Harpenden Eric Morecambe Centre

The main hall of The Harpenden Public Halls is named after John Eric Bartholomew better known as Eric Morecambe, one half of the most successful comedy double act of all time. Morecambe moved to Harpenden in the 1960s and often referred to Harpenden in his comedy, with a band once appearing on the show named The Harpenden Hot-Shots and in a Casanova sketch he introduced himself as Lord Eric, Fourth Duke Of Harpenden – and certain parts of Birkenhead! Below local actor Bob Golding recounts the influence Eric had on him his as well as his thoughts on having played Eric in the hit show Morecambe… “In 2008 I began a very privileged journey performing in a play about the life of John Eric Bartholomew. Voted The ‘Comedian of the Century’ and comedy partner of the brilliant Ernest Wiseman, together they had the greatest ratings in the history of British television, over 28 and a half million people watched their Christmas show in 1977, a figure that the likes of The X Factor could only dream of. Comedian Eric Morecambe quite simply had funny bones, he and Ernie Wise worked exceptionally hard through up and downs as a double act for a glorious 43 years until Eric’s untimely death in 1984. Whilst touring with “Morecambe” I visited and experienced many of the towns and cities of England, Ireland, Scotland & Wales over 260 performances and I can wholeheartedly say that without fail, each and every one of those places are brimming with people old and young, who have a very genuine and special regard, if not Love for Eric. I live in St Albans, just a few miles from Harpenden where Eric and family moved to from his Lancashire roots in the 60’s, so it’s really rather special that the Public Halls in Harpenden have the main auditorium named after the great man. As a local boy I feel incredibly lucky to have a connection with Eric, not just through my playing him on stage but also through knowing he called Harpenden his home. Legacy is an important word and it’s touching at the very least that the town should be proud of one of its most treasured residents. Whilst on tour I played two nights in the beautiful cathedral city of Worcester at the Swan theatre where I was extremely touched and honoured to have been presented with a magnificent bust of Eric sculpted by local artist Victor Heyfron. Vic and I became friends and he regaled some lovely tales of the time he spent with Eric, one of which was quite lovely. When asking Eric about how comedy works Eric replied ” Vic, I can teach someone how to tell a joke, but I can’t teach them how to be funny”. I think it was Mike and Bernie Winters who said with faux jealousy ” Someone like Eric only comes along once in a lifetime…. but why the bloody hell does it have to be in ours!!” Eric Morecambe was a National treasure, and I’m sure I speak for the whole of Harpenden when I say how proud we are to have even a tiny connection with him. I know it’s not a huge Venue with impressive stairways or the mod cons of new theatres, but it has bags of soul and character, so let’s keep a legacy going by attending our local venue and supporting the arts so that we can encourage the Eric and Ernies of tomorrow.” Bob Golding