LOWRY TO STAGE ADAPTED DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE OF ERIC AND ERN, STARRING IAN ASHPITEL AND JONTY STEPHENS THIS MARCH

Lowry in Salford to stage an adapted Dementia-friendly performance this March as part of the new production of Eric and Ern, starring Olivier-nominated duo Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens.

Running from Tuesday 24 to Saturday 28 March 2026, with the adapted Dementia-friendly performance taking place at 1:30pm on Wednesday 25 March, the show forms part of a series of celebratory performances marking the joint centenary of comedy legends Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise, who would both have turned 100 in 2026.

This performance will be adapted to create a comfortable and welcoming environment for people living with dementia, as well as their families, friends, or companion. Adaptations include a shortened run time, reduced sudden lighting and sound effects, and low house lights rather than full darkness. Audience members are free to leave and re‑enter the auditorium as needed, and a designated quiet space will be available throughout. Clear signage will be provided around the auditorium and wider building, and additional staff will be on hand to support visitors and offer help during their visit.

Steve Cowton, Head of Theatres at Lowry said: “We want everyone to feel at home at Lowry, and we’re proud to be presenting this Dementia-friendly performance. Experiencing live theatre brings so much joy, and we want people to be able to continue to enjoy it long into their lives. Through consultation and feedback, we know there is a real demand for Dementia-friendly theatre performances.

“We’re grateful to the Eric and Ern team for working so closely with us to adapt the show for our audiences. They’ve created a 60‑minute version that keeps all the classic comedy sketches people know and love, and the technical teams have minimised sudden scene changes and effects to keep the performance as relaxed and comfortable as possible.”

Eric and Ern takes audiences back to the times when whole families would huddle around the telly to watch the fantastic Morecambe and Wise Christmas specials. This brilliant homage to the two national comedy heroes is crammed full of renditions of those famous comedy sketches, and hits all the right notes - from Greig’s Piano Concerto to Mr Memory, “Arsenal!”, Eric and Ern is a show full of Morecambe and Wise’s most loved routines, songs and sketches - and of course a musical guest - suitable for all the family from 8 to 80.

Eric and Ern is created by Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens based on the writing of Eddie Braben.  It is presented by Martin Clarkson and The Production Garden in association with Cube Room Productions.

Eric and Ern is at Lowry, Salford from Tuesday 24 to Saturday 28 March, with tickets available now at thelowry.com. Audiences wishing to book for the specially adapted Dementia-friendly performance should call Lowry’s dedicated Access Box Office on 0161 876 2183.