A FULL house and rapturous applause greeted one of the UK's best loved comedians when he was announced as Sir Ken Dodd.

You could feel the warmth Ken’s long standing fans felt for him around the Parr Hall.

He performed his usual quick-witted material which had the audience laughing – and singing – for the whole show.

Ken brilliantly did what’s he’s renowned for – he played the audience, so much so that I was thankful I wasn’t seated on the front row.

After an hour and a half of non-stop entertainment of stories, jokes and songs (his voice still surpasses many a modern singer), he passed the stage over to Andante, a musical duo who provided some light entertainment playing unusual musical instruments.

After the break the audience were treated to entertainment from magician Paul Derek who kept on producing various farmyard birds through his various magical acts.

For me, the ducks stole the show with their quirky antics.

Ken was then back on stage dressed in a full length red fluffy coat and Diddymen hat. His theme for the second half was romance.

He performed a medley of love songs and was joined by Warrington BSL Signing Choir signing his signature tune, Happiness.

Ken had certainly done his homework on Warrington and the surrounding areas. He spoke from the heart at the end when he was reminisced about his early years in the business around the area.

ELAINE HUNT