Tributes to a ‘true legend’
Echo readers have been paying tribute to Sir Ken Dodd, the much-loved comedian who was as fond of Sunderland as its comedy fans were of him.
The comedy legend, who has died aged 90, was a regular visitor to the city and entertained thousands of Wearsiders over the years with his famously overrunning shows.
Sir Ken’s first performance in Sunderland was in 1954, and in interviews with the Echo he said he always had a “soft spot” for the city and its “beautiful theatre”, ranking Wearside alongside Liverpool for its quality of funnymen.
He was so notorious for is mammoth gigs that bosses at St Mary’s Car Park in Sunderland put up a sign before his show in 2013 warning that the facility would not be staying open late, in case people driving to the show had their cars locked in overnight.
The Sunderland Empire was among those paying tribute. It said: “Ken was a true legend and played our stage many times over the years and we send our condolences to his wife Anne and his family and friends.
“His late night finishes were legendary and audiences would stay until the very end to see this comedy genius. RIP Ken, from all your fans at the Sunderland Empire.”
Echo readers also filled our Facebook page with tributes to the performer, and recalled his appearances at the Sunderland Empire and elsewhere in the area.
Joe and Pam Stewart said: “Brilliant shows . We saw him twice at the Empire. Very strange couple sat next to us at one of them. They never laughed once and left at the interval . We laughed all night. A great miss.”
Irene Mackie said: “He wasn’t just a great comedian but a great singer. RIP Doddy.”
Rob Lynn said “(He was the last of the real comedians: 1,500 jokes in 3.5hrs, no swearing needed.”
Peter Ord said: “The current batch of stand-up ‘comedians’ could learn a lot from him, brilliant.”