Morecambe and Wise - Andre Previn (The full sketch)

From the 1971 Christmas Show, this is possibly the most popular Morecambe and Wise sketch of all. But too often it is shown incomplete, starting from the moment that the curtains open to reveal the orchestra. But that's like turning up to a play just in time to see the second act. It lacks context, and also misses some of the best moments in the sketch.
Included here as part of an educational article on writers and timing.
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[Gazza J]

I grew up with Morecambe and Wise. This sketch stands out as one of the pinnacles of comedy genius. We will never see their like again and the world is diminished now they've gone.

[Richard Greene]

Greatest sketch of all time on uk tv

[Rusty Johnson]

Celebs queued up to be on the show,if you believe they were "Lured" then you certainly live up to your handle.You weren't a true celeb unless you'd been on the M&W show.

[dunebasher1971]

It's a myth that Previn barely had any rehearsal time. He actually had several days' worth before he had to fly back to America on family business. Not as much rehearsal as Eric wanted, for sure, but not a matter of just as few hours either.

[Carl Yearwood]

Eddie Braben's finest hour. RIP Eddie...

[Jonathan Roadley]

I love how the band are just crying with laughter... Pure class.

[stunninglad1]

A really super sketch. Eric and Ernie were great. Dearly missed.

[wwwonderful]

They won't see anything like it. We might do so, as we're alive.

[blessedbyignorance]

Of course it's scripted. I was referring to the premise of the sketch. A conductor was invited to lead a famous pianist. and shows up to find the pianist is not in fact there.

Maybe I would have found it funny if the sketch were more absurd. As is, my emotional reaction is the same as if I were promised something and then didn't get it.

[ter151b]

andre was brilliant

[Catherine Rose]

He wasn't lured on under false pretenses - he knew exactly what was going to happen. It's all very carefully scripted, with a few brilliant improvisations - e.g. 'Thank you for that tremendous introducton - it doesn't come out of my fee, does it?' Morecambe and Wise NEVER dropped anyone in it - it simply wasn't done then.