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.

CV

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We went to see Ken last night at the Sunderland Empire. He was fantastic and just so funny. Shame we had to leave early, as the car park was closing at 11.30. Hope to see him again soon.

Margaret Hardy, May 2013

just watched an audience with Ken Dodd. What a fantastic man he is a true artist, one in a million and he has been around all my life but still makes me laughx brilliant

carole gilbert, December 2012

To those who don't find Doddy funny, have your sense of humour bypass reversed!

Claire, June 2011

We went to see Ken at Potters at Hopton Norfolk and could not hear anything as the sound system was useless. Sad as we have seen him at proper theatres and enjoyed ourselves with his humour, but not so this last time.

Roy Batley, May 2011

My granddaughter, daughter and myself went to see Ken tonight in Liverpool, sorry we went - should have kept the old memories, left an hour into the show (after hoping it was going to get better) which it never did. I think its time Ken bowed out gracefully now.

Amanda, December 2010

Ken Dodd. Brilliant is what he was on Sunday October 10th at the Grand Blackpool. Perhaps a few of the audience got withdrawal symptoms as there was no filth or foul language. Just cheeky jokes and witty stories. What a lovely change. Carry on the good work Ken. So sorry we had to leave a little early as the car park closed at 12.30 am. We would have been prepared to pay double the price.

S Padgett, October 2010

Watched Ken at the Whitley Bay Playhouse August 2010 and he was simply marvellous.

Phil, August 2010

Ken is the most funniest man on this earth, and he does indeed need a fitting title as Sir Ken. He's the funniest loveliest man and I just love him to bits.

mrs lynne wills, July 2010

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