Sir Ken Dodd

Everyone at Darlington Hippodrome was so saddened to hear that our dear Sir Ken passed away yesterday following a recent spell in hospital with a severe chest infection.

We spoke Ken just last week and heard that he was so looking forward to returning to Darlington next month – a venue he said always welcomed him so warmly. Ken was also excited to see for himself the extent of the venue’s wonderful restoration.

Ken’s unique style of comedy was enjoyed by Darlington audiences for many, many years, the venue was always one of the first to be booked for every tour Ken arranged. His love of the venue was underlined by a personal letter he wrote in support of the recent restoration project. It is so sad that he never got to see or perform in the new Hippodrome.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Ken’s wife Anne at this very sad time, but we will never forget the hours and hours and hours of endless joy and laughter Ken brought to Darlington over the years.

Tatty bye, Ken….Tatty bye.

Lynda Winstanley
Theatre Director

Footnote:
Ken Dodd was to have played to a complete sell-out audience at Darlington Hippodrome on Sunday 8 April. We will be contacting everyone who had booked to arrange refunds. There is no need for anyone to try and contact the theatre.

Image courtesy of The Guardian.