Jimmy Cricket

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Have a Selfie with an Elfie is in the Christmas music charts! 150 150 mhamer

Have a Selfie with an Elfie is in the Christmas music charts!

Have a Selfie with an Elfie - a Christmas song for all the family

Jimmy Cricket’s Have a Selfie with an Elfie has made it into the Christmas music charts!
And you can help to get his seasonal song as high up as possible by voting for it here.
It is currently sitting in 49th place in the Heritage Charts, ahead of the likes of Kylie Minogue (Xmas) and The Stereophonics (Colours of October).
The Heritage Charts features new music from legendary artists.
It says on its website: “Each Christmas we receive 4/5 festive and seasonal songs but this year we’ve had an unprecedented 30 plus releases! Incredible.
“Positions this week may reflect that some songs have had a head start while others have appeared in the last few days.
“The chart will be updated every Sunday leading up to Christmas.”
You can listen to the song here.
Comedian Jimmy posted on social media: “Hi folks, so chuffed our Christmas song ‘Selfie with an Elfie’ (whom I wrote with #angusmacgregor and #catherinemacgregor).
“It has reached 49 in the Heritage Charts.
“If you have a moment friends can you vote for the song, (enclosed is a link) and let’s see if we can get it further up on the numbers for Christmas! #ChristmasCheer🌲🎄
Great idea for a Christmas present…

If you’re still looking for  an ideal Christmas gift, then look no further than Jimmy’s official autobiography!

Memoirs Of An Irish Comedian tells the heart-warming story of Jimmy’s illustrious life and 50-year career.

The paperback costs £10 and can be bought at online retailer Amazon here. It is also available via eBook and audio.

Jimmy Cricket with his autobiography

It is also available at Jimmy’s live gigs for £10 where Jimmy will also sign it.

One pound from the sale of every book goes to Mary’s Meals.

The charity supports feeding projects in some of the world’s poorest communities.

More details on the book and Jimmy’s DVD, Pull Your Seats Forward, can be found on his website here.

Also read: Jimmy Cricket’s signed autobiographies now available by post!

80th birthday charity show: Enjoy all the highlights on TV! 150 150 mhamer

80th birthday charity show: Enjoy all the highlights on TV!

The Irish in the UK is a show run by a husband and wife team called Martin and Annette Logan.

Relive or enjoy for the first time all the highlights from Jimmy Cricket’s Big Birthday Gala Show on TV.

Whether you were lucky enough to be in the packed Quays Theatre at the Lowry in Salford or were unable to be there,  you can savour the best moments now.

The big 80th birthday celebrations in November were captured by The Irish in the UK, a show run by a husband-and-wife team called Martin and Annette Logan.

The live episode was broadcast at 8pm on 9 December on The Irish in the UK website here.

It is also available on Sky 588, Freeview 279, YouTube and Facebook.

And there are repeats on Sky and Freeview every Saturday at 5.30m.

‘Priceless publicity’

A host of top comedians helped to give Jimmy a night to remember on 1 November in a fund-raising show for Francis House Children’s Hospice.

Jimmy said: “For transparency, we can confirm that just under £6,000 was raised for this wonderful charity, who have over 600 families in and around Manchester in their care.”
About The Irish In The UK, he added: “It is popular with both Irish people living over here and viewers in Ireland who like to see what their relatives are up to in England.
“They’ve given me some priceless publicity over the years.” 

Famous funnyman Jimmy Cricket has described the charity show to celebrate his 80th birthday as an "absolute joy".

The performers on the night were:

  • Tim Vine (Not Going Out, Live at the Apollo)
  • Steve Royle (Britain’s Got Talent, Phoenix Nights)
  • Roy Walker (Catchphrase, The Comedians)
  • Syd Little (The Little and Large Show, Shooting Stars)
  • Adrian Walsh (Today with Des and Mel)
  • Barbara Nice (Coronation Street, Britain’s Got Talent)
  • Katie Mulgrew (Coronation Street, Lovefix, The Dog Ate My Homework)

Famous funnyman Jimmy described the show as an “absolute joy”.

He said: “My huge thanks to the very funny line-up of fellow comics who shared the stage with me and who brought so much laughter to the show.

“#roywalker, #timvine #sydlittle, #steveroyle, #adrianwalsh #missbarbaranice, #frfrankiemulgrew, #katiemulgrew and organising the raffle (with family members), my son #dalemulgrew.

Very special

“The big surprise of the night was Lady Anne Dodd who brought the cake on and a big thank you also goes to my son-in-law Lee Martin and colleagues at #gagreflex who managed the gig.

“They did an absolutely wonderful technical job with the screen behind, alongside the brilliant #quaytheatrestaff and volunteers who made us all feel so welcome, while raising funds for #FrancisHouseChildrensHospice.”

Go to Jimmy’s Facebook page here to see photographs from the event.

Read about his illustrious life here.

Jimmy, who turned 80 on 17 October, has raised many thousands of pounds over many years for Francis House.

The charity cares for children and young adults with life-threatening conditions.

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

Steve Royle’s lozenge cured my cough and saved the show! 150 150 mhamer

Steve Royle’s lozenge cured my cough and saved the show!

Steve Royle's lozenge cured cough and saved the day!

Comedian and juggler Steve Royle rushed to Jimmy Cricket’s rescue during a show in Liverpool.

Northern Irish entertainer Jimmy developed a “ferocious” cough early in his act.

And as he struggled to get rid of it, Steve handed him a lozenge – and the crisis was over!

The story is told in Jimmy’s newspaper column, which appears monthly in the Lancashire Evening Post (LEP).

Jimmy’s full column is below:

I’d like to tell you about a show I did at the Woolton Village Club in Liverpool recently.

Come closer… I’d just been 15 minutes into my act when I had a fit of coughing.

It was the aftermath of a virus I’d had.

Normally, I’d get the odd tickly cough towards the end of my set and I would make a joke of it but this one was quite ferocious.

As Mrs Cricket raced to the bar to get a glass of iced water, a sympathetic audience that included Syd Little from the great double act Little and Large roared me on.

In fact, it being Liverpool, a few of the audience members actually coughed in harmony with me to help make me feel better.

And then it happened… like the fairy godmother in Cinderella, my fellow comedian Steve Royle appeared at the front of the stage and handed me a lozenge, whispering: “This works for me every time.”

And you know what folks, he was dead right.

Unique performer

That lozenge did the trick and I was soon back into my stride.

And we didn’t have to give the audience their money back!

Of course, Steve is no stranger to LEP readers.

He’s been contributing interesting and informative articles for a number of years.

However, what makes him unique as a performer is not only his quick-fire patter, but he’s also an accomplished juggler as well.

I particularly like the way he weaves the juggling into his act with hilarious consequences – whether it be juggling clubs with an unseen partner or spitting ping pong balls into the air in perfect unison.

His big finish is so spectacular I wouldn’t want to give it away. But it’s worth the price of a ticket on its own.

Steve hails from the town where I now live – Rochdale.

As a teenager, he learnt his juggling skills at the Skyline Circus.

Edgar the Court Jester

Then his life took a change of direction when he went to study and get a degree in Economic and Social History at Kent University in Canterbury.

I have this funny picture in my mind of Steve turning up at the university every morning on a unicycle with his books under his arm.

The world of showbiz beckoned again and he headed off to the medieval theme park of Camelot at Charnock Richard near Chorley, where he became immensely popular as Edgar the Court Jester.

He was loved by adults and children alike.

Mrs Cricket and our children would watch Steve there.

That gave him great grounding for another form of entertainment, that he took to like a duck to water, namely pantomime.

From the first moment when Steve stepped on to the stage at the Grand Theatre in Blackpool in pantomime, both he and the audience knew it was his natural habitat and he went on to play 22 seasons at that self-same theatre.

Steve’s next big project is to play the part of Eric Morcambe in a touring play called The Last Laugh.

The play imagines what would happen if Eric, Tommy Cooper and Bob Monkhouse all met up in a backstage dressing room.

It is a must-see for all enthusiasts of traditional comedy.

Some would say proper comedy, but I wouldn’t dream of saying that myself, dear readers.

And you can bet your boots that if any of the other actors get a bout of coughing, Steve will be on hand with one of his magic lozenges.

Also read:

80th birthday show: ‘You could sense and feel the love from the audience’

‘Wonderful and nostalgic’ return to where I met Mrs Cricket! 150 150 mhamer

‘Wonderful and nostalgic’ return to where I met Mrs Cricket!

The holiday camp in Morecambe where Jimmy Cricket and his wife May first met is now a housing estate.

The holiday camp in Morecambe where Jimmy Cricket and his wife May first met is now a housing estate.

They paid a nostalgic visit to Middleton Towers, which was a Pontins back in the 1970s.

Jimmy posted the photos above on social media, which included him alongside a statue of the late Eric Morecambe.

Eric, who was born in the Lancashire seaside town and took it as his stage name, was one half of the famous comedy double act, Morecambe and Wise.

After his and May’s trip, Jimmy posted: “Hi friends, we had a wonderful nostalgic few days back in Morecambe and Middleton Towers which was a Pontins Holiday Camp (now a housing estate) where I first met Mrs C. over 53 years ago.

“The big cabaret venue then was Morecambe Bowl (now Buzz Bingo Hall) where we saw the great Roy Orbison live back in 1972! 🎭

Read all about Jimmy’s life and career

A reminder that Jimmy’s official autobiography is still on sale.

The Jimmy Cricket Story is the famous comedian's official autobiography

Memoirs Of An Irish Comedian tells the heart-warming story of Jimmy’s illustrious life and 50-year career.

The paperback costs £10 and can be bought at online retailer Amazon here, also being available in eBook and audio formats.

Signed copies (£13.99 including postage and packing) can be purchased on this website here.

It is also available at Jimmy’s live gigs for £10 where he will sign it.

One pound from the sale of every book goes to Mary’s Meals.

The charity supports feeding projects in some of the world’s poorest communities.

Blackpool hotel: Jimmy WILL be back at the Lyndene in 2026! 150 150 mhamer

Blackpool hotel: Jimmy WILL be back at the Lyndene in 2026!

The Lyndene Hotel is marking Jimmy Cricket's special anniversary with a celebratory drink during dinner.

Jimmy Cricket’s appearance at the Lyndene next month is NOT his final one at the Blackpool venue after all!

The evergreen entertainer had hinted earlier in the year that his 10th season at the Lyndene would be his last.

And that would have meant his two shows there on Wednesday 3 December – his fourth visit of 2025 – would be his swansong.

However, it has been confirmed Jimmy will be back at the seafront hotel in the new year.

See all Jimmy’s booked events here – including the date of his first 2026 comeback appearance at the Lyndene!

The Lyndene said on social media: “Catch him for the LAST TIME this year… before he returns in 2026!
Comedy gold
“Get ready for an unforgettable night of laughs as the one and only Jimmy Cricket takes to the Lyndene stage with his classic clean comedy, Irish charm and those famous one-liners, including…
😂 “And there’s more…”
😂 “I went to the doctor – he said I’d have to take one tablet a day for the rest of my life. I said, ‘Can I have the ones shaped like clocks?'”
😂 “I told the dentist my teeth are like the stars… they come out at night!”
This is comedy gold you simply can’t miss!
🎶 PLUS – A FULL NIGHT OF ENTERTAINMENT!
With 3–4 different acts every night, including fantastic vocalists, variety artists, our two resident keyboard players, and your ever-popular resident compere Tom Collins, it’s a brilliant evening of music, variety and laughter.
🍽️ NON-RESIDENTS WELCOME!
Enjoy a Meal & Show and reserve your table by calling 📞 01253 346779
✨ THE LYNDENE HOTEL – BLACKPOOL’S BEST NIGHTLY ENTERTAINMENT!
A fabulous night of comedy, music and variety… not to be missed!”
Also read on this website:

 

80th birthday show: ‘You could sense and feel the love from the audience’ 150 150 mhamer

80th birthday show: ‘You could sense and feel the love from the audience’

Famous funnyman Jimmy Cricket has described the charity show to celebrate his 80th birthday as an "absolute joy".

Famous funnyman Jimmy Cricket described the charity show to celebrate his 80th birthday as an “absolute joy”.

A full theatre and a host of top comedians helped to give Jimmy a night to remember at the Lowry in Salford.

Hundreds of people packed  for the Big Birthday Gala Show on 1 November to pay tribute to the Northern Irish entertainer.

Jimmy said on social media: “Hi Friends, what an absolute joy it was last Saturday night at the #quaystheatre in the Lowry, Salford with so many friends and family members to help me celebrate turning ‘80 Years Young’.

“You could sense and feel the love from the audience.

“My huge thanks to the very funny lineup of fellow comics who shared the stage with me, and who brought so much laughter to the show.

“#roywalker, #timvine #sydlittle, #steveroyle, #adrianwalsh #missbarbaranice, #frfrankiemulgrew, #katiemulgrew and organising the raffle (with family members), my son #dalemulgrew.

“The big surprise of the night was Lady Anne Dodd who brought the cake on and a big thank you also goes to my son-in-law Lee Martin and colleagues at #gagreflex who managed the gig.

Very special

“They did an absolutely wonderful technical job with the screen behind, alongside the brilliant #quaytheatrestaff and volunteers who made us all feel so welcome, while raising funds for #FrancisHouseChildrensHospice.”

Go to Jimmy’s Facebook page here to see photographs from the event.

The performers were:

  • Tim Vine (Not Going Out, Live at the Apollo)
  • Steve Royle (Britain’s Got Talent, Phoenix Nights)
  • Roy Walker (Catchphrase, The Comedians)
  • Syd Little (The Little and Large Show, Shooting Stars)
  • Adrian Walsh (Today with Des and Mel)
  • Barbara Nice (Coronation Street, Britain’s Got Talent)
  • Katie Mulgrew (Coronation Street, Lovefix, The Dog Ate My Homework)

Lady Anne Dodd – whose famous comedian husband, the late Sir Ken Dodd, was a good friend of Jimmy’s – made her special appearance just before the interval.

At the end of the show, Jimmy’s family played a video on the big screen of some of the most memorable moments of his career.

And he told the appreciate audience: “You’ve made it very special for us.”

Read about his illustrious life here.

The event raised funds for Francis House Children’s Hospice, based in Didsbury, south Manchester.

Proceeds from a raffle held on the night raised £1,144.

‘Loads more legends’

Steve Royle, a Britain’s Got Talent finalist in 2020, said on social media: “Such a huge honour to be asked by a legend to perform at his 80th Birthday celebration show.

“Alongside loads more legends too!!

“Happy Birthday Jimmy Cricket.”

A full theatre and a host of top comedians helped Jimmy Cricket celebrate his 80th birthday on an evening of love and laughter.

Steve Royle posted photographs on social media of himself, Jimmy & fellow performers

Jimmy turned 80 on 17 October.

He has raised many thousands of pounds over many years for Francis House.

The charity cares for children and young adults with life-threatening conditions.

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

Sister Aloysius and Fr Thomas Mulheran set up the Rainbow Family Trust in the early 1990s as a charity.

They were concerned about the lack of palliative care for the families of children with a short-life expectancy.

The late Diana, Princess of Wales, officially opened the seven-bedroom Francis House in November 1991.

Also read: Francis House benefits from Rochdale ‘jam’ night

Below: Applause all round at the end of the show.

‘Huge honour to be asked by a legend to perform at his birthday celebration show’ 150 150 mhamer

‘Huge honour to be asked by a legend to perform at his birthday celebration show’

A full theatre and a host of top comedians helped “legend” Jimmy Cricket celebrate his 80th birthday in style.

Hundreds of people packed into the Lowry at The Quays in Salford on Saturday (1 November) to pay tribute to the Northern Irish funnyman.

Tim Vine (Not Going Out, Live at the Apollo), Steve Royle (Britain’s Got Talent, Phoenix Nights), Roy Walker (Catchphrase, The Comedians) and Syd Little (The Little and Large Show, Shooting Stars) were among the comics appearing in the Big Birthday Gala Show.

Adrian Walsh (Today with Des and Mel), Barbara Nice (Coronation Street, Britain’s Got Talent) and Jimmy’s daughter, Katie Mulgrew (Coronation Street, Lovefix, The Dog Ate My Homework), completed the star-studded line-up.

Lady Anne Dodd – whose famous comedian husband, the late Sir Ken Dodd, was a good friend of Jimmy’s – made a special, surprise appearance during the show.

Jimmy’s family played a video on the big screen of some of the most memorable moments of his career.

And he told the audience at the end of the show: “You’ve made it very special for us.”

Read about his illustrious life here.

The event raised funds for Francis House Children’s Hospice, based in Didsbury, south Manchester.

‘Loads more legends’

Proceeds from a raffle held on the night raised £1,144.

Steve Royle, a Britain’s Got Talent finalist in 2020, said on social media: “Such a huge honour to be asked by a legend to perform at his 80th Birthday celebration show.

“Alongside loads more legends too!!

“Happy Birthday Jimmy Cricket.”

A full theatre and a host of top comedians helped Jimmy Cricket celebrate his 80th birthday on an evening of love and laughter.

Steve Royle posted photographs on social media of himself and fellow performers

Jimmy turned 80 on 17 October.

He has raised many thousands of pounds over many years for Francis House.

The charity cares for children and young adults with life-threatening conditions.

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

Sister Aloysius and Fr Thomas Mulheran set up the Rainbow Family Trust in the early 1990s as a charity.

They were concerned about the lack of palliative care for the families of children with a short-life expectancy.

The late Diana, Princess of Wales, officially opened the seven-bedroom Francis House in November 1991.

Also read: Francis House benefits from Rochdale ‘jam’ night