Making an audience laugh is “what makes life worth living”, said Sir Ken Dodd as he was honoured with a special lunch to mark his 90th birthday.
Sir Ken took time out from his legendary gruelling tour schedule to attend the ceremony as guest of honour in his home city of Liverpool.
Pupils from Knotty Ash Primary School treated him at Liverpool Town Hall to a rendition of his hit song Happiness while a special Doddy-themed afternoon tea was served, including sandwiches fresh from the “Jam Butty Mines” and “Diddy Pies”.
Happy 90th Birthday to the one and only, tattyfilarious Ken Dodd pic.twitter.com/4NijHKMgHn
— Rich McCarthy (@VJRichMcCarthy) November 8, 2017
The Squire of Knotty Ash was also presented with a giant birthday card filled with goodwill messages from people in his beloved Merseyside.
Sir Ken told the Press Association: “The reception from all those little kids from Knotty Ash School was absolutely wonderful. Very, very emotional.
“It’s been a wonderful day so far and here I am in the town hall. Never thought I would make it, town hall Liverpool, me, Ken Dodd from Knotty Ash. By Jove.
“It’s a great honour to be here today and to be greeted by the Lord Mayor and all the very important people.”
Last month the veteran comedian vowed he would never retire from the stage and a career which has spanned more than seven decades and quipped he would be starring in “Brexit the musical” next year.
Asked on Wednesday how he kept his appetite for touring, he replied: “I love theatres. Theatres are only a building until there are people inside called the audience and that’s what makes life worth living. To slave over a hot audience and to see people laughing, it’s a wonderful way of life being a comedian.”
The city’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, said: “To borrow a line from Sir Ken, how tickled we are to be honouring him on the very special occasion of his 90th birthday.
“He has been entertaining the nation for an incredible 65 years, and while other people of his vintage are now putting their feet up, he is still performing across the country with an energy and enthusiasm that is truly age-defying.
“He is the king of comedy and the master of mirth – a one-off national treasure, the likes of which we have never seen before, and never will again.
“It is right and proper that we thank him for a lifetime of making people laugh.”
