Doddy in Dudley return

Ken Dodd is to return to the stage at Dudley Concert Hall for two more shows next year – at the age of 80.

The evergreen Liverpudlian is famed for his mammoth shows, which have been known to go on for five hours and more.

Doddy, who has always been a big hit in the town, has a loyal Dudley fanbase, and tickets for the shows on February 8 and 9 are expected to be snapped up quickly.

Meanwhile, concert hall bosses are putting the venue’s line-up together for next year and are hope to build on the success of 2007.

Recent big names to appear at the venue include Jimmy Carr and Lenny Henry.

Also already confirmed is another Scouse comic, the much-loved Ricky Tomlinson. Ricky, best known for his role as Jim Royle in TV’s The Royle Family, is performing a night of stand-up at the Concert Hall on February 29.

Dudley Council leisure boss Councillor Charles Fraser Macnamara said he was certain the Ken Dodd shows would be as popular as ever.

“Six decades on from his first performance in Dudley, Ken undoubtedly remains one of the country’s number one comedians,” he added.

“Dudley crowds have traditionally loved his humour, and Ken makes no secret of the fact that he loves the Dudley crowds too. Indeed, he recently stated that Dudley Concert Hall is one of his favourite venues.

“Last year his two shows were extremely popular and were sell-outs on both occasions, and we expect the same will be the case this time around.”

Tickets for Ken Dodd’s two shows cost between £13.50 and £18.50, while prices range from £15 to £17 for the Ricky Tomlinson show.

Tickets can be obtained on-line at www.dudley.gov. uk/entertainment or on 01384 812812.