Dr John Cooper Clarke

Connaught Theatre, Union Place, Worthing, Thursday, April 14

THE shock-haired bard of Salford has just announced an intimate appearance at Worthing’s Connaught Theatre as part of the second Worthing World Of Words Festival.

Dr John Cooper Clarke first rose to fame at the height of punk, opening shows for the likes of The Sex Pistols, The Fall, Buzzcocks and Joy Division.

With his rapid fire delivery, and pointed social observations on classics like Beasley Street, Evidently Chickentown and You’ll Never See A Nipple In The Daily Express, he eventually made it into the studio, working with Manchester production legend Martin Hannett.

On his four albums - including Snap Crackle And Bop which broke the top 30 in 1980 - he was backed by Hannett’s band The Invisible Girls, who provided an electronic setting for his verse.

But it is stripped back on the live stage that his true skills are plain to see – especially as in recent years he has become even more prolific.

He now mixes breakneck renditions of the classics with new material and the sort of groan-inducing stand-up beloved by dads across the world.

His contribution to the arts was recognised by Salford University, who gave him an honorary doctorate in 2013 – a title he sports today with pride.

Starts 7.30pm, from £15. Call 01903 206206.