Fellow comics Jimmy Cricket and Phil Walker at the fund-raising Comedy for Heroes show in Sale

Jimmy Cricket appeared with fellow comedians at a show to raise money for wounded members of the Armed Forces.

The Comedy for Heroes show, which took place at the Waterside Arts Centre in Sale, Greater Manchester, on Saturday 18 February, was a fundraiser for Help for Heroes.

Other funnymen on the show included John Moloney, Rob Rouse, Phil Walker and Steve Royle.

Comedian and TV presenter Jason Manford made an appearance at the end of the performance, while his brother Colin was compere for the night.

The organisers said afterwards: “We would like to thank our audience for joining us for Comedy for Heroes.

“We had an amazing night. All the comics were brilliant and we had loads of bids for the sports auction prizes. Our bucket was full of raffle tickets for our great prizes too.

“We were even visited by comic royalty in the shape of Jason Manford at the end of the gig!”

Help for Heroes was founded by Bryn and Emma Parry in October 2007 out of a wish to help the wounded servicemen and women returning from Afghanistan and Iraq.

* A video slideshow of Jimmy with several of his fellow comedians involved in this event can be viewed on the front page of this website and at the Welliebootuk channel on YouTube.

Jimmy with Carole Hughes, mother of Anna who tragically died from a brain tumour aged just three, and Eileen

Irish comedian Jimmy Cricket has helped to raise money for a charity formed in memory of a little girl who died from a brain tumour.

He was appearing at the Corn Exchange Theatre in Stamford, Lincolnshire, over half-term week and part of the revenue from the show went to a local charity called Anna’s Hope.

The leading children’s brain tumour charity in the east of England, Anna’s Hope is dedicated to giving hope to children and young people diagnosed with a brain tumour.

It was inspired by Anna Olivia Hughes, who tragically died from a brain tumour aged only three years and eight months, and was set up by Anna’s parents, Rob and Carole Hughes, and her five godparents in October 2006.

Jimmy said: “I would like to thank the Corn Exchange manager Judith Mackie who put in a lot of hard work to make my visit happen. It was also her idea to raise funds for this very worthy cause.”

Jimmy with the Rev Tim Hopkins, Frankie – who supervised the event's box office – and his wife, Maggie

Jimmy Cricket enjoyed a nostalgia trip when he appeared at St Mary’s Parish Centre in Denton, Greater Manchester.

The popular comedian was pleased to be reminded of two books which he released in the 1980s containing volumes of his famous “Letters from his Mammy”.

Paul brought along copies of the “Letters from his Mammy” books Jimmy released in the 1980s

He was appearing in a fund-raiser which was the first event of this year’s annual tour of Manchester Catholic parishes where Jimmy performs in aid of the Francis House Children’s Hospice.

The event raised £1,500 for Francis House on the night.

Francis House Children’s Hospice, which is based at Didsbury in Manchester, cares for children and young adults with life-threatening conditions.

It also provides a home from home where families can receive professional care, support and friendship.

Care is given free of charge, regardless of faith or cultural background.

Francis House is open to all families who have children under 16 years of age on referral diagnosed as having a life-threatening or life-limiting condition.

Learn more about the great work done by Francis House Children’s Hospice at the charity’s official website.

Jimmy and wife May with Pauline (who made the teas and coffees) and Pat, both committee members who helped organise the evening

Jimmy Cricket and the Coleman family before the charity show at the Empress Hotel on the Isle of Man

Irish comedian Jimmy Cricket helped to raise £1,500 for a local Lourdes youth group in a show on the Isle of Man.

Last Friday’s (10 February) Jimmy Cricket Laughter Show at the Empress Hotel in Douglas was a fund-raiser for the annual Liverpool Diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes.

The youth group is run by Sheila Signorio from the local Catholic Church.

Before the show Jimmy sat with the Coleman family and they all tucked into lasagne!

Afterwards Brian Coleman said: “Thanks again for a brilliant night Jimmy, please come again!”

Jimmy and May appeared at the Clwyd Theatre Cymru in Mold, North Wales

“Jimmy’s 40-plus years in the business shone through, endorsing him, if endorsement was needed, as the consummate showman.”

Comedian Jimmy Cricket received a magnificent reception and much acclaim when he appeared at the Clwyd Theatre Cymru in Mold, Flintshire, North Wales, with his wife, singer May Marion.

Above is a review from The Evening Leader newspaper which enthused: “The audience left delighted and Mold Methodist Church was better off to the tune of £1,600 towards its renovation plans.”

Jimmy Cricket with sisters Katie and Rebecca who attended his show at St Joseph's Parish Centre in Heywood

Rochdale comedian Jimmy Cricket was joined on stage by a local councillor at a recent charity show.

The Irish funnyman was performing at St Joseph’s Centre in Heywood to help raise money for the Roman Catholic parish.

Counc Peter Rush, who represents the Heywood North ward and ran the town’s Albany Hotel on Rochdale Road East for a long time, went on stage to join Jimmy and his wife May and their good friend Eric Devereaux, a well-known singer on the North West entertainment scene.

Jimmy also had his picture taken alongside sisters Katie and Rebecca who were in the audience.

Their mum Nicola told Jimmy: “We had an amazing time on Friday night at St Joseph’s. We hope that you will come again very soon to do another show. Take care and keep entertaining.”

Jimmy Cricket has been teaching Ray Quinn how to juggle

Veteran Irish comedian Jimmy Cricket has been giving juggling lessons to actor, dancer and singer Ray Quinn.

The pair appeared in the pantomime Cinderella at the Darlington Civic Theatre which finished on Sunday 15 January.

Jimmy, who played Baron Hardup, said he enjoyed working with all the cast during the six-week showing of the panto.

“We got Cinderella to the ball!” laughed Jimmy this week.

“I have found a great friend in Ray Quinn and you can see me teaching him to juggle on YouTube.”

The juggling video can also be found on the homepage here on Jimmy’s website and on Ray’s own official site.

Jimmy added: “There must have been about 65 panto shows in all as there were often two a day. It was very intensive but thoroughly enjoyable.”

Ray Quinn, who was Prince Charming in the Darlington panto, is engaged to theatre star Emma Stephens who played Cinderella.

They first met when they starred together in Grease in London’s West End several years ago.

Former Brookside actor Ray shot to fame when he finished runner-up to Leona Lewis in the 2007 series of The X Factor and two years later he won ITV’s Dancing on Ice with professional ice skater Maria Filippov.

“Ray’s a good-looking guy. He’s got a terrific voice and dances very well too. I think he could very easily become the next Michael Bublé [Canadian singer and actor]. Ray, Emma and the rest of the cast were great working colleagues,” said Jimmy.

View a musical slideshow of Jimmy and his fellow panto stars on his YouTube channel.

Jimmy and his wife May have just moved house though they still live in Rochdale.

He explained: “We have downsized but only gone around the corner to a lovely cottage overlooking Healey Dell Nature Reserve.”

“The move means we have been offline for a while and have fallen a bit behind with our email and Facebook, but I can assure everybody that they will receive replies to their queries and orders in the next few weeks.”

Jimmy Cricket and Ray Quinn - and dog

Jimmy Cricket’s marathon pantomime season is coming to an end (oh yes it is! sorry – ed).

The famous Irish comedian has been appearing in Cinderella at the Civic Theatre in Darlington since 3 December. Its last show is on Sunday (15 Jan).

Other celebrities alongside Jimmy, who plays Baron Hardup, include Dancing on Ice star Ray Quinn (Prince Charming) and and former Emmerdale actress Deena Payne (Fairy Godmother).

The pantomime has been praised in media circles with the British Theatre Guide saying:
“Michael Vivian’s script provides a faithful re-telling of the classic fairy tale; it is beautifully designed and costumed; there is a nice balance of pop hits and original songs, and the choreography is tight and slick.”

Other good reviews of the show can be found at The Stage website and Whatsonstage.

And view a musical slideshow featuring many of the show’s cast on the homepage of this website or on Jimmy’s YouTube channel here

A special photo call was staged to mark the toy giveaway. Photo by Ian McClelland

The festive pantomine in which Jimmy Cricket is currently starring has been well-received by the critics.

Cinderella is on at the Civic Theatre in Darlington until Sunday January 15.

The cast features Jimmy, who plays Baron Hardup alongside Dancing on Ice star Ray Quinn and former Emmerdale actress Deena Payne.

Recent good reviews of the show can be found at The Stage website and Whatsonstage.

Jimmy and other panto stars agreed to take part in a special photo call to mark a toy giveaway for underprivileged children.

The event was sponsored by a local Darlington car dealership called Jennings Ford and also involved the Salvation Army.

Despite a busy schedule, Jimmy, Ray – who plays Prince Charming – and Deena (Fairy Godmother) took time out from the busy rehearsals to offer their support to the appeal.

Jimmy poses for a picture with a child in the theatre foyer after one of the panto performances

Last year about 7,000 children and 2,000 families across the North East of England were supported with presents and a further 1,000 individuals received food over the Christmas period.

For the past 13 consecutive years, Jennings Motor Group has supported the appeal by using its branch network across the region as drop-off points for staff and members of the public.

Ray Riaz, general manager at Jennings Ford’s Yarm Road dealership in Stockton, said: “We were delighted that the cast of this year’s pantomime could help out with the appeal. The Salvation Army does an absolutely amazing job helping those in the local community, not just at Christmas time but all year round.”

Anyone wanting to buy tickets for the panto should ring 01325 486 555 or visit the website at Darlington Civic Theatre and Arts Centre.

Jimmy gives his autograph in the theatre foyer after one of the panto performances

Jimmy and Gary Winstanley at Whelley Labour Club in Wigan

Jimmy Cricket has been emailed this picture by Gary Winstanley.

It was taken at Whelley Labour club in Wigan where the famous Irish entertainer performed a few years ago.

Gary says: “Not sure of the exact date now, but I think it was 2008. It was a great night and a pleasure to meet you.

“Nice to be friends on Facebook. Keep up the good work.”