Globe columnist Peter Grant gets an early Christmas present - a meeting with and Ken Dodd...

THE gag-father himself has announced some special tinsel-coated anniversary dates for this festive period.

In an interview for the Globe in special pop-up grotto Ken Dodd told me that he is thrilled about his forthcoming shows at the Philharmonic Hall in December.

It is his 25th year presenting his variety package show. This year he is pulling out all the stops and the crackers.

To bring home the point he brought along some dancing girls in Santa outfits and a plentiful supply of tinsel tickling sticks.

And he had this message for Wirral Globe readers ''Happiness is winning... That is my slogan - not just for Christmas but all year round.

''My shows will be a great celebration of what makes Britain great. Happiness is the key - a spirit of optimism and enthusiasm.

"Our wonderful Merseyside sense of humour - on both sides of the river - never lets us down.''

Doddy says he has always been a fan of Christmas since his own childhood.

He loves all the trappings of the period and Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol is a favourite.

''There is an aroma of happiness of people giving and caring for each other, '' he said, clutching a Union Jack bag.

Wirral Globe:

Ken Dodd: 'Happiness is the key - a spirit of optimism and enthusiasm'

''But I must be serious for a moment. I do believe happiness keeps all our spirits alive. That is my message for all those feeling down and refuse to be negative in these hard times."

Before he takes his mammoth mirth-marathons to the Philharmonic Hall, Doddy will be at the New Brighton Floral Pavilion, on Sunday, November 27.

And the much-loved entertainer has given his thumbs-up to the Globe's Wirral Arts Ambassadors Awards: ''I applaud all those in amateur and semi-professional companies who spread happiness.

''The word 'amateur' means to love what you do and all these dedicated people on stage spread happiness.

"This is a nice early Christmas present to all those performers who are being recognised for their love of entertaining. They are stage struck - just like me.''

His posters for his two spectacular shows include Doddy holding out his hands - offering audiences a rainbow.

He added: "I will bring a rainbow at the Phil this Christmas - a rainbow of happiness in Hope Street."

The Ken Dodd Happiness Show is at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on Wednesday, December 28, and Thursday, December 29, at 7pm.

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