His first production, "Love is Like A Violin" sung by Ken Dodd, went to #8 in the UK Singles Chart.
The Diddy Men are commonly believed to be a creation of the British comedian Ken Dodd.
During its 106-year history, its stage has seen performances from comedians, singers, variety acts and icons such as Harry Lauder, the jazz violinist Stéphane Grappelli, Ken Dodd and a host of other stars.
Instead, Joan Hinde forged a sparkling reputation on the live variety stage becoming a regular fixture with artistes such as Elsie and Doris Waters, Jimmy James and Co., Gladys Morgan, The Black and White Minstrel Show, Max Bygraves, Sir Harry Secombe and Ken Dodd.
At the same time he also won the title of ‘Most Promising Comedy Act of 2003’, chosen and presented by Ken Dodd, as well as coming third in The Magic Circle's 'Young Magician Of The Year' competition.
Other actors famed for their performance of Malvolio include Sir Alec Guinness, Henry Irving, E. H. Sothern, Herbert Beerbohm Tree, Henry Ainley, John Gielgud, Simon Russell Beale, Maurice Evans, Ken Dodd, Richard Briers, Sir Nigel Hawthorne and Sir Derek Jacobi.
The hits "Clinging Vine", "What Color (Is a Man)", "Dum-De-Da" and "Tears" (previously a hit for Ken Dodd) make their album debut on this compilation.
Ken Dodd was the last stand-up comedian to appear there before it became nightclub in the 1970s.
Most theatre productions tend to be locally produced, though the venue is used by touring musicians and comedians, and over the years it has hosted the likes of Max Boyce, Ken Dodd and the Kinks' Ray Davies.
Over the years many well-known artists have appeared at the Pavilion Theatre including - Ken Dodd; Cannon and Ball; Joe Brown, The Searchers; Jimmy Tarbuck; Paul Daniels; The Barron Knights; Marty Wilde; Vince Hill; Max Bygraves; Val Doonican;Raymond Froggatt.
He has been acknowledged as an influence by fellow Lancashire comedians Ken Dodd and Les Dawson, and the film historian Jeffrey Richards has cited him as a key influence for the TV sitcom Dad's Army (1968–1977); he made several monologues in the person of a layabout husband who wryly takes part in the Home Guard.
The trio were headliners in top London cabaret clubs such as Churchill's and the Colony Club, and in variety supported such leading stars as Frankie Howerd, Tommy Cooper and Ken Dodd.
Ken Livingstone | Ken Burns | Ken Loach | Ken Russell | Ken Kesey | Ken Dodd | Ken Salazar | Ken Sugimori | Ken Saro-Wiwa | Ken Vandermark | Ken Dryden | Ken | Ken Rosewall | Ken Mandelbaum | Ken Dorsey | Ken Wilber | Ken Venturi | Ken Follett | Ken Berry | Chris Dodd | Ken Stringfellow | Ken Jennings | Ken Howard | Ken Campbell | Ken Arthurson | Ken Schaffer | Ken Patera | Ken Nordine | Ken Hirai | Ken Hendricks |
During its heyday the club staged concerts by performers including the Bee Gees, Shirley Bassey, Tina Turner, Tom Jones, Roy Orbison, Eartha Kitt, Louis Armstrong, Olivia Newton-John, Morecambe and Wise, Alvin Stardust, Jim Bowen, Dusty Springfield, Guys and Dolls, The Brotherhood of Man, Ken Dodd and The Grumbleweeds.
"Happy Days and Lonely Nights" has also been recorded by Ken Dodd, Anneke Grönloh, Dick James, Ginger Rogers, Kathy Kirby, Duke Special and Kay Starr with instrumental versions by UK pianist Billy Thorburn (recorded 2 November 1954), Max Bygraves, Russ Conway, Ted Heath and Phil Tate.
The hall has also seen many comedians over the years, including Victoria Wood, Ken Dodd, Norman Wisdom, Lenny Henry, Brian Conley, Ross Noble, Frankie Boyle and Russell Howard.