Comedy duo Dave Sanders and Max Martin may not be household names but when they become Morecambe and Wise the whole world knows who they are. We spoke to Dave "Ernie Wise" Sanders.

THREE years ago comedy duo Dave Sanders and Max Martin made a radical decision which was to see their careers take off.

Having worked together for a number of years, the pair found that their comedy was forever being compared to the kings of laughter, Morecambe and Wise.

So the duo decided to abandon their original act and become the only touring tribute show to Eric and Ernie - a show which comes to the Thwaites Empire Theatre, Blackburn, next Saturday.

"We are both huge fans of Morecambe and Wise," said Dave, "so it was the obvious thing for us to do. Max is so like Eric Morecambe anyway, it's uncanny. He looks like him and his mannerisms are just the same. That's just how he is, it's not an act. Often you can hear the audience gasp when he comes out on stage because he is so like Eric.

"It's a bit harder for me. I have some work to do to become Ernie," he laughed.

The pair's show Bring Me Sunshine is has been running at Blackpool's North Pier throughout the summer and packed audiences clearly love what they are doing.

"The thing about the show is that we have written all the sketches. They are truly in the style of Morecambe and Wise but they are all original," said Dave. "It's funny because often someone will say after the show I remember Morecambe and Wise doing that sketch' or You did one of my favourite sketches of theirs' and yet it's all our own material."

As well as sketches, the show also includes magic and ventriloquism - all performed in the style of Morecambe and WIse.

"It's a real family show," said Dave. "One of the great things for us is to see youngsters coming in to the theatre and laughing out loud. Most of them will never have seen the TV shows and yet the humour is still relevant. I think more and more people are trying to find shows which are suitable for the whole family - and that's what we offer."

In keeping with the tradition of Eric and Ernie, the pair also include a special "play what they wrote" in the show.

"I don't want to give too much away but it's about Jack the Ripper," said Dave.

Morecambe and Wise were known for getting famous faces to appear on their shows and then embarrassing them.

Dave and Max have already worked with Don MacLean and are hoping that other faces wll-known names will be persuaded to join them.

"Morecambe and Wise were so special," said Dave. "As fans we are doing all we can to keep their spirit alive and to allow audiences to experience the fun of one of their shows."

Bring Me Sunshine, a tribute to Morecambe and WIse is at the Thwaites Empire Theatre, Ewood on Saturday, September 15 Details from the box office on 01254 680137.