Comedy legend’s daughter is coming to Hitchin to give a talk about her late funnyman father Eric Morecambe

Eric Morecambe (Image: Archant)

Funnyman and national treasure Eric Morecambe, who passed away in 1984, will be the subject of Gail Stuart’s presentation at Church House on Wednesday.

Gail said: “I was asked by an acquaintance a few years ago whether I would like to give a talk on my late father.

“He caught me on a good day, I agreed and it just happened. Thankfully it went OK. The very next day my phone started ringing and it hasn’t stopped since.

“Because my father was so loved I am always bumping into people who tell me about the time they met him, which is lovely.

“The most moving example was the day a man came up to me to tell me he was the man who drove the ambulance to hospital on the day my father died.

“The poor man was nearly in tears when he told me: ‘Not a day goes by when I don’t think of it – and the pressure of trying to keep the country’s most-loved man alive.’

“I just gave him a hug and said thank you. And the thing was my father was still alive when he reached the hospital – so the man did his job.

“Another time I had someone come up to me and say: ‘Your dad was wonderful. My father, who was very ill, loved him – and the only time I saw him smile was when he watched Morecambe and Wise on TV.’

“My talk is about life with my father. I give a lot of background about his life. It was pretty unique growing up as his daughter.

“Without giving too much away it was certainly entertaining being his child – even if it was also a little frustrating. But if you want to learn more I’d say everyone is very welcome to come along on the evening!”

Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Tickets are £6 including refreshments – call 01438 313082 for more.