Why Ken Dodd’s ‘Happiness’ exhibition is perfect fit for Blackpool

Fans of Ken Dodd know the comedian famously came from Liverpool – and Knott Ash in particular – but he is also forever linked with Blackpool.

In fact the ‘Master of Myrth’ is acknowledged for giving more performances in the resort than any other funnyman – an astonishing 2,000-plus.

Sir Ken died in 2018, at the age of 90, but his spirit lives on – especially in Blackpool.

So it is perhaps perfectly apt that an exhibition of Doddy’s deeply personal and rare artefacts, in a collection called Happiness! The Ken Dodd Exhibition, has transferred from Liverpool to Blackpool for the next seven months until January 2 next year.

The display goes public at the Blackpool Showtown Museum, on Bank Hey Street, today, Wednesday (June 24) but before that, there was a special preview with invited guests.

Ken’s wife, Lady Anne Dodd was there to proudly open the show, supported by Spencer Phillips (Chairman of Showtown) Jill Carruthers (Head of Heritage) and another leading North West comedian, Mick Miller.

Also in attendance were Blackpool panto favourites Steve Royle and Kitty Harris, among others.

Lady Dodd said: “How tickled I am to be here! Ken always referred to Blackpool as the showtown of Britain.

“When I first came here to Showtown it was jut a shell of a building but now it is amazing.”

Funnyman Mick Miller sad he was thrilled to be at the exhibition and told the room how Ken had supported him early in his career.

Mick said: “It was in 1978 when he presented me with a comedy award in Liverpool. He said ’you’re a funny man but what you need is a bit of help- do a show with me in Bridlington. There’s not a lot of money in it, but it’ll do you good’

“So i did and I never looked back.”

Blackpool Grand Theatre’s Head of Operations, Shaun Gorringe, said the theatre would always be indebted to Ken because he played a key role in saving the theatre when it was in danger of being demolished in the 1970s.

Sean said: “He was a lovely, lovely man. He’d remember things. I told him my grandfather was unwell and the next week I saw him, he had a card ready – with a funny personal message.

“He loved Blackpool, and Blackpool loved him back,”

And funnyman and entertainer Steve Royle, no stranger to the Grand Theatre himself said: “Ken was very well known for helping younger comedians and giving them advice.

“He gave me some priceless advice about how to get that one person in the audience, who would never laugh or even smile, laughing. it really worked! Ken has been a huge influence on so many – and has been a huge presence in Blackpool.

“This exhibition in perfect for this town and anyone who likes classic comedy and Ken Dodd would love it.”

Exhibition highlights include:

Original stage costumes and theatrical memorabilia

Ken’s iconic props and puppets

Archive programmes and photography

Previously unseen notebook excerpts

Interactive displays and original performance footage

They include Ken’s first ever ventriloquist doll, Charlie Brown and Dicky Mint, the most famous Diddymen and the iconic ventriloquist puppet Ken used in his live stage shows and television specials.

There’s the famous, bright red “hurry fury moggie coat” Ken frequently wore on stage, along with a Union flag hat, costumes, comics, photos, posters, tickling stick and records.

The exhibition has travelled exclusively to the resort direct from the Museums of Liverpool and will be there to see until Saturday January 2 2027.