HATS OFF TO LAUREL AND HARDY (TheatreEddys Blog, 25th August 2017) Standing before us are a pair of gents that are eerily duplicates in so many ways of the two who began their crazy antics on films before sound and continued even into the early days of television. Just minutes into Hats Off to Laurel and Hardy — a 2013 play by Philip Hutchinson that has crossed many international borders performing to sell-out audiences — and already the audience is guffawing in laughter and shaking their heads in adoration in ways audiences have for a century. Tony Carpenter as Stan Laurel and Philip Hutchinson as Oliver Hardy recreate the life stories of these two partners attached as one entity to each other, on and off stage. But better yet, the two actors recreate both on live stage and in projected film clips a number of the pairs’ most famous skits, complete with the gestures and grimaces that still bring smiles, chuckles, and outright laughter whether being seen for the first or the hundredth time. Hats off to Messieurs Carpenter and Hutchinson for a fabulous Hats Off to Laurel and Hardy. *****

HATS OFF TO LAUREL AND HARDY (Keith Savage, Buxton Fringe Review, 18th July 2017) This show was warmly

received last year and you can see why. Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy are remembered with affection - even by those who have seen few of their films and know them through just a handful of images or catchphrases. If there are secrets to their success one is about timing - and with Laurel and Hardy it is as much about holding on just a fraction of a second so that the value of the payoff is multiplied because we have had to wait that moment. The other trick is that no matter how Stan and Ollie treat each other, no matter what they say to one another we know that they are the greatest of pals, they are inseparable. Their love for each other makes us love them too. This love inevitably led to the profoundest sense of loss when Oliver Hardy died; in a way Stan died then because he depended so much on Ollie. It was as though they were a single person. This pathos was very well played out in the show which in other less sensitive hands would simply have plundered the comedy routines. You would have to have a heart of stone not to be moved by Hats Off to Laurel and Hardy.

HATS OFF TO LAUREL AND HARDY (Brian Butler, GScene, 15th May 2017) Tony Carpenter (Laurel) and Philip Hutchinson (Hardy) overcome the first big hurdle of a tribute show in Hats Off to Laurel and Hardy at the Sweet Waterfront – they actually look and sound like the originals. Their characterisations are endearing and life-like and they add to this atmosphere by projecting black and white film of their versions of some of the comedy duo’s best moments. My particular favourite, when I was a child, was The Music Box – where they repeatedly try to move an upright piano up an impossibly steep flight of outdoor steps. Their reproduction of that film is truly side-splitting. These elements of the show work really well along with some snappy to-ing and fro-ing in their live dialogue. We get some terrific one-liners, as in : “If I hadn’t have seen you , I wouldn’t have recognised you”. They hated being on TV’s This is Your Life at the end of their careers and as Stan says: “we didn’t even get paid”. What the historical analysis does yield are facts about them that we probably don’t know – their origins, the fact that Stan was a terrific director and writer and hated acting – except with Ollie. Or that Ollie was unhappy all his life with his weight – “People all over the world were laughing at the fat man – I hate being fat”. I hadn’t realised how often they did stage and variety shows in England and Europe largely because of impresario Bernard Delfont. Their sad decline and serious illnesses cast a dark cloud in the last fifteen minutes of the show, but in a touching little scene they are reunited in death. As a final voice-over says “God Bless All Clowns".

HATS OFF TO LAUREL AND HARDY (Simon Topping, The Reviews Hub, 13th May 2017) Oliver Hardy (Philip Hutchinson) looks to start the show but cannot as he is being heckled from the back of the room. We soon find out it is Stan Laurel (Tony Carpenter) doing the barracking and Hardy goes to confront him. This is the start to Hats Off to Laurel and Hardy, a loving tribute to the comedic duo, telling the story of their lives. Both physically embody their subjects well and we are treated to several routines of fabulously timed group movement pieces and synchronised speech that are cleverly done and funny to watch. The biggest impression of the feeling among the audience, as we leave the room, is of the need to rediscover the Laurel and Hardy classics for ourselves again. Which is a fitting tribute to the show.

HATS OFF TO LAUREL AND HARDY (Dan Webber, Downstage Centre, 26th July 2014) ‘Hats Off To Laurel and Hardy’ is billed as ‘the true story’ of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, and from the outset, it is clear these boys have done their homework. Philip Hutchinson’s Hardy is spot on, every tie flick and slow burn bringing a smile to the face, and Tony Carpenter captures brilliantly Stanley’s vacant expression. The two of them together are a joy to watch as they portray a myriad of characters, including Stan and Oliver’s onstage and off-stage personas. The information comes thick and fast as the years whizz by. All the iconic comedy moments are recreated on stage and through the use of projection, but it is the scenes depicting the two men, not their characters, which steal the show. The Boat Trip to Ireland scene is worth the admission fee alone. The warmth and strength of this production comes from the relationship between the two men, and indeed the two actors portraying them. Stan and Ollie’s friendship and shared experiences are highlighted beautifully by the use of choral speaking and there is a clear trust and respect being demonstrated on stage. In the final ten minutes, Carpenter shines as the older, lonelier Stan Laurel. Aged 74 and sat behind his typewriter, the admission that he still writes sketches for himself and Oliver, knowing they will never be performed, is poignant and heartbreaking. The video tribute to both performers and the fan-club song encore round off what was an enjoyable and memorable evening at the theatre. I would love to see this production picked up by a Derby or Nottingham venue, and encourage anyone to see it if they have the chance. Hats off to Laurel and Hardy, and hats off to Lucky Dog Theatre Productions.

HATS OFF TO LAUREL AND HARDY (Jennie Slevin, Reading Post, 21st July 2014) Arthur Stanley Jefferson (Stan) and Norvell Hardy (Ollie) are back to tell the story of how they met and the 30 or so years they worked together, well when I say “they’re” I mean Tony Carpenter and Philip Hutchinson, who perfectly embody the pair. It’s clear from this biopic why Laurel and Hardy have been so well loved for so long. The pioneering pair’s slapstick humour has been reinvented time after time but it’s impossible to forget their piano-lugging, hat-wearing, pie-smashing antics. The performance is funny, insightful and charming and, I have to admit, the characters were so superbly recreated I felt myself welling up at the end.

HATS OFF TO LAUREL AND HARDY (Julie Howell, LoveFringe, 22nd May 2014) This isn't a sloppy Laurel and Hardy tribute act cynically knocked up to exploit the ongoing thirst for nostalgia. This is an homage to Stan and Ollie that has been developed and is delivered with an extraordinary degree of tender loving care. Hutchinson has crafted a show that delivers both the warming familiarity of childhood (which is when most of us first encounter Laurel and Hardy) tempered by aching sadness that two people who gave so much joy to the world should not experience the personal comforts or security that they truly deserved. Both Hutchinson and Carpenter get it so right with light touches that avoid impersonation but bring Stan and Ollie into the room in a manner that is both authentic and at times deeply moving. This is a joyful play, punctuated with moments of genuine emotion. You will leave the theatre with a tear in your eye and yearning to rediscover the wonderful legacy of films that will continue to be loved for generations to come. And there's singing and dancing too. Don't miss this rare treat.

HATS OFF TO LAUREL AND HARDY (Luca JH, Twitter, 18th May 2014) Just back from Lucky Dog Theatre Production's Hats Off To Laurel And Hardy. I'm sentimental, but even so, wasn't expecting to be moved to tears. Great show!

HATS OFF TO LAUREL AND HARDY (Gareth Kavanagh, Twitter, 18th May 2014) So much talent on display at Brighton Fringe . Hats Off To Laurel And Hardy alone puts Edinburgh Fringe in its' back pocket. New sheriff in town chaps. The Laurel and Hardy biopic was the best Fringe piece ever.

HATS OFF TO LAUREL AND HARDY (LittleTeaPig, Twitter, 18th May 2014) Lucky Dog Theatre Productions at Brighton Fringe. What a show!! These guys WERE Laurel & Hardy! Amazing script, performances and was moved to tears. Just WOW!

HATS OFF TO LAUREL AND HARDY (Clifford Manny, LoveFringe, 12th May 2014) I have been a fan of Laurel & Hardy since a child; a long time ago I loved their gentle humour. Watching Tony Carpenter portraying Stan Laurel and Philip Hutchinson portraying (Babe) Oliver Hardy transported me back to those wonderful innocent days of comedy. In my mind the performance last night was the next best thing to meeting the comedy duo in person. I am not an overly emotional person but I had tears in my eyes at the end of the show last night. I would highly recommend to any fans. I am thinking of seeing their performance again, and for me to see something twice it must be very good!

HATS OFF TO LAUREL AND HARDY (Tig Land, FringeGuru, 11th May 2014) Laurel and Hardy! I have been a fan of the famous duo since a very young age, and when I heard their familiar introductory music right at the start of this performance, I felt my face break into an anticipatory smile. Both Stan Laurel (Tony Carpenter) and 'Babe' Hardy (Philip Hutchinson) look just the parts, with their trademark outfits completed by the obligatory bowler hats. The play took us through a potted history of their meteoric rise to fame, and out the other side until their deaths. Carpenter and Hutchinson use a variety of structures to entertain, including song-and-dance routines and old film footage. Highlights include a series of black & white re-enactments of some very famous scenes, which captured their audience fully. Carpenter beautifully captured the facial mannerisms of Stan Laurel, with the toothless upturned smile and slightly-nodding head feeling so familiar. Hutchinson, meanwhile, ably encompassed the blundering and patronising stupidity associated with Hardy. All the different comedy techniques I remembered as a child were there: the pie throwing, tie flapping, crying and head scratching were all truly reminiscent of the two greats. More than that, the actors' portrayal clearly conveys the devoted friendship that existed between the two comedians. Hutchinson movingly recorded how hard it was to be “famous all over the world for the one thing you dislike the most about yourself.” Because of their obvious respect and care for each other – alongside their unerring working relationship – Laurel and Hardy were the real true love of each other's lives. A convincing production, and one to see.

HATS OFF TO LAUREL AND HARDY (Sascha Cooper, RemoteGoat, 11th May 2014) A simple set awaited us as we entered the building waiting for the show to start. A bare stage with a table, a typewriter, wigs and more that were related to the delight that unfolded before our eyes which was 'Hats Off To Laurel And Hardy'. Tony Carpenter (Stan Laurel) and Philip Hutchinson (Oliver Hardy) worked so well together that it was almost as if the real Laurel and Hardy were in the room entertaining us. But it wasn't any old show dedicated to the dynamic duo, but an inspirational biographical account of their lives with some reconstructed scenes from their film sequences. The way they used film and slapstick comedy on stage was not only smooth and slick with no jarring links, but it was engaging and so easy to follow. Even if you were not aware of this pair beforehand, each historical fact about them was simple to follow and was performed in a way that wasn't boring at all, which meant that everyone could enjoy learning about them through their style of comedy and not feel isolated by the whole experience. A genius touch which may seem straightforward, but to pull this off as an actor and writer takes dedication and passion, which Carpenter and Hutchinson pull off with flare and style. As you watch, you can tell that Philip Hutchinson did a lot of painstaking research about Laurel and Hardy when he wrote this show. The amount of detail about them is vast, but he made sure that their lives were portrayed authentically. You can also tell that a lot of their comedy sequences were brilliantly studied to get them to the top quality standard we know them for. But we also learned a lot about the relationship between the two men. This is a fantastic show! Parents however might want to consider the fact this show does deal with sensitive issues on occasion, so it might not be suitable for very young children. Apart from that, do not miss the experience of a lifetime! Well done boys!

HATS OFF TO LAUREL AND HARDY (Del Kempster [Sons Of The Desert Grand Sheik], 35th Laurel & Hardy UK Convention, Manchester, 3rd May 2014) On Saturday 3rd May 2014 over 100 delegates at the annual UK Convention of the Sons of the Desert which took place in Manchester this year were privileged to see this play. They had all seen plays about the lives of Laurel & Hardy before, but not like this one. All too often, it seems writers are not too concerned about the accuracy of the facts when they try to tell the life story of a famous person; their main concern is to present an entertaining story, after all how many people would know the difference? Well, in this case many would certainly have known had there been any mistakes. It must have been a little nerve-racking for the actors to face such a discerning and knowledgeable audience. They need not have worried; the normally vociferous Sons gave the actors the ultimate compliment - their silence. They sat spellbound, not wanting to miss one word of this excellent production. The show is entertainingly funny and at times sad. Nobody could ever be as good as Laurel & Hardy themselves, but the lads who wrote and perform this play have certainly caught the right spirit and they thoroughly deserved the standing ovation they received. Not only has painstaking research about Stan and Ollie's lives and careers gone into this, but it is clear that the actors have great admiration and respect for their subjects. I just can not help thinking that Mr Laurel and Mr Hardy would have approved, so Hats Off to Philip and Tony.

HATS OFF TO LAUREL AND HARDY (KR [Audience Member], Seagull Theatre, Lowestoft, 10th october 2013) Wow! It's all been said before in your reviews but - after seeing your show in Lowestoft last night - this (sole member in this town, I think) Son of the Desert must add a word of praise. The show was certainly 'one not to be missed'. I have seen many impersonations but NEVER a performance like this. It was like seeing them in the flesh, which I have been lucky enough to do; faithful, respectful, truthful... one runs out of words to express how perfect this was. What a treat. It was worth double/treble the price of admission. If it had been a double date, I would have returned on the following day. Very many thanks and good luck.

HATS OFF TO LAUREL AND HARDY (HP [Audience Member], Seagull Theatre, Lowestoft, 10th October 2013) What a great show this was - a real 'tour de force' for Philip Hutchinson and Tony Carpenter in their tribute to Laurel and Hardy at the ‘Seagull’ Theatre in Pakefield (9 October). Both witty, and poignant - the two hours or so just flew by! The show, incorporating its skilfully re-enacted 1930s-style black and white film clips (but featuring Philip and Tony), seriously deserves to ‘take wing’ and be seen all over the country.

HATS OFF TO LAUREL AND HARDY (MB [Audience Member], Seagull Theatre, Lowestoft, 10th October 2013) Absolutely first class show and you both brought back to life my all-time favourites from when I was a child ... thank you both for such an enjoyable evening.

HATS OFF TO LAUREL AND HARDY (RA [Audience Member], Heron Theatre, Beetham, 5th October 2013) My wife and I were fortunate enough to be able to see 'Hats Off to Laurel & Hardy' last night at Beetham. I did not hear one word of criticism and that lack of complaint was well justified. Congratulations to Philip and Tony for an excellent performance which was educational, entertaining and eminently edifying for an evening out. The production contained everything from humour, pathos, sadness and hilarity and everyone concerned is to be congratulated on an excellent show. Many thanks for a great evening.

HATS OFF TO LAUREL AND HARDY (JD [Audience Member], Heron Theatre, Beetham, 5th October 2013) The secret of the play's success is the magic combination of a brilliant piece of writing delivered by two characters who convince us that we WANT to listen to their story. Theatre at its best.

HATS OFF TO LAUREL AND HARDY (Mark Greenhow [The Laurel And Hardy Museum], Heron Theatre, Beetham, 6th October 2013) The play begins with Stan in the audience waiting for the show to start, Ollie admonishes him and comments on how long it had been since they had last seen each other, Stan agrees and replies “do you remember how dumb I was? Well I’m better now..” Philip and Tony also pull of the characters nicely. Philip’s ‘Ollie’ successfully managing to stop short of making him seem like a bully, and Tony as Stan perfecting his blank look and trusting demeanor. The accents are good too, Stan’s Americanised Lancashire twang, and Oliver’s southern gentility both come across well. The information they present is well pitched, there’s plenty of good stuff for the most fervent fan, while not being too in depth so as to put others off. I even learned a few things, and remembered others I’d either forgotten or not thought about for a while. I find it interesting to see how others interpret the information, things such as Laurel and Hardy’s marital histories could be shown in many ways but here it is presented nicely. Not shying away from the facts or sugar coating their problems, but neither did it seek to ‘dig the dirt’ and present our boys as monsters. The characters on stage had made mistakes along the way, had come to terms with them, and moved on. All things considered, it is a worthy addition to the increasing depictions of our favourite comedians, I had a great night out and I’m very excited that we will be having the show at the museum in the near future.