Julian Brazier’s tribute to Dave Lee, Canterbury’s Comedian Extraordinaire

I was very sorry to hear that our local comedian Dave Lee has lost his fight for life, just after he was awarded the status of Freeman of the City of Canterbury, and I want to pay tribute to this incredible and generous entertainer.

Dave, whose name is synonymous in Canterbury with the pantomime, was a larger than life person, in many ways. He not only starred in Canterbury’s panto for over 15 years, but he had a big heart – his charity, Dave Lee’s Happy Holidays – raised more than £2 million for sick and disabled children in Kent. His work was rewarded by an MBE.

It is sad to think that the new Marlowe Theatre will not echo with the sound of his jokes and the laughter of theatregoers, but he will be remembered with gratitude by children whose lives were enriched by holidays paid for by his charity.