WHERE Ken Dodd's concerned, there's something about Southport. The 78-year-old comic with the stamina of Liverpool and Everton's youth teams combined, returns to the resort on Saturday, August 19, for his thrice-yearly audience with the Sandgrounder fans. His last appointment in the resort was in November, when he kindly agreed to switch on the LordStreet Christmas lights. He said at the time: "I love Southport. "Coming from Knotty Ash, it'snatural. I came here on holiday with my mother and father when I was a child. "It always seemed to be Christmas, no matter what time of year you came. "All the trees down Lord Street had fairy lights on them. It was magical." Anyone who has seen Doddy in action will know thatthe master comic won't let go when he has the crowd in the palm of his hands - so organise a back-up lift if you were banking on the last bus home after the show. With his first professional engagement taking place in 1954 at Nottingham's Empire Theatre, Doddy now has 52 years of material to mine, plus his two million-selling 1965 single Tears to entertain the crowdwith during his set. Unless you have an aversion to tickling sticks, there is absolutely nothing offensive about a Ken Dodd show, making it suitable for all the family. Just makesure you don't mind the kids missing their bedtime. Tickets to Ken's 7.30pm show are £17.50 and £15. To book, call 0870 607 7560. | 
