Ken Dodd, Scarborough

A not especially good photo of a comedy 'legend' giving a not especially good show in the Futurist Theatre, Scarborough, tonight.
Dodd is 85 years old, and his show was remarkable for that fact, as the first half alone is as long as many younger comedians whole shows. But the show was like being taken back in the time to a different era of show business, lots of quick fire 'gags' and nudge nudge jokes. Amusing but not side splitting. Poor Ken seemed to thrive on the audience laughter, but also tired in the first half, even getting a little lost in one routine, as one would expect of a man his age to be fair. He also had a bit of a cough, so we came away with real concern for his strength and health.
We were pleased to have seen him, given his long time fame, but also felt he needs to take care of himself instead of the risking taking his final bow on stage.
A word also for the Futurist, a landmark seafront theatre, even older than Dodd, but sadly, possibly, in its last season as the Council (who own and lease out the building to Barry & Brenda Stead, clever theatre operators) seem determined to close the theatre so the land can be used for development. The Steads have brought in numerous house filling acts, the theatre is much loved in the town, but with the Council having no cash millions for the required restoration, it seems the place is between a rock and a hard place. Campaigners for the theatre diligently lobbied the queue outside to sign a petition to save the Futurist. I hope their efforts pay off, and I hope Ken Dodd takes it easy...