When Morecambe and Wise stepped out to perform at Newcastle City Hall this week 45 years ago, the comedy duo were firmly established national treasures and two of Britain's most famous and popular showbusiness stars.
For those of us growing up in the 1970s, they were like two hilarious uncles who lit up TV screens in family homes across the country. Their Christmas specials especially were watched by huge audiences of tens of millions. Anyone of a certain age will remember the pair's hilarious sketch with classical composer Andre Previn (aka 'Andrew Preview') in 1971, or TV news presenter Angela Rippon showing off her dancing skills on their 1976 festive show.
The pair had trodden the boards of the nation's provincial theatres, including the likes of the now-vanished Newcastle Empire, honing their considerable skills before becoming household names and stars of both the small screen and the big screen. The mid-'60s had seen them starring in three feature films, including the successful That Riveria Touch.
