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Calls for Knotty Ash tribute to 'comedy genius'

Simon Moffatt,in Knotty Ashand
Angela Ferguson,North West
BBC Image dated 1 Jan 1986 of comic Sir Ken Dodd. He has black hair wearing a grey suit and blue and pink striped shirt holding a cream, orange and pale yellow tickle stick next to his cheek. He has a pointed finger pressed on his cheek and is sticking his tongue out. He stands in front of a blue curtain.BBC
Sir Ken Dodd died in 2018 aged 90

A close friend of legendary Liverpool comic Sir Ken Dodd is calling for a permanent memorial to be erected to him in the place he called home.

John Martin, a comedian from Bootle, said he would like to see either a statue of the comedian in Knotty Ash, or his name on signs welcoming people to the Liverpool suburb.

Sir Ken, who died aged 90 in 2018, lived on Thomas Lane all of his life and would often reference his birthplace in his routines.

Martin, who wrote jokes and material for the comedian for more than three decades, described Sir Ken as "an absolute comedy genius". Liverpool City Council has been approached for comment.

Sir Ken wove surreal tales around Knotty Ash as part of his act, including his comic creations the Diddymen with their jam butty mines.

Martin, who now lives in north Wales, said while there was a Sir Ken Dodd statue at Lime Street station in Liverpool, he would like to see his friend formally acknowledged in Knotty Ash itself.

"Everyone knows Knotty Ash because of Ken Dodd and it was a big part of his act," said the 64-year-old.

He said that when he travelled the world as a comedian people would mention Knotty Ash and ask if it was a real place because they had heard of it through Sir Ken.

A man with short grey hair and wearing a black and white zipped jacket and beige trousers is smiling and holding a tickling stick while standing behind a sign for Thomas Lane. A row of houses and a tower block can be seen behind him.
Comedian John Martin is calling for a tribute to Sir Ken Dodd in the place he called home for 90 years

Martin said Sir Ken would have been 100 next year and he felt this would be the perfect time for him to be acknowledged with a tribute in the area.

"I'm trying to get Liverpool Council to recognise the contribution of Ken Dodd to Knotty Ash," he said.

"He called himself the squire of Knotty Ash... king of the Diddymen and right by his house there's a patch of ground and I think it would be wonderful to have a statue of Ken Dodd," he said.

"Let's get this done, let's recognise this great man, put Knotty Ash on the map all over the world."

His petition calling for a tribute has now reached about 500 signatures.

Martin Bostock Photography Kari Singleton, with long brown hair wearing a black dress holding a multi-coloured tickle stick, Lady Anne Dodd holding a giant pair of scissors about to cut a blue ribbon, with Spencer Phillips with grey hair and beard in a blue suit and orange tie and and Jill Carruthers with brown hair and wearing a white dress with blue and orange stripes holding a street sign which reads: "Sir Ken Dodd Avenue". They are all standing outside Showtown museum and are smiling.Martin Bostock Photography
A street in Blackpool has been officially renamed by Sir Ken Dodd's widow Lady Anne Dodd (pictured second from left)

Martin said he was a 20-year-old comedian doing a show in Liverpool when he first met Sir Ken and was taken under his wing.

"In his kitchen at Thomas Lane at 4am he gave me a one on one absolute masterclass about comedy," he said.

"He taught me so so much."

Martin said Sir Ken "absolutely lived and breathed" comedy and "he would phone me up at 2am and want to talk about the new routine".

Eight years on from Sir Ken's death, Martin said: "I miss being able to pick the phone up and get his advice."

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