Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise have become a compulsory component of Christmas television so it makes sense that the BBC has made this drama, written by Neil Forsyth, about their 1970s heyday. Except that Eric, Ernie & Me isn't supposed to be about Eric and Ernie, it's about Eddie Braben, the writer who made them pre-eminent household names. It is good to see a writer getting some credit for a change. And deservedly so. Without him we may not still be wanting to see all of those M&W reruns.
The story is, however, very similar to the story of so many comedians. The challenge isn't just getting to the top, there is also the stress of staying there. When things started to click with Liverpudlian Braben he had to do all the writing himself and as the shows got longer and bigger the strain took its toll on him. We know that's the case because the drama starts with his head in his hands before flashing back to see who we got there.
This is, of course, also the story of Morecambe and Wise. Braben was not a fan but he helped them to find their voice and gradually all the elements that we know and love slipped into place, from the duo in bed together to the song and dance routines with the special guests. According to this version Andre Previn pitched up for filming what would be his classic appearance without reading the script.
The cast is excellent if a bit uneven initially. Stephen Tompkinson excels as tortured fruit and veg man made good Braben, but he doesn't have the challenge of playing a person we know and love. Mark Bonnar and Neil Maskell don't really resemble Eric and Ernie at first – they look too skinny and too chubby respectively – but gradually they slot into their roles, so that by the end you barely notice they are actors and not the real thing.
We also get to see tensions between the stars. Wise harbouring Hollywood ambitions, Morecambe reluctant to go to America. The show ends, however, on reconciliation and a high, as they prepare to film their ratings-busting Christmas 1977 special (not really a spoiler as anyone watching this will have seen it countless times).
Rufus Jones as long-term producer John Ammonds and Alexander Macqueen as Bill Cotton, BBC’s Head of Light Entertainment, are also strong as the BBC bosses overseeing the duo's – sorry, trio's – rise. This is very much a drama, but not surprisingly given the subjects involved it is also very funny too. And educational – I never knew that there used to be sleeper trains to Liverpool.
Eric, Ernie & Me, Friday 29th December at 9pm, BBC4.
