Time becomes an illusion in Ken’s Happiness Show in Leamington

BY tradition, the Ken Dodd Happiness Show ends close to 1am. Ken insists “those who have booked taxis for midnight are the optimists”.

A cunning plan devised by the Spa Centre management this year requested a 7pm start instead of the usual 8pm with a view to ensuring everyone was long gone from the theatre before midnight. Ken had other ideas, and, as he says, “children grow out of their trousers during my show”.

Threats to cancel the interval and to lock the loos simply add to the tension as the hours pass.

And so it was that “time became an illusion” once again and it was at least 12.15am before we exited the theatre. “Most of you will be reported missing by now,” he insists.

At the age of 83 he is quite simply a miracle. His performances remain legendary, the show was sold out weeks ago and there wasn’t a spare seat in the house. Goodness knows where the energy comes from, but the front row certainly know they’ve been several rounds with one of the fittest as they bravely withstand the punishment for the slightest indiscretion, be it the way they sit, their attire or, most commonly, where they come from. Leamington Spa, it should be remembered, is the Côte d’Azur of the Midlands.

Eventually, “before you all give up”, Ken introduces the latest star, Dickie Mint. This young man facilitates Ken’s ventriloquistic skills and becomes a vital prop as he helps the ultimate showman find his way through the last hour of the show.

Amazing stuff.

Verdict: I do hope he’s back next year.

Clive Peacock