Published at 13:34, Tuesday, 19 June 2012

ICONIC bowler hats were donned by two young performers during an inaugural festival to celebrate the work of Laurel and Hardy.

Ulverston Victoria High School students, Lewis Tomsett and Lucy Moses, took on the roles of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy respectively, during a weekend event dedicated to the 1930s’ double-act.

The event took place in Ulverston on Sunday and Monday, both the location and weekend chosen to recognise the birthday and birthplace of Stan Laurel, who was born in Ulverston’s Argyll Street on June 16, 1890.

Both days featured free screenings of two of the comedy duo’s films at Ulverston’s Coronation Hall, and in between screenings, Lewis and Lucy put on a short re-enactment of a famous Laurel and Hardy routine.

UVHS head of drama, Colynne Hicks, said: “We did a lot of research on Laurel and Hardy as they were preparing their performance.’’

Retired teacher, Pat Davey, organised the festival and is already planning next year’s event, working with the town’s Laurel and Hardy museum and local primary schools to continue the initiative throughout the year.

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