A year after it was planned, Narberth-born comedian and broadcaster Wyn Calvin was feted at a celebration lunch last month to mark an astonishing 75 years in showbusiness.

At the age of 96 Wyn is currently celebrating a life dedicated to live entertainment.

He was the top-table chief guest at a lunch given by the British Musical Hall Society at the Union Jack Club, London, attended by his peers, family and friends. And as a ‘grand dame of pantomime’ it is fitting that the principal speakers were Lady Anne Dodd, widow of Ken Dodd, and Debbie Hudd, who was married to comedian Roy Hudd, who died last year.

Also paying tribute was Gandalf himself, Sir Ian McKellen, who recently took Wyn’s advice on how to play a pantomime Dame with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Using his familiar scarf he even demonstrated some of the techniques passed on to him by Wyn on how to portray a pantomime dame.

Tributes have already been paid by the Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Councillor Rod McKerlich, who, in a celebration brochure, says Wyn had been a great ambassador for Cardiff and has made an immense contribution in his lifetime to the world of live entertainment.

Lady Anne Dodd, an entertainer in her own right, recalled playing the pantomime Fairy in Birmingham and again in Manchester when Wyn played Ken Dodd’s Mother. To watch two real ‘old pros’ Wyn and Ken performing slapstick routines on stage was sheer joy, she says.

Friends for nearly 40 years, Debbie Hudd recalled many happy and hilarious times spent with Wyn and said he has a natural ability to make you feel like an old family friend you’ve known all your life.

Whatever it may be, radio, television, theatre or after-dinner speaking he is always, without question, the total professional. He has touched so many people’s lives, through work, charity and friendship.

Invalided out of the Army as a teenager with a heart complaint that was likely to kill him in six months – or so the doctor said – Wyn went on to a star-studded career in entertainment that still continues today, in his 96th year.

Final word from Paul O’Grady, president of the British Music Hall Society, who said: “Watching you for the first time in panto in Wales was a masterclass in ‘How to be a Pantomime Dame’.

“It’s no wonder you are known as the Welsh Prince of Laughter. You truly are a showbiz legend.”

Top-of-the bill Wyn’s reaction to the celebration? “Overwhelming” he said to a standing ovation that went on and on.

Definitely a local lad who made good. Wyn was born in the Temperance Hotel in Narberth – a plaque on the wall marks the spot – and was just five-years-old when the family moved to Cardiff where he still lives.

He regularly takes part in Narberth Civic Week, where he is held in high regard.