Calling all StageSiders, welcome back to another review here at StageSideUK. This time around, we headed to the Darlington Hippodrome for The Last Laugh, part stand up comedy, part touching play, part musical. If you are interested in learning more about this show, keep on reading!
Disclaimer: we were gifted a pair of tickets in exchange for an honest review of the show.
The Last Laugh is a production that manages to be funny, emotional and genuinely moving, while telling a story that stays with you long after the final curtain.
From the very beginning, the narrative is really strong. The story is carefully constructed, giving the audience plenty to laugh at while also allowing the more emotional moments to land with real impact. It’s a production that understands that comedy and emotion can sit alongside each other beautifully, and it never feels like either has been added simply for effect.
As someone who was born post Tommy Cooper’s death, I did wonder if the show would be a highlight reel of his most famous jokes. But I am really glad it wasn’t. The show, and the performers, did a great job at making the story, the jokes and the characters identifiable even to a modern audience.
The performances are excellent throughout. The cast bring real commitment to their roles, creating characters that feel believable, engaging and really human. There is a lovely balance between the comedic moments and the more serious sections, with the performers navigating those changes in tone with confidence.
Visually, the production is gorgeous. The set has clearly been designed with the story, characters and other technical elements in mind, providing enough detail to create the world of the play without becoming a distraction. The costuming is also strong, helping establish characters and adding another layer of authenticity to the production.
Technically, the show impresses too. The sound design is effective without drawing unnecessary attention to itself, and the lighting works well to support the changing moods of the story. Everything feels purposeful.
What I particularly enjoyed about The Last Laugh is how complete it feels. The story is strong, the performances are excellent and every creative element feels like it belongs.
There are plenty of laughs, but there are also moments that genuinely pull at the heartstrings, creating a theatrical experience that has a little bit of everything.
I thoroughly enjoyed this production and would easily recommend it to anyone that is a fan of the comedians Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse, or anyone looking for a night at the theatre that will give you a good mix of material. It’s funny, emotional, beautifully performed and exceptionally well put together, exactly the kind of theatre that reminds you why live performance is needed.
Accessibility
The production uses theatrical lighting and loud sound design throughout, with changes in atmosphere supported by both elements. The technical effects are generally balanced and work effectively alongside the performance without being too overwhelming.
Value for Money
With such a strong narrative, excellent performances and carefully planned production design, The Last Laugh offers a great night out for a relatively good price. The premium seats do stand a little pricey for a one act play, but still offer a great night of entertainment.
Have Your Say
Have you seen The Last Laugh? What did you think of the show? Let me know in the comments and lets get a discussion going.
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