INTERVIEWS and PHOTOS: Son of Eric Morecambe visits comedian's old school for first time

Thursday, 8 December 2022 15:01

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

Gary Morecambe meets his relative Esme Threlfall during his visit to Lancaster Road Primary School

The son of comedy legend Eric Morecambe visited his dad's old school for the first time and was delighted to have a surprise meeting with one of his relatives.

Gary Morecambe was invited to Lancaster Road Primary for a tour of where his father, one half of the Morecambe and Wise comedy double act, went to school in the 1930s.

His famous dad attended the school from July 4 1932 to July 30 1937.

Gary was warmly greeted by teachers and children on Thursday morning as he was shown around all the classrooms in the school, which celebrated its 90th birthday this year.

During his tour of the school, he met a pupil who he was surprised and delighted to learn was related to him.

Eight-year-old Esme Threlfall's grandfather Michael 'Wiggy' Threlfall was the cousin of George Bartholomew, Eric's dad.

Gary also met teacher Jennie Marley, whose sister Sammie lives in the house Eric Morecambe lived in as a child, on Christie Avenue in Morecambe.

And later, Jennie organised for Eric's son to pop round to see Sammie at the old house!

It was an emotional day for Gary as he saw just how much Morecambe and Wise still mean today even to the younger generation, almost four decades after his father's death in 1984.

LISTEN to our interview with Gary Morecambe as he visited Lancaster Road Primary School

Gary said: "It's been very moving on many levels.

"Meeting Wiggy's granddaughter today, I didn't realise she was at the school. Wiggy was a great friend of mine and we had that family link coming through. Really caught me unawares, and quite moving. It's been a wonderful day."

Gary was overwhelmed by how proud Lancaster Road Primary School is of having the famous TV comedian as a past pupil.

The school honours Eric with photos and plaques on the walls, and even by naming classrooms after him.

"The work that's gone in for my visit, I hadn't anticipated," said Gary.

"I've been greeted by all the kids who are amazing. The staff are fantastic.

"The artwork down the corridors, pictures of Eric everywhere, really, honestly, quite moving."

The children and teachers were very excited to welcome Gary as their special guest.

LISTEN to pupils Louie, Elise, Teddy, Elli, Sadie and Dylan from the school council, and assistant head teacher Susie Hill talking about Gary's visit

Mrs Hill said: "It's been fabulous.

"The children have loved it. They've been able to ask lots of questions.

"My favourite part was that Gary shared with us that his dad used to fall about laughing at his own TV show when he watched it at home."

Gary answered lots of questions from the children, including 'What was Eric Morecambe's favourite colour?' (it's blue) and 'What was his favourite food?'- answer, he loved shellfish!