It may be 40 years since Eric Morecambe died but his partnership with the late Ernie Wise remains one of the most loved and enduring in British entertainment history.

The comic double act, who worked in radio, film, variety and most successfully television, were at the height of their popularity when they appeared on stage in Watford on March 11, 1975.

Sadly, only two photos from their appearance at the Town Hall survive in the Watford Observer archive but it is our pleasure to republish them and hope they bring back memories for readers.

The legendary comedy duo relaxing back stageThe legendary comedy duo relaxing back stage (Image: Watford Observer)

One of the photos shows the pair in full flow on stage, while the other captures them wearing dressing gowns as they relaxed back stage as Eric – with trademark pipe in his mouth – points to a picture of an owl.

It will be the 50th anniversary of this performance in MarchIt will be the 50th anniversary of this performance in March (Image: Watford Observer)

Eric and Ernie had first performed as a double act in 1941 but it was after the launch of The Morecambe & Wise Show on the BBC in 1968 which saw them enjoy their best-remembered period, with their Christmas specials becoming a national institution.

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