LADY DODD "TICKLED" TO BRING SOME FESTIVE "HAPPINESS" TO CATHEDRAL CAROL CONCERT

The wife of one of the UK's best-loved and much-missed comedians is set to take centre stage at a festive carol concert at Chester's historic Cathedral.

Anne, Lady Dodd, widow of legendary comedian and national treasure Sir Ken Dodd will join Chester Music Society Choir, Chester Philharmonic Orchestra and the Cathedral's Saturday Singing Club for "Christmas Crackers" at the Cathedral on Saturday 20th December at 7.30pm. 

A much-loved highlight of Christmas in Chester, "Christmas Crackers" promises to be a glittering celebration of music and memories. It is the only carol concert staged in the city to feature a full orchestra, full choir plus a children's choir. 

Presented by Anne, Lady Dodd, the special event will offer a blend of high-quality classical favourites, traditional carols and festive readings, guaranteed to get the audience into the Christmas spirit.  Lady Dodd will also share precious memories and stories of life and laughter with her much-missed Husband. Chester Music Society Choir and Chester Philharmonic Orchestra will be under the musical direction of acclaimed conductor Graham Jordan Ellis with the Saturday Singing Club being led by senior Chester Cathedral Chorister Tim McLachlan.

Originally a member of the famous "Bluebell Girls" dance troupe, Lady Dodd went on to have an 18 year career with BEA, ending up as Personnel Manager at Manchester Airport, moving on to work full time with Ken Dodd in 1980.  Lady Dodd appeared alongside Ken in his stage shows for many years, playing the piano, guitar, flute and singing.

The couple were together for 40 years and married just two days before the beloved comedian sadly passed away in 2018 aged 90. A performer for more than 60 years and best known for his trademark tickling sticks and quick-fire delivery, Ken Dodd was highly regarded as "the last great music hall entertainer". He was honoured with a Knighthood in the 2017 New Year's Honour List, receiving the honour from Prince William in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. 

Now the proud custodian of her late husband's comedic legacy, Lady Dodd is one of the Trustees of the Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation, which works to support performing arts charities and organisations. In the past six years, the Foundation has made over 50 donations to more than 30 charities, many of which are based in Liverpool and Merseyside. Earlier this year, Lady Dodd was honoured by Liverpool City Council with the award of "Citizen of Honour" in recognition of her work with community and charitable organisations across Liverpool and Merseyside.

Speaking on her involvement in the special festive concert at Chester Cathedral, Lady Dodd said:

“I was honoured to be asked to present the musical items and I will be including memories and anecdotes about my life with Sir Ken Dodd.”

Speaking about 'Christmas Crackers', John Ferrari, the Chair of Chester Music Society Choir said:

"We are delighted to welcome Anne, Lady Dodd as our guest presenter.  Anne will be sharing her memories of the wonderful life she lived with her husband, the genius that was Ken Dodd. She will also recount what it was like to perform on stage with Ken and will be celebrating his faith with recitations that Ken gave at his annual NHS Christmas Carol concerts at Liverpool Cathedral. Anne will also have a story for the younger audience members! Chester Music Society Choir are extremely grateful to Lady Dodd for waiving her fee in lieu of a donation to a homeless charity that was close to Ken’s heart – The Whitechapel Centre in Liverpool."

John added:

"Christmas Crackers has become one of the highlights of Christmas in Chester. We are sure that the joyous sound of traditional Christmas Carols sung by a full choir, accompanied by the wonderful Chester Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Graham Jordan Ellis together with children of the Cathedral based Saturday Singing Club led by Tim McLachlan will get everyone into a festive mood as we celebrate the joy of Christmas". 

Full details of "Christmas Crackers" can be found at: 

www.chestermusicsociety.org.uk 

...where tickets can be booked online.

Tickets can also be booked in person at the Chester Cathedral Box Office.