Lancaster University Celebrates Eric Morecambe's 100th Birthday with Comedy and Archival Insights

Lancaster University is set to honour the centenary of comedy legend Eric Morecambe with a special event that delves into his early career and the rich archives of bandleader Jack Hylton. The event, coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Week, promises an engaging afternoon for fans of British comedy.

Key Takeaways

• A comedy event at Lancaster University will celebrate Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday.

• The event features Peter Jetson, organist at Morecambe's Winter Gardens, sharing anecdotes and performing.

• Archival materials related to Eric Morecambe and Jack Hylton will be showcased.

• The event highlights the historical connection between Morecambe, Hylton, and Lancaster University.

An Audience With Peter Jetson

The centrepiece of the event is an "Audience with Peter Jetson," the resident organist at Morecambe's Winter Gardens. Jetson, who worked alongside many prominent figures in British comedy, will share his experiences from the entertainment industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear him perform on the banjolele and engage in a question-and-answer session.

Unearthing Morecambe's Roots

Following Jetson's talk, Gary Brannan, Keeper of Archives and Special Collections at the Borthwick Institute for Archives at the University of York, will present on their own collection of Eric Morecambe materials. This will be complemented by insights from Katie Waring, Lancaster University's Special Collections and Archives Manager, who will discuss the extensive Jack Hylton archive held by the university.

The Jack Hylton Connection

The event will shed light on the formative years of Eric Morecambe, born Eric Bartholomew. Bandleader and impresario Jack Hylton discovered the 12-year-old Eric during auditions for his touring youth revue, 'Youth Takes a Bow.' Notably, the show also featured Ernie Wise, and Hylton was instrumental in bringing the two young talents together, thus forging the iconic Morecambe & Wise partnership.

A Lasting Legacy at Lancaster University

Following Hylton's death in 1965, his family established a memorial concert to support musicians in Lancashire. The funds raised contributed to the creation of the Jack Hylton Music Room at Lancaster University. Hylton's extensive archives, comprising over 120 metres of musical arrangements, promotional materials, and photographs, were later donated to the university when the Adelphi Theatre, one of his managed venues, was sold in the late 1980s.

The event will feature a small display of materials from the Jack Hylton collection, focusing on Morecambe and Wise. It is scheduled to take place in the Events Space at Lancaster University Library on Wednesday, May 13, at 2:30 pm.

Sources

• Comedy event at Lancaster University to mark Eric Morecambe’s 100th birthday, Lancaster Guardian.