studioAT Morecambe and Wise remain to this day one of the best double acts of all time and this great drama from the BBC shows us their early years. We all know what happened when they achieved fame so it is nice that this drama focuses on the other side of the coin.The casting in this is great. All the actors playing Morecambe and Wise not only look the part but capture the voice and characteristics of the two men and in some places you start to think you're watching the real men.Victoria Wood is also great as Sadie, Eric's mother and her story arc is at the centre of this piece that is beautifully captured by director Johnny Campbell.My only grumble is that much like every other media piece surrounding the comedians this drama is centred more on Eric than Ernie but otherwise this is a great drama.

TheLittleSongbird I absolutely loved Eric and Ernie, for me it was one of the best programmes over the festive season. Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise are an unforgettable comedy duo and never fail to make me laugh or cheer me up. Eric and Ernie is a funny and affectionate tribute, and is close to perfection. The only reason why it isn't quite is that I agree it was a little too short. That said, visually Eric and Ernie is lovingly crafted and accurate, while the music is beautiful. The script is in my view superb, Peter Bowker(who also penned the script for the unforgettable Occupation) has a real talent for writing dialogue, the story is beautifully structured and never less than immensely engaging and the chemistry between Eric and Ernie was a joy as well as their antics and routines. The drama is also wonderfully directed, and there is never a dull moment. The acting hits the nail right on the head, Daniel Rigby and Bryan Dick are both brilliant and the supporting cast with Vic Reeves, Victoria Wood and Reece Sheersmith are stellar. Overall, Eric and Ernie was brilliant, you can tell a lot of work and care went into this, and I am just amazed it turned out so well. 9.5/10 Bethany Cox

Kate Howse A perfectly cast and brilliantly acted TV movie. A funny and moving portrayal of Eric and Ernie's early days together. Victoria Wood and Vic Reeves were excellent as Eric's parents. Daniel Rigby and Bryan Dick were spot on as Eric and Ernie, their facial expressions and mannerisms were excellent, almost to the point that you believed they were them! If it had been slightly longer it would have been interesting to see the relationships with their future wives expanded on a little more.A must see programme for any Morecambe and Wise fan!So why only 9 out of 10? - Because it finished too soon! I would have loved it to have gone on and told the rest of their story.

jack-552 Eric and Ernie is an accurate portrayal of the early lives of John Eric Bartholomew and Ernest Wiseman, who became household names as the popular double act Morecambe and Wise in the '60s. The story starts just before the duo met and traces their relationship through until the beginning of their successful television careers. It is told with great love and reverence though does not leave out the initial animosity felt by Eric towards the slightly older and somewhat arrogant Ernie who was already a successful child performer, nor his dislike of dancing lessons. The only significant omission, in my view, was their separation during the war when the friends were conscripted and Ernie joined the Merchant Navy while Eric was sent down the mines as a Bevin Boy to help the war effort. Eric's parents are portrayed with great tenderness by Viv Reeve and Victoria Wood. Casting two northern comics for these roles was genius as they are brought to life as natural humorists without falling into the trap of casting Eric's mother, Sadie, as simply a domineering stage mum. Ernie's own family come to life by the fact of being completely absent from the tale. There are no great surprises for anyone who knows of their early lives and careers nor any revelations or secrets revealed but it tells a fascinating tale of how two men who became comedic partners as child performers could have kept their act and their friendship fresh and vibrant throughout their acquaintance and comic careers. It is not over sentimental and is unlikely to make you cry, unless it is as a result of the laugh out loud moments with Eric's off the cuff wit and banter with his friend. I can recommend this portrayal to any fan of Morecambe and Wise - no childhood illusions will be shattered here. This is also a good introduction to anyone who does not know their work. I hope it will inspire people to find their old recordings of their various shows though you might want to miss out their early TV experience in Running Wild.