Dave Lee at Marlowe Theatre

Showbiz pals will take to the stage to celebrate the life of the panto legend

Showbiz pals of popular funnyman Dave Lee are hosting a special show to celebrate the life of their much-loved friend.

The comedian and panto legend lost his battle with pancreatic cancer last month, aged 64.

More than 1,000 people turned out for his funeral at Canterbury Cathedral with heartfelt and funny eulogies from showbiz friends, including entertainer Richard Digance and comedian Bobby Davro, and Dave’s daughter Debbie Glew.

Producer and director of The Marlowe pantomimes Paul Hendy also paid tribute at the service.

Now Hendy is organising a show – Dave Lee A Celebration – to celebrate the life of the Kent comedian and is inviting some of Dave’s entertainer friends to take to the stage where he most loved to be.

“The show will be a fitting tribute to Dave’s wonderful career, reflecting the many different aspects of it - including music, stand-up comedy and, of course, pantomime,” said Hendy.

“Lots of his pals have said they’d love to take part. It’s going to be a great evening and one that Dave would have been proud of.”

The Marlowe has not yet confirmed who will be performing in the show, but Dave had a long list of friends in the industry, including Jim Davidson, Bradley Walsh, Joe Pasquale and Bobby Davro.

Many of them took part in Dave’s annual celebrity golf day at Chart Hills Golf Club in Biddenden, raising money for Dave Lee’s Happy Holidays charity, which sends sick and underprivileged children on trips of a lifetime and to the pantomime.

All the money raised through the show will go to the charity.

Dave performed at The Marlowe more than 1,000 times over 16 years, with his trademark bench sketch played out at his funeral by young choir boys in tribute to the panto legend.

The shows were so popular fans would camp outside the Canterbury theatre the night before so not to miss out on tickets. Dave would provide bacon butties and hot drinks.

Dave Lee – A Celebration is on Sunday, May 6, at 7pm. Tickets are £35 and go on sale from Friday, February 24.

The Box Office at The Marlowe Theatre will be open from 9am for customers wishing to book in person or call 01227 787787. There will be no online bookings.

Dave had three children, Darren, 44, Justin, 40, and Debbie, 42, and six grandchildren.

He lost his wife Linda four years ago to cancer.

While best known for his comedy and panto, Dave started his career as a drummer and singer and had several records released.

He went on to form his own comedy show band, acting as both lead singer and impressionist.

But it was a chance meeting with Eric Morecambe that changed his life forever.

Eric had watched Dave performing with his group and advised him to start a solo career as a comedian or actor in his own right, which Dave went on to do.