Many years ago I had the good fortune to meet Ernie Wise, the then erstwhile partner of the vastly funnier Eric Morecombe. Mr. Wise was out here to help launch the New Zealand chapter of Variety Club. I recall him as pleasant, and courteous but distant. Distracted. Like other celebrities here for the Variety launch he had been shouted a trip and a holiday in New Zealand. And I think that was why he was here. He certainly showed little enthusiasm for the event and none at all for performing. I was drawn to the conclusion then, and am certain of it now, that he was a shadow of the performer he was as straight man for Eric, while Eric’s much larger shadow continued to knock Ernie’s confidence and self-esteem. And performers are those most insecure of individuals. Eric’s gone. Ernie’s gone. But, we were talking about them last night midway through our opening-night performance when, as inevitably happens in dressing rooms, talk turns to performances, and performers. Younger members of our cast had little idea of whom Morecombe & Wise were. The oldest performer they recall is Ricky Gervais, and comedy begins and ends with Flight of the Conchords. You have to think that these young and theatrically-literate people are missing out, if that is the sum total. Conchords may someday become legends and Gervais is probably almost there but Morecombe & Wise in their hey-day and together will in history remain unassailable, for all who are “wise” in such matters anyway.
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