Eric & Ernie2011

[Eric has just learned that he has won the Jack Hylton audition and will be taking part in the "Youth Takes a Bow" stage show, touring the country alongside Ernie Wise]

Young Eric:
Touring the country? When will I see my mates?

Sadie Bartholomew:
You'll make new mates - Variety mates - mates with a bit of something about them.

Young Eric:
I don't want Variety mates. I've got a gang here - *and* an air-gun!

Sadie Bartholomew:
Eric, d'you want to be tied to a whistle all your life, like your dad?

Young Eric:
Well...

Sadie Bartholomew:
Eric, listen to me. You make people laugh, you're a lovely dancer, and you can hold a tune. But *more* than that, and I mean this as the mother who carried you and nursed you and raised you, you aren't any good at anything else.