Ken Dodd: You’ll be tickled at Hanley!

Dec 17 2008 by Will Harris, Crewe Chronicle

BOUNDLESS energy leaps on to Hanley’s Victoria Hall stage on Saturday as Ken Dodd presents his famous Happiness show.

‘Doddy’ fans have another chance to see the amazing comic talent following last year’s Potteries triumph and his recent annual appearance at Crewe’s Lyceum Theatre.

His comedy never stoops to being crude and every show is swear word-free, making Knotty Ash’s finest a true comedy great.

He has been in the business for more than 50 years, and his shows have been known to go on until the small hours of the morning.

Theatre spokesman Dave Bradbury says: “He will be dispensing liberal doses of his tickle tonic. You’re sure to be chortling all the way home.”

The show starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £17.50-£18.50, phone the box office on 0870 060 6649.

Panto favourites

THE curtain’s up on the Regent Theatre panto Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as the cast tries to break box-office records for a fourth year running.

Led by stars Jonathan Wilkes and Claire Sweeney, the panto has all the traditional elements with sing-along favourite songs, dancing and comedy.

Wilkes says: “I’m really, really enjoying it this year. The show is something special.”

Tickets are still available but it is already close to matching Wilkes’ previous successes at the Regent Theatre with Mother Goose, Aladdin and last year’s hit Cinderella.

Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs runs until Sunday, January 11. Tickets are £13-£22 and show times vary, phone 0870 060 6649 or visit www. theambassadors.com/regent.

Big band concert

THE Crewe-based VCO Big Band rounds off another successful year of engagements with a concert tomorrow (Thursday) at the Wesley Centre in Sandbach, starting at 8pm.

The 18-piece band, with its two singers, will be playing many traditional big band favourites and popular modern compositions such as the theme music from Spiderman.

Admission is £4 and includes refreshments.