On the night of May 28, 1984, one of the best-loved comedians this country has ever produced died suddenly from a heart attack.

Seven years previously on Christmas Day 1977, The Morecambe and Wise Christmas Special attracted 28 million viewers – half the entire population of the UK at the time.

In the 30 years since Eric Morecambe’s untimely death his popularity has not waned.

With numerous tribute programmes, TV re-runs and DVD releases, his work as one half of Britain’s most popular double-act ever has been kept alive and introduced to a whole new generation of fans.

In 2014, to mark the 30th anniversary of Morecambe’s death, a new production of the Olivier Award-winning West End show that celebrates the life of the man who played all the right notes (but not necessarily in the right order), was launched.

It is at Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre on Wednesday, April 16, and will be at Dartford’s Orchard Theatre in June.

Morecambe offers a moving and gloriously funny portrait of the affectionate lad with the funny bones, the big-hearted perfectionist, the born entertainer.

It stars Bob Golding, who was nominated in the Olivier Award Best Actor category for his extraordinary portrayal of the man who brought us sunshine.

Bob has had a varied career as an actor, director, voice artist and musician. His TV work includes Mr Selfridge and Peter Kay’s Britain’s Got the Pop Factor & Possibly a New Soapstar Super Strictly on Ice, but parents would probably recognise him best as the voices of Milo and Max in BBC’s Tweenies.

This production’s been directed by Kent-based TV personality and actor Paul Hendy, who lives in Eastry and has a long association with the Marlowe Theatre pantomime, which he directed last year. Paul has been a life-long fan of Morecambe and Wise and even named his daughter Poppy Sunshine, after the famous song Bring Me Sunshine.

Morecambe is at Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre on Wednesday, April 16, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £19.50. Call 01227 787787. It returns to Dartford’s Orchard Theatre on Monday, June 16. Tickets cost £21. Call 01322 220000.