THE words “legendary performer” are often bandied about. In an age where folk can become “stars” for eating live insects in the jungle, it is refreshing to be in the presence of a true star, the one and only Sir Ken Dodd, writes our theatre critic Kerry Black!

Last Sunday, he completely sold out the Alhambra as audiences flocked from as far afield as Troon and Valleyfield to catch the king of the Diddy Men as he tickled all their funny bones with his non-stop patter. Doddy will be 90 later this year and is renowned for his LONG shows. Last night two Perth ladies were shocked to realise at quarter to ten that there was still a second half to go!

From 7pm, when he bounced on stage banging a Knotty Ash drum and waggling his famous tickling sticks, the audience adored him.

His jokes come at an incredible rate, there is no swearing, his vulgarity never exceeds the picture postcard variety and his singing is incredible! I can't remember the last time a performer actively encouraged the audience to sing along!

From Elvis, via Dean Martin to Jolson and the “Laughing Policeman”, Doddy did it all, opening and closing the show with his signature song “Happiness”.

A born performer, you can feel the love in the room for him, it seems to energise him as he flips from song to joke to ventriloquism, with the immortal Dicky Mint! He started in Music Hall and his variety roots are very apparent. Who else would have a support act playing a musical saw, followed by “Duelling Banjoes” - played on one banjo and two recorders? (Performed by Andante, a folk duo who were like a sparkly Singing Kettle for pensioners!)

Backed by a pianist and drummer/prompt who could hardly play for laughing, Doddy admits to being “psychoceramic i.e. a crack pot”.

With Quasimodo quips and regional jokes galore, he bounded around the stage in a long red fur coat as a mad French maid (Sybie Jones), appeared in a matching red wig, pausing only to play a star spangled piano!

While some of his jokes may be as old as him, his delivery is outstanding and he 's not afraid to laugh at himself, “Self assessment? I invented it!”.

If you ever want to see the entire audience of the Alhambra on their feet, waving tickling sticks and dancing, make sure you book for Doddy's next visit! We were finally released at 11.30pm!