JAM butties and tickle tonic was the order of the day when Lady Anne Dodd unveiled a plaque dedicated to legendary singer and comedian Sir Ken Dodd in the foyer of Liverpool's Royal Court.

Sir Ken played a huge part in keeping the theatre going throughout the 1950s, '60s and '70s by performing for months at a time to sell-out audiences.

In 1974 he broke the World Record for non-stop joke telling at the Royal Court, a staggering 1,500 jokes told in one three-and-a-half-hour session.

In the late 1970s he was a part of the Royal Court Theatre and Arts Trust who bought the building when it looked likely to go under.

He even sold the first tickets at the box office for The Ken Dodd Laughter Show, which reopened the theatre in 1978.

The management laid on jam butties and champagne for the unveiling.

Chief executive Gillian Miller said: "Sir Ken Dodd's dedication to making people happy was clear for all to see and he had a strong connection with this theatre that he was always proud of.

"Without his intervention in the 1960s and '70s then there is no doubt in my mind that this building would not be here today.

"This plaque will be a permanent tribute to the man who brought happiness to so many for so long."

Les Dennis told the Globe: "I first saw him when I was ten years old and I knew there and then that I wanted to be an entertainer.

"I was lucky to get to know him and he gave me such great advice.

"We will never see his like again.

"I hope people who come to the Royal Court will stop and smile and at this wonderful tribute to a theatrical legend."

The unveiling was a curtain-raiser to a special show celebrating the current theatre on Roe Street which was built in 1938.

The Christians played a special set and there were recorded messages from Dame Judy Dench, Noddy Holder of Slade and John Bishop who all appeared there.

Iain Christie, the Royal Court's marketing and press manager added: "This was a tremendous way to celebrate our 80th birthday with the Doddy tribute and a sparkling show to highlight the wide range of productions we have here and will continue to produce.

"It was also thank you to our loyal audiences.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank our friends in the Wirral who continue to support the People’s Theatre."