Ken Dodd

KEN DODD is absolutely discumknockerated (that’s Knotty Ash speak for ‘over the moon’) to be touring with his famous Happiness Show .

“I love slaving over hot audiences”, says Ken, “because they love a good laugh and I never get tired of entertaining them.

“Laughter is the greatest music in the world, and people come to my shows wanting to be entertained and to escape the cares and worries of everyday life for a couple of hours (at least!).

“They certainly don’t want to be embarrassed or insulted with below the belt humour. They want to laugh and have a good night out – and so do I, which is probably why it works!

“Did you know that a laugh is something that comes out of a hole in your face?  Anywhere else and you’re in dead trouble!!”

Remarkably, Ken has not stopped entertaining since he turned professional in 1954, and today continues to pack theatres over the length and breadth of the UK. And after more than 50 years as a top entertainer, he still loves nothing better than making audiences laugh.

But, what of his own comedy heroes.  Who are the comics that have made Ken laugh out loud over the years?

“I suppose you could say that I have been spoiled”, he says. “I was fortunate to have grown up with comedy heroes like Arthur Askey, Ted Ray, Robb Wilton, Tommy Handley, Billy Bennett and the great comics of that era.

“They were followed by the likes of Tommy Cooper and Morecambe & Wise. All were legendary funnymen with natural ability and lots of warmth.  Comedy should never be over-analysed. It is either funny or it isn’t.  There is a subtle difference between those who say funny things and those who say things funny.”