet to be confirmed.

• Eric Morecambe 100 screening: The Intelligence Men

An outdoor screening of Morecambe and Wise's 1965 spy comedy The Intelligence Men will air at The Jubilee Club on 15 May at 14:00.

Entry is free and no booking is required, have organisers said.

• Winter Gardens Eric Morecambe Open Days

Classic Morecambe and Wise skits will be played on the big screen at Morecambe Winter Gardens from 12:00 - 15:00 on 16 and 17 May.

• Eric Morecambe Centenary Discussion

In Morecambe Winter Gardens a free but ticketed event, exploring the life and legacy of Eric - and his partnership with Ernie Wise - will be hosted by Martin Clarkson, Executive Producer of West End show Eric and Ern.

The event will run from 16:00 - 17:00 on 16 May

"The centenary is not just about remembering their comedy, but celebrating the joy they brought to people's lives," Eric's daughter Gail Morecambe has said of the event. "Being able to share personal memories as part of this weekend in such an iconic venue is very meaningful to us."

• Eric and Ern production

The hit West End show celebrating the comedy due will run for two nights at Morecambe Gardens - on 16 and 17 May at 19:30.

Booking is required with tickets available on the venue's website.

• Eric Morecambe 100 screening: That Riviera Touch

A screening of the duo's French Riviera based comedy will be aired at a free but ticketed event at 16:00 on 17 May at Morecambe Winter Gardens.

Further events will take place later in the month and throughout the summer to celebrate Eric - including a family special educational needs session, a musical tribute and performance art project.

For more information see The Morecambe Town Council website.

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