“I’m stage-struck – can’t you tell?” beamed Ken Dodd as the clock nudged past midnight at a still-packed Pavilion.

“If you don’t laugh at the jokes I will follow you home and shout through your letter box!”

Even at 82 the legendary entertainer was reluctant to leave the stage after five full hours of laughter and fun.

He arrived on stage brandishing two tickling sticks, hair wild and projecting eyes and teeth like a crazed buffoon, relentless in his task to make us laugh.

And “by jove missus!” how we laughed until our cheeks ached!

He raced ahead at break-neck speed with a tireless energy and enthusiasm for his task working his audience with an extraordinary skill and ingenuity mastered over 50-plus years in the business.

Of course we have heard most of the jokes and routines a thousand times before but, still fresh and exciting, we welcomed them like old friends.

Those on the front row were drawn into the act as he bounced jokes off them, with ample double-entendres, bringing a feeling of spontaneity, intimacy and originality.

A one-man variety show, Ken also had the talents of pianist/vocalist Sybie Jones and illusionists Ame-thyst to ensure he delivered his trademark “value for money” variety show.