COMIC legend and national treasure Ken Dodd lands in St Helens this week with his Celebration Happiness Show marking his 60 years as a performer.

Throughout his glorious career Ken has continually returned to the town to saviour a “special atmosphere” and tomorrow he will be enjoying the "beautiful sound of laughter".

Speaking to the Star ahead of his gig on Friday, October 24, he said: “Friday is fish and chip night. So you can have your tea then come along to the theatre.

“But it’s not just Ken Dodd it’s a variety show with people who have spent a life time polishing their skills. It’s like a jewel.

“These are people trying hard to be the best they can be. There will also be a live band, when they are not drunk, and the superstar himself Dicky Mint. He heard a rumour that they have discovered a treacle well in Haydock and he’s coming to do a survey.”

When asked if his variety show harked back to old fashioned entertainment, Ken insisted: “How dare you. Another word for old fashioned is experienced. And we have Britain’s greatest magician Amethyst. He saws a beautiful girl in half then throws the best bit away.

“There is no loud disco music. It’s live music and entertainment and I will be singing a few songs. There will also be some new jokes. Every show I do I try at least half a dozen new jokes.

“The people who run the Theatre Royal have done a wonderful job.

“I come back to St Helens to check everything is fine. St Helens people love to laugh. It’s always a lovely audience.”

Ken said he still loves playing to intimate venues: “Some comedians play to 2,000 and 3,000 in big arenas. I wouldn’t like that. It’s more like going to a football match with people screaming hysterically.

“I went to see a concert at Liverpool Arena and you needed a pair of binoculars to see the stage.”

After more than half a century treading the boards there is no sign that Ken is about to retire: “I have had 60 years as a professional performer and hope to do another 60.

“The fact that St Helens has kept its theatre is wonderful. It’s the heartbeat of a town and reflects what the people are like.”

He explained why he keeps going: “I’m stage struck. What make me really happy is see people happy. Laughter is a beautiful sound.

“And I never stop learning. In 60 years I’ve never done the same show twice because each audience comprises of different people with different personalities. And you have to play them like a musical instrument according to what each audience wants.”