The world’s best-loved double act is languishing in heaven, looking back over their lives.

Against a plain white background, with the minimum of props, Tony Carpenter and Philip Hutchinson successfully tell the stories of Stanley Laurel nee Jefferson, and Oliver Norville “Babe” Hardy, from early beginnings to their disastrous final French film.

Along the way they pay homage to the duo’s greatest moments on celluloid, with nods to Men O’War and Blockheads, as well as a faithful recreation of the hilarious dance from Way Out West – arguably the pair’s finest five minutes in front of the camera, showcasing their comic timing, physical skills and natural chemistry.

And there is genuine sadness as the pair’s career begins to crumble and are finally separated – encapsulated as Laurel silently holds his co-star’s bowler hat to his chest with tears welling in his eyes.

The story doesn’t have time to go into great depth but fans will find plenty to enjoy, especially the brief insights into the pair’s lives away from the camera.

And anyone who has never seen the original movies might find their appetite whetted by the closing filmed remake of The Trail Of The Lonesome Pine.