Happiness! The Ken Dodd Exhibition has opened at Showtown Blackpool, offering groups a chance to explore the life and legacy of Britain’s Master of Mirth through costumes, puppets, private notebooks and an interactive Giggle Map.
Opening the museum’s first visiting exhibition, Lady Dodd reflected on Ken’s lifelong love affair with Blackpool before being welcomed through a tickling stick guard of honour to officially open the doors.
She said: “I remember Ken saying he played somewhere in Blackpool every year of his performing life and always referred to it as the show town of Britain.
“As you walk around this wonderful exhibition I hope you also share his passion for what he called feel-good comedy and performance – which was about spreading happiness, bringing joy and making his audiences forget their troubles for a while.”
Happiness! The Ken Dodd Exhibition runs until January 2027 and includes exclusive excerpts from Ken’s private notebooks - offering a unique insight into the creative genius behind Britain’s Master of Mirth. Visitors can also enjoy an interactive Giggle Map, charting the many places and people Ken encountered during his extraordinary touring career.
At the opening, fellow comic and friend Mick Miller has spoken about his working life with Ken: “I won a comedy award in Liverpool in 1978 and Ken presented me with it. He said ‘You’re a funny man. What you need is a bit of help. Can you do one of my shows? There’s not a lot of money in it because it’s only about sixty people’. There were 518! Then he bought me half a lager and said ‘make it last!’ That’s Ken.
“I hope everyone enjoys this exhibition which makes you smile just like he did.”
Blackpool: the show town of Britain
Blackpool is a town synonymous with Ken’s legendary live performances. For over six decades, audiences packed the resort’s theatres to experience Doddy’s famous marathon shows, while his affection for the town extended far beyond the stage. From switching on the Blackpool Illuminations in 1966 to helping save Blackpool Grand Theatre in the 1970s and opening the famous Comedy Carpet in 2011, Ken’s connection with Blackpool remained strong throughout his life.
“I remember Ken saying he played somewhere in Blackpool every year of his performing life and always referred to it as the show town of Britain.”
Lady Anne Dodd, Ken Dodd’s wife
Spencer Phillips, chairman of the Blackpool Heritage and Museum Trust, which operates Showtown, said: “Ken Dodd and Blackpool are a unique story. The most shows performed here by any star ever and the most hours on stage. I guess the second is no surprise to anybody! Ken Dodd loved Blackpool and Blackpool loved him.”
About Showtown Blackpool
Opening in 2024, Showtown celebrates the town’s rich heritage of show business, circus, magic, dance and seaside culture. It is located between The Blackpool Tower and Coral Island and features immersive exhibits, interactive displays and nationally significant collections.
Happiness! The Ken Dodd Exhibition is a ticketed exhibition, with entry priced at £3 for adults. For more information about the exhibition, and Showtown Blackpool, which offers group rates go to www.showtownblackpool.co.uk.
