Tribute to legend of comedy (From The Northern Echo)

Tribute to legend of comedy

12:10pm Friday 12th March 2010 in

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THE comedy magic of Tommy Cooper returns to the stage later this month, 25 years after the great man's death.

Jus' Like That! A Night Out With Tommy Cooper starts a three-night run at The Gala Theatre, in Durham City, on Thursday, March 25.

The show stars actor Clive Mantle, famous for his appearances in Casualty, Holby City and The Vicar of Dibley.

He said: "I hope it reminds people what an absolute genius Tommy was and why he entertained four generations so brilliantly.

"He made millions of people's lives happier, and what could be better than that?

A devout Cooper fan, Mantle has been working with Geoffrey Durham (aka The Great Soprendo) on perfecting Tommy's magic tricks.

The show, which celebrates the life of the comedian but also explores the darker side of his character, was written by John Fisher, who for many years worked with Tommy Cooper and who last year produced the critically acclaimed biography of Tony Hancock.

The show also features comedy actress Carla Mendonça, perhaps best known as Mrs Cholmondley-Warner from the series of Harry Enfield sketches.

Shows start at 7.30pm each night and tickets, priced £15 or £13 for concessions, are available from the Gala Box Office on 0191 332 4041.