Kenn Dodd leads Shrewsbury's Theatre Severn line-up
Veteran comedian Ken Dodd leads a star-studded line-up for a new season at Shrewsbury's Theatre Severn.
At 88, the entertainer admits his memory isn't what it used to be. But he insists he still has plenty of life left in him and will be in Shropshire for a variety show on July 16.
And he says if he struggles to remember a punchline he will simply joke his way out of trouble.
He said: "My memory isn't great. I was in Leamington Spa the other night and I just came to some lines and it was like 'Woosh, it has gone'.
"There is nothing there. But as a comic you can get out of it with a line like 'I have had amnesia ever since I can remember' or 'I have just bought this book on how to develop a super memory but I can't remember where I put it'."
With 82-year-old Joan Collins already confirmed for a September date, Theatre Severn says it is delighted with a strong list of acts that should see a rush at the box office.
Politician-turned-reality-TV-star Edwina Currie, Spandau Ballet bassist and former EastEnders actor Martin Kemp and musicians like The Drifters and Jimmy Osmond will also line up.
Tickets for a number of shows will go on sale to Theatre Friends on Thursday, with general sale available from Friday.
The Drifters, who will bring soul tunes to the venue on July 12, Jimmy Osmond will headline on October 22 and Squeeze singer and songwriter Glenn Tilbrook will play on November 1. The Russian State Opera will perform Carmen on October 2,
The theatre's Pip Bayley said the venue was looking forward to an exciting and vibrant programme following on from the success of its sell-out pantomime.
Pop stars Johnny Hates Jazz will line up on March 24, Test Match Special cricket commentators Blofeld and Baxter will feature in the Walker Theatre on April 26 and Martin Kemp will follow on May 13.
Kemp will feature in An Audience With, during which he will talk about his career.
Mr Bayley said: "Martin has conquered personal challenges, had a best-selling book and won many new fans on Celebrity Big Brother – and not forgetting his stunning performance in the International hit movie The Krays."
Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap will feature on May 9 and the Birmingham Royal Ballet will dance into Shrewsbury on May 17 and 18 to showcase a programme featuring Wink, excerpts from Romeo and Juliet and The Dream as well as The Moor's Pavane.
