Fan stamina taxed by Dodd
Veteran funnyman Ken Dodd kept the crowds laughing until the early hours when he took to the stage for another of his marathon shows in Wolverhampton.Veteran funnyman Ken Dodd kept the crowds laughing until the early hours when he took to the stage for another of his marathon shows in Wolverhampton. The 79-year-old entertainer proved he could still pull in the crowds after five decades in showbusiness, with around 1,500 adoring fans flocking to see him in action. Last night's performance at the Civic Hall was the comic's 15th appearance in the city. Read the full story in the Express & Star
The 79-year-old entertainer proved he could still pull in the crowds after five decades in showbusiness, with around 1,500 adoring fans flocking to see him in action.
Last night's performance at the Civic Hall was the comic's 15th appearance in the city.And, despite being 79, he showed no sign of slowing down as he kept the 1,500-strong crowd laughing for five-and-a-half hours with his Happiness show.
Ken, renowned for his wild hairstyle and trademark tickling stick, burst on the stage telling the audience: "To think we are all going to be sat here for the next seven-and-a-half hours. I've got a reputation to keep up you know.
"I've always thought Wolverhampton looks its best at sunrise - you've got a good chance of seeing it now."
Civic bosses pulled forward the starting time for the show to 7pm in a bid to get the crowds out at a sensible hour, and the Civic car park extended its opening hours to cater for one of Ken's notoriously long performances.
The stamina test proved too much for some people, with a small number starting to trickle out around 11.30pm.
But the vast majority were still laughing, clapping and cheering right to the end, filtering back to their cars after 12.30am.
Nearly all tickets for the show were sold out, and the crowds were not disappointed as the Squire of Knotty Ash kept them roaring with laughter with a non-stop patter of witty one-liners.
They were also treated to singalongs, and ventriloquism, as well as appearances from the diddymen and a brilliant musical performance from guest star Andy Eastwood.
Speaking backstage to the Express & Star, the star said: "I am still just completely stage struck. I just love entertaining.
"I am so glad to be back in Wolverhampton. The crowds are always wonderful."
Ken was once famously described by fellow funnyman Eric Sykes as a comedy genius so funny that he should be available on the NHS.
He was recently honoured by the British Comedy Awards with its highest accolade, The Lifetime Achievement Award.
By Victoria Nash
