The UK staycation with very famous comedic locals and famous pleasure beach
OVER the last 100 years some of the nation’s finest comedians have hailed from the friendly county of Lancashire.
Take Peter Kay, Syd Little and Eric Morecambe, to name but a few.
They’ve certainly all left their mark on the region, in more ways than one.
So what better way to explore the county than as part of a comedy-themed crawl?
I’d booked into The Inn Collection Group’s art deco Midland Hotel in the coastal town of Morecambe.
A mere glance out of the window of one of the 44 bedrooms in this Grade II listed building sets the scene, with a whimsical statue of Eric Morecambe stood outside.
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Morecambe is a big name in this seaside town, having been born here in 1926.
Spectacular when lit up at night, his sculpture was unveiled by Queen Elizabeth in 1999 and shows Eric with a pair of binoculars around his neck to honour the comedian’s love of bird-watching.
Born John Eric Bartholomew, the comic used the town as his stage name, so it is no surprise that there are many nods to him around here.
Best known for his double act with Ernie Wise, a statue of the duo was unveiled 32 miles down the road at The Winter Gardens in Blackpool in 2016.
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Commissioned to mark the 75th anniversary of Eric and Ernie’s first stage show in 1941, it sits proudly in the spectacular domed entrance, honouring their 1,000 appearances in Blackpool.
This seaside town marks the start of my comedy adventure.
Home to one of the best pleasure beaches in the country, with twirling rollercoasters and glittery stage shows, as well as sandy beaches backed by sweet seaside cafes, Blackpool is a popular staycation spot.
But what many people may not know is that you’ll also find another two statues of famous local funnymen here.
A deadpan, curmudgeonly persona catapulted comedian Les Dawson to proper stardom in the 70s.
This master of mirth, best known for his piano skills and jokes about his long-suffering mother-in-law, died in 1993.
The sculptor Graham Ibbeson was given the honour of producing a six-foot bronze beauty of him, which stands proudly opposite the pier in the Peace And Happiness Garden.
Then there’s Bobby Ball, of Cannon and Ball fame, who also made his home in the seaside town.
Two years after his death in 2020, his widow Yvonne and comic partner Tommy Cannon unveiled a nine-foot statue of Bobby pulling his trademark braces with a twinkle in his eye at nearby Lowther Park, in Lytham, close to the Lowther Pavilion Theatre where Bobby was a patron.
Follow the coast north into neighbouring Cumbria, where even more comic treasure awaits.
The quaint market town of Ulverston, home to The Laurel and Hardy Museum, is packed with cobblestone streets, proper pubs and cafes serving up hearty puddings.
It was also the birthplace of Stan Laurel, who was best known for his partnership with Oliver “Babe” Hardy.
He emigrated to America and found fame from his silent and speaking films.
In 2010 as part of the regeneration of the Ulverston’s County Square, a statue was commissioned by the Laurel And Hardy fan club, The Sons Of The Desert.
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Sitting outside Coronation Hall, where the duo appeared on the balcony in 1947, it includes the famous dog from film, Laughing Gravy.
Finish things up with a tour of the museum, you’re sure to be laughing.
GO: LANCASHIRE
STAYING THERE: The Midland Hotel has double rooms from £148.50 on a bed & breakfast basis.
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