Blazer worn by comedian at final show rediscovered

A blazer worn by Eric Morecambe during his final performance has been loaned to a theatre as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations.

The comedian suffered a fatal heart attack in Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury following a charity gala that saw him perform six curtain calls.

The "iconic" clothing was discovered after the Gloucestershire theatre invited the public to share memories and mementoes for an exhibition this autumn.

Jess Brewster, theatre director, said: "What we're putting together is a picture of how crucial a theatre is to its community. We've been amazed at what we've found."

Eric Morecambe fan, Simon Carnall, who bought the jacket at auction, said he was thrilled to loan the blazer to the theatre for the occasion.

"I remember the moment when Eric's death was announced on TV so well," said Mr Carnall.

"Pictures of Eric wearing his blazer on stage that night are iconic to me," he added.

"I later purchased the blazer at the very auction where Robbie Williams purchased Eric's glasses for £20,000.

"Straight away my thought was to take it back to the Roses stage to say a final goodbye in its 50th year."

The exhibition will run for one week in November and will feature dozens of mementoes donated to the theatre for its 50 Years of Stage and Stories event.

"We've had so many people get in touch to build a picture of the theatre's history," said Ms Brewster.

"From the lighting technician tasked with following Prince Anne around the stage [during the theatre's opening] back in 1975, to married couples who met in our café and people who saw their very favourite film with their grandmother here as a child," she added.

The public has until July 31 to submit items for the exhibition.

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