Special: Happiness: The Ken Dodd Story
Happiness: The Ken Dodd Story is an original play inspired by the prolific life and career of Liverpool’s most treasured comedian. The play takes a whimsical stroll through Dodd’s triumphs and tribulations over his whopping sixty-year romp at the helm of British showbiz. How tickled you’ll be…
The play is co-written and co-directed by Liverpool-based creative duo Matthew Reynolds (22) and Mai Wadkins (24), close friends who have been working together since meeting on a filmmaking course organised by the Plaza Community Cinema in 2017.
Reynolds’ most recent work was the comedy-drama series Birchall’s Pints (2023) which was released on Amazon Prime in November 2023. The project received widespread interest, locally from BBC Radio Merseyside and the Liverpool Echo, as well as globally on podcasts in the United States. After working primarily with film most of his career, Reynolds developed an interest in theatre whilst studying away at the University of Leeds. This included experimenting with pantomime and assistant directing the University’s prestigious ‘TG’ society’s production of ‘Education, Education, Education’.
After going to see a number of biographical plays about Liverpool legends, he soon realised that Ken Dodd’s life had never been adapted. The idea took shape, and he decided to write a sharp character study that fit the whimsical nature of the comedian and his unique act. Reynolds was particularly inspired by biopics such as Rocketman (2019), which was able to simultaneously give an uncensored, gritty depiction of the subject yet celebrate his extravagant talent in a thrilling fashion.
In early 2022, Reynolds began his thorough research into Ken’s life, reading every single Dodd biography he could get his hands on and watching hundreds of hours of footage.
“I was working on the ‘Happiness’ script at the same time as my Philosophy dissertation on happiness as a concept and I think the overlap added such a philosophical layer to the play. I was inspired a lot by Ken’s talent of not only bringing happiness to his fans at their darkest moments, but also to himself.” – Matthew Reynolds (Co-Creator)
While bouncing ideas around with his friends, it soon became clear that Mai Wadkins shared his vision.
Wadkins studied at the University of Liverpool and received a first-class degree in English Literature. During her studies, she worked as a freelance writer, lending her voice to a range of diverse projects. She is currently working on her debut novel (TBA). When she was approached by Reynolds to assist in writing the play, she also decided that she wanted to co-direct as she wanted to help Reynolds bring their vision to life on stage. She is delighted to make her directorial debut with Happiness.
“When we decided to tell Ken’s story, we aimed to be both faithful to his past while ensuring that the play reflected his personality. The world of “Happiness” is true to Ken Dodd’s unique sense of humour.”– Mai Wadkins (Co-Creator)
The two wanted to create an outrageously whimsical yet richly layered adaptation of Ken’s life that wasn’t afraid to shy away from the hardships he faced along the way. Wadkins joined the project as co-director and co-writer in late 2022. Her work helped to lift the script from a promising vision to an emotional rollercoaster, filled with all emotions from tears to happiness.
In September 2023, the project was picked up by Likeminded Productions, a Liverpool company looking to build on the previous success of their sold-out run of ‘The Moondogs’ at the Epstein Theatre. Producer Chris Woodward saw enormous appeal in translating Ken’s vibrant life into an honest and thoroughly entertaining piece of theatre, providing Reynolds and Wadkins with a platform to tell their story.
Lady Anne Dodd, Ken’s widow, has enthusiastically collaborated with the duo in licensing the use of Dodd’s material in the play. ‘Happiness’ is the first ever production to have been granted such access.
“It’s been an honour to both meet and work closely with Lady Anne who has given us more insight into the man behind the persona.” – Mai Wadkins (Co-Creator)
Reynolds and Wadkins were aware of the enormous shoes to fill in regards to casting, but after a rigorous audition process, they couldn’t be more thrilled by the talent the project has attracted. The show stars local rising stars Adam Titchmarsh (‘Murder at Cadberry Manor’, ‘Finding Lever: Sunlight of Congo’) as Ken Dodd, and Alice McKillop (fresh from her run as Jane Bennett in ‘Pride and Prejudice’ at Shakespeare North Playhouse) as Lady Anne Dodd. Ken’s beloved ventriloquist puppet Dicky Mint will be brought to life by the hilarious George Garford (who also starred in ‘Pride and Prejudice’ at Shakespeare North Playhouse).
“It became astonishingly clear that Adam Titchmarsh was born for the role of Ken Dodd. His transformative performance truly has to be seen to be believed.” - Matthew Reynolds (Co-Creator)
“We are absolutely blessed with our cast. George Garford and Leo Hewitson will have you howling, while Alice McKillop and Emily Guilfoyle bring so much heart to the play. We couldn’t ask for a better mix of people to bring Ken’s story to life.”– Mai Wadkins (Co-Creator)
The creators look forward to putting on an uproariously entertaining show that is faithful to the man behind the act. From his hilarious performances and poetic love life, to his infamous tax evasion trial and controversial political campaigning, Happiness: The Ken Dodd story is a colourful character study of Liverpool’s most treasured comedian.
“This outrageous performance will not only appeal to hardcore fans who remember him fondly, but also casual theatregoers in their twenties looking for a boldly funny character study. This truly has something in it for everyone.” – Matthew Reynolds (Co-Creator)
Happiness: The Ken Dodd Story will debut with a limited run at Hope Street Theatre in Liverpool from 17th-19th May 2024.