Comic Details

Ken Dodd

Date Of Birth: 08/11/1927

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Biography

Dodd started his career as a ventriloquist - and indeed still uses the Dicky Mint dummy in his act.

However, his success came through his exaggerated on-stage persona - the manic hairstyle, protruding teeth and, of course, trademark tickling stick - combined with a relentless stream of one-liners, peppered with nonsense words like 'tattifilarious', that can - and do - entertain audiences for hours.

He built his reputation as a live performer on the variety stage, and famously logs audience reactions to jokes every night, building up a picture of what plays well where.

His career was boosted with appearances on TV, often just guest roles, but his bizarre appearance would always stick in the mind. He also has a penchant for sickly ballads, as well as his signature tune Happiness, recording several albums of love songs and notching up 19 top 40 hits, including the 1965 chart-topper Tears.

Dodd became embroiled in a tax-dodging case in the Eighties, and was eventually cleared, but the case revealed much about Dodd's eccentric private life, too.

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CV

CV

Books: 1989:
Ken Dodd: The Biography, by Stepohen Griffin. Review | Buy
Review
Books: 1989:
Ken Dodd: The Biography, by Stepohen Griffin. Review | Buy
Buy
Books: 1989:
Ken Dodd, by Gus Smith
Books: 1977:
How Tickled I Am: A Celebration of Ken Dodd, by Michael Billington
 
Movies: 1996:
Hamlet, as Yorrick
 
Radio: 1975:
Doddy's World Of Whimsey
Radio: 1973:
Doddy's Comic Cuts
Radio: 1972:
Doddy's Daft Half Hour
Radio: 1963-67:
The Ken Dodd Show. A vehicle for his talents, ran for four series
 
TV: 2001:
Another Audience With Ken Dodd. Buy on DVD or video
DVD
TV: 2001:
Another Audience With Ken Dodd. Buy on DVD or video
video
TV: 1994:
An Audience With Ken Dodd. Buy on DVD or video
DVD
TV: 1994:
An Audience With Ken Dodd. Buy on DVD or video
video
TV: 1987:
Appeared in a Doctor Who adventure Delta And The Bannermen. Buy on video
Buy on video
TV: 1982:
Ken Dodd's Showbiz - fronting a six-part BBC1 variety show.
TV: 1979:
The Ken Dodd Laughter Show. Six-part ITV sketch show
TV: 1974-76:
Ken Dodd's World Of Laughter. Three series on BBC1.
TV: 1972:
Ken Dodd in Funny You Should Say That. ITV six-parter
TV: 1969-72:
Ken Dodd And The Diddymen. Four series for kids' TV set in the Jam Butty mines of Knotty Ash.
TV: 1967-68:
Doddy's Music Box. Two series for ITV mixing comedy and music.
TV: 1959-1969:
The Ken Dodd Show. Sporadic variety hall showcase on BBC1 - 35 editions were made in all.
 
Video: 1996:
Ken Dodd Live Laughter Tour. Buy on video
Buy on video
 
Stand Up: 1991:
Won a lifetime achievement award and top variety entertainer title at the British Comedy Awards.
British Comedy Awards
 
Audio / CD: 2001:
The Very Best Of Ken Dodd. Buy on CD
Buy on CD
Audio / CD: 1997:
The Ken Dodd Show. Buy on tape (Limited availability)
Buy on tape
Audio / CD: 1996:
Ken Dodd's Palace Of Laughter. Buy on tape (Limited availability)
Buy on tape
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Reviews
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Comments

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I took my wife and mother to see Ken at The Lowry in Manchester last Sunday, and although he was looking his age at 79 and a little tired, He gaves us the funniest 4 hours of entertainment we have seen in a long time. Our ages range from 25 to 57 and is humour was universal and loved by all. God bless you Ken, the Greatest Diddyman of all

Jason and Faye, June 2006


I went to see Ken Dodd on Boxing day, and my main impression was how old fashioned the whole experience was. Most of his material seemed to date back to a time well before I was born, something that was particularly apparent in his very traditional, coy use of innuendo. I understood a lot more about the era he came from as a result, but I wouldn't call it great comedy

Michael, April 2006


I discovered Ken during a wet weekend in Australia, staying with English friends. I was flabbergastered and amazed at his wit and natural British hilarity, such a talent. I can't get him out of my mind. I love him already.

Rosalie Tasker, March 2006


I went to see Ken Dodd at the Parr Hall Warrington. He started at 7.30 and we were still laughing well after midnight. Where I was sitting I could see that off stage were lots of props still unused. He could have gone on all night, and probably would have. The best value for money I have had in a long time. Keep it up Ken

John Newall, March 2006


There is only one word to describe Ken Dodd - brilliant! He is one of the few comedians who can perform for hours without a rude word passing his lips. There is plenty of innuendo, but as someone once said, it's all in the mind. Doddy suits all ages - my ten year old granddaughter laughs at him too. It's incredible to realise he will be 80 next year. don't suppose I shall ever go to one of his shows again, as I now live in Orkney, but I shall certainly take it if the opportunity presents itself

Kathy Danby, February 2006


As I now live in exile in the USA I really do miss the comic genius of Ken Dodd and for that matter his wonderful singing voice

Curmudgeon, February 2006


A genius! A man who had dedicated his life to making people laugh. God bless you Ken and thanks for sharing your gifts with us.

Gary Weston, January 2006


The funniest man on earth

Hannah Ward, January 2006


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News
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Where can I see Ken Dodd next?

Where can I see Ken Dodd next?

19:00 - Sunday 9th Jun, '13
Venue: Lowestoft Marina Theatre
Prices: £20
Comics: Ken Dodd
Show starts: 19:00 (Doors open approx 30 mins earlier)
19:00 - Saturday 22nd Jun, '13
Venue: Leicester De Montfort Hall
Prices: £19 to £21
Comics: Ken Dodd
Show starts: 19:00 (Doors open approx 30 mins earlier)
19:30 - Thursday 4th Jul, '13
Venue: Malvern Theatres
Prices: £18.50
Comics: Ken Dodd
Show starts: 19:30 (Doors open approx 30 mins earlier)
19:00 - Sunday 28th Jul, '13
Venue: Kings Lynn Corn Exchange
Prices: £21
Comics: Ken Dodd
Show starts: 19:00 (Doors open approx 30 mins earlier)
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Products
DVD (2010):
Ken Dodd: The Laughter Show
1979 TV series