So tickled to be back

Jun 22 2007 By Gordon Barr, The Evening Chronicle

A taste of Notty Ash is heading for Tyneside in a few weeks - and tickets are still available. Entertainment Editor Gordon Barr has the details

It's that time of year again! King of the Diddy Men, Ken Dodd, brings his renowned Happiness Show back to Whitley Bay Playhouse on July 4-5.

The entertainer is making his annual visit to the venue, but this year he is there a month earlier than usual, due to the redevelopment of the theatre, which starts in August.

If Dodd is a favourite at Whitley Bay Playhouse - and he's been selling out here every year since the mid-80s, the feeling is mutual.

He is a keen and active supporter of the Playhouse redevelopment and the people of Whitley Bay are, according to him, "marvellous maestros of tickleology, with good chuckle muscles"!

A tireless crusader for live theatre, Dodd travels more than 100,000 miles each year promoting laughter with his Happiness show. In the process he wears out thousands of tickling sticks and introduces a host of new jokes each time.

Perhaps the best news of all is there are still tickets left, mainly down to the confusion of him coming a month earlier than usual. But with only a 100 or so left, booking now is strongly recommended.

This will be the last time Ken will perform at the Playhouse before it closes for redevelopment, so don't miss out. He will no doubt want to go out with a bang!

Tickets are £17 full, £15.50 concs (concs Wed only) and available from Whitley Bay box office now on (0191) 252 3505.