Jimmy Cricket

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What made the late BBC Radio DJ Steve Wright so special… 150 150 mhamer

What made the late BBC Radio DJ Steve Wright so special…

Jimmy Cricket's newspaper column about the late BBC Radio 1 and 2 DJ Steve Wright appeared in the Lancashire Evening Post

Jimmy Cricket has revealed he was a big fan of famous radio DJ Steve Wright who died earlier this year.

For decades the voice of the BBC on afternoon radio, Steve passed away aged 69 in February.

He had joined the national broadcaster at the beginning of the 1980s and went on to host popular shows on both BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 2.

In a statement, his family referred to the “millions of devoted radio listeners who had the good fortune and great pleasure of allowing Steve into their daily lives as one of the UK’s most enduring and popular radio personalities”.

Jimmy’s latest monthly newspaper column in the Lancashire Evening Post is devoted to the late DJ.

‘An instant fan’

He says: “When I first got a break on the tele in the early eighties, a friend told me that there was this young DJ on the radio doing an impression of me who was called Steve Wright.

“Obviously, this did my ego a power of good, so I made it my business to tune in to this new ‘jock’.

“I became an instant fan! Steve just had that special something that drew you closer to the radio when he was in full flight.

“He made even reading out the weather report sound interesting.

“Twenty-five years later, I was sitting in the BBC London studios being interviewed by him for his big show that was aired on weekday afternoons.

“I was accompanied by Cannon and Ball. We were there to promote a show we were touring with called The Best of British Variety.

Rory Bremner

“It was great fun as we all bounced ad libs between us, ending with Steve reeling out the theatres around the country where we were strutting our stuff.”

Adds Jimmy: “My other link to Steve’s show came via the impressionist Rory Bremner.

“Rory and I did a TV series for Central television in the mid-eighties and we both got this booking to entertain on a cruise around the Greek Islands. (I know it’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it!).

“The problem was I turned up at Athens airport without my passport.

“I can still see it now – half a dozen security men gathered round looking at a publicity photo of a guy in a funny hat and wellingtons at 3 o’clock in the morning, all babbling in Greek, half of them giggling and the other half scratching their heads.

“When Rory went on Steve’s show, he relayed the story as only he could, complete with impressions of the Greek officials.

‘Moving and emotional’

“Steve laughed so much he asked Rory to repeat it the next time he came on his show.”

The column continues: “Of course, no article about Steve Wright would be complete without mention of his other BBC Radio 2 show – Sunday Love Songs.

“Here, he gave shoutouts to couples getting engaged and married (as well as people’s anniversaries), while playing some of the most iconic and romantic songs ever written.

“Some lucky couples even got champagne and chocolate.

“This was one of the most moving and emotional programmes on national radio. It drew huge numbers of listeners every Sunday morning.”

Jimmy concludes: “You know, there’s an intimacy about listening on the radio to your favourite presenter.

“Without the visual distraction of television, you feel he’s just talking to you alone.

“Perhaps that’s what made Steve so special.

“Even though he was talking to the nation, you got the feeling he was just talking to you.”

Wonderful, warm audience for Northern Ireland tour opener 150 150 mhamer

Wonderful, warm audience for Northern Ireland tour opener

I’ll be doing a three-day theatre tour of Northern Ireland with my fellow Irish comedians: Roy Walker, Adrian Walsh, Gene Fitzpatrick and George Jones

Jimmy Cricket and three fellow Irish comedians are currently in the middle of a three-day Northern Ireland tour.

The funny quartet, which also includes Roy Walker, Adrian Walsh and Gene Fitzpatrick, performed at the McNeill Theatre in Larne last night (21 March).

Jimmy said afterwards on social media: “What a wonderful, warm audience for our first night of our tour for @DavidHullPromo at the McNeill Theatre in Larne with funny men, fellow comics, @Gene17Eugene@adrianvwalsh and @RoyWalkerLegend and the great showband ‘Clubsound’ with Geordie Jones.”

Photos and video of the event can be found on Jimmy’s X (formerly Twitter) account.

The next show takes place tonight (Friday 22 March) at the Grand Opera House in Belfast.

And then tomorrow the funny four will perform at the Riverside Theatre in Coleraine.

The David Hull Promotions website says: “Northern Ireland has produced some great comedy acts.

“In an evening of classic comedy we have some of the finest: Roy Walker of Catchphrase fame, Jimmy Cricket ‘Come Here There’s More’, Gene Fitzpatrick ‘the star of the County Down’ and the comedy master that is Adrian Walsh.

“Musical accompaniment and laughter from the comedy showband legends Clubsound.”

 Go here to book tickets for either of the remaining two Northern Ireland shows.

Want to see one of Jimmy’s gigs? They are all listed here.

‘It was wonderful working in this great variety show’ 150 150 mhamer

‘It was wonderful working in this great variety show’

It was wonderful working in this great variety show last night @GCHalls with show host Sean McDonald, compere (my son) @FatherFrankie & Fr Ray Kelly, with @LadyM_McManus and St Roch’s Ceili Band, alongside Harrison’s School of Irish Dance, & Maureen O’Kelly & Carfin Choristers

Jimmy Cricket teamed up with his youngest son, Fr Frankie Mulgrew, for a special St Patrick’s variety concert in Scotland.

The show took place at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Monday (11 March).

Also among the entertainers was singing priest Fr Ray Kelly, who reached the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent in 2018.

Fr Frankie, a comedian like his dad, was the compere for the evening.

Glasgow’s own St Roch’s Ceili Band & Harrison School of Irish Dance, plus a surprise guest vocalist, also performed.

The show took place at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

Jimmy said afterwards: “It was wonderful working in this great variety show @GCHalls with show host Sean McDonald, compere (my son) @FatherFrankie & Fr Ray Kelly, with @LadyM_McManus and St Roch’s Ceili Band, alongside Harrison’s School of Irish Dance, & Maureen O’Kelly & Carfin Choristers.”

Buy Jimmy’s autobiography!

Don’t forget that Jimmy’s official autobiography is on sale.

Jimmy Cricket with his autobiography

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

The paperback version costs £11.99 at online retailer Amazon. It is also available via eBook and audio.

Signed copies (£15.99 including postage and packing) can be purchased on this website here.

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.

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

Here at the ever-popular Lyndene Hotel for a ninth year! 150 150 mhamer

Here at the ever-popular Lyndene Hotel for a ninth year!

Hi friends here at the ever popular @LyndeneHotel for the 9th year, with resident compere/singer/instrumentalist and great friend @TomCollinsJimmy Cricket’s ninth season at a popular Blackpool hotel is under way.

The well-known Northern Irish comedian made his first appearance of the year at the promenade venue on Wednesday (6 March).

Jimmy has been a regular performer at the Lyndene over the past decade (apart from the enforced break due to Covid).

He posted on social media: “Hi friends, here at the ever popular @LyndeneHotel for the 9th year, with resident compere/singer/instrumentalist and great friend @TomCollins.”

The Lyndene sits proudly at the heart of the famous Lancashire seaside resort.

Its nightly entertainment every day of the year is another major part of its continuing success.

Jimmy said: “The location is a vital attribute, because the Lyndene is within close proximity to the Blackpool attractions, especially the Pleasure Beach.

“You can’t miss it – it’s the big blue one with all lights fully on and a big sign that says LYNDENE HOTEL!”

Jimmy’s other three shows there during the 2024 season are:

  • Wednesday 5 June
  • Wednesday 4 September
  • Wednesday 4 December.
Buy Jimmy’s autobiography!

Jimmy Cricket with his autobiography

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

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

The paperback costs £11.99 and can be bought at online retailer Amazon here. It is also available via eBook and audio.

Signed copies (£15.99 including postage and packing) can be purchased on this website here.

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.

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

Gerry Kelly show hears how Jimmy’s showbiz dream came true 150 150 mhamer

Gerry Kelly show hears how Jimmy’s showbiz dream came true

Jimmy Cricket appeared on the Conversations with Gerry Kelly Show

Jimmy Cricket’s rise to fame was far from easy, the famous comedian told popular chatshow host Gerry Kelly.

Speaking on the Conversations with Gerry Kelly show, Northern Irish funnyman Jimmy revealed he had been rejected five times for talent shows.

But he went on to become a household name with his own television series.

The interview was broadcast last week and can be watched on YouTube here.

It also aired on the community channel NVTV and Sky Channel 588

One viewer said: “Watched your interview Jimmy – it was great.

“You are a real ambassador for where you were born – Cookstown and our province.”

The introduction to the Gerry Kelly show said: “‘Come ‘ere, there’s more’ – the catchphrase of one of Northern Ireland’s most successful comedians.

“Born in Cookstown, Jimmy Mulgrew went on to become one of the highest-paid performers in the UK.

Jimmy Cricket appeared on the Conversations with Gerry Kelly Show“Audiences came to know him as Jimmy Cricket, but his climb to the top of the entertainment world didn’t come easy.

“Rejection after rejection, disappointment after disappointment, forced to take a series of menial jobs, it was Jimmy’s self-belief and determination that eventually won through.

“A story of perseverance and strength of character, there is much more to Jimmy Cricket than a silly haunday  and a pair of wellington boots.”

The comedian had left secondary school with no qualifications and worked in multiple jobs around Belfast.

However, he continued to dream of a career in showbusiness.

“I used to avidly watch Sunday .

“I loved the comedian Billy Dainty and I got to do pantomime with him years later,” recalled Jimmy, who went on to perform at the Palladium himself.

Details on how to buy Jimmy’s autobiography and DVD can be found here.

Jimmy Cricket is ‘friendly and funny… a great, old-school comic’! 150 150 mhamer

Jimmy Cricket is ‘friendly and funny… a great, old-school comic’!

Jimmy Cricket's Big Shows takes place at the Belgrade Theatre on Thursday 29 February (1.30pm start).The young stand-up comedians of today could learn plenty from famous comic Jimmy Cricket.

That’s the view of musician Andy Eastwood, who is hosting a midday variety event in Coventry, which Jimmy is headlining.

Jimmy Cricket’s Big Show takes place at the Belgrade Theatre on Thursday 29 February (1.30pm start).

'Unmissable afternoon of top-class variety theatre' in Coventry with JImmy Cricket the headline act

Organisers promise a “heart-warming afternoon of comedy, songs, music and fun”.

A spokesperson for the theatre said tickets were selling fast.

The Coventry Observer published an article about the event.

It said: “The fun-filled show heralds a new season of Midday Variety, which has become very popular at the Belgrade Theatre over the past decade.”

Andy Eastwood is quoted in the piece as saying: “To have Jimmy Cricket with us is a real treat as he’s one of the great, old-school comics.

“Comedy trends have come and gone, but Jimmy has stayed true to his style: warm, friendly and funny without ever an insult.

“Today’s young stand-ups could learn a lot from him!”

Joining Jimmy and Andy on stage are the multi-talented virtuoso Gordon Cree, the stunning mezzo-soprano voice of Cheryl Forbes and Kearra Bethany, with her flawless tribute to the legendary Barbra Streisand.

Book here for the performance

Also read from this website: Coventry show will be ‘wonderful afternoon of feel-good entertainment’

Buy Jimmy’s autobiography!Jimmy Cricket with his autobiography

Don’t forget that Jimmy’s official autobiography is on sale.

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

The paperback costs £11.99 and can be bought at online retailer Amazon here. It is also available via eBook and audio.

Signed copies (£15.99 including postage and packing) can be purchased on this website here.

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.

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

 

Singing and comedian priests in St Patrick’s variety concert 150 150 mhamer

Singing and comedian priests in St Patrick’s variety concert

Singing and comedy priests in St Patrick's variety concert.

Fr Frankie Mulgrew is one of two priests helping to provide the entertainment at a special St Patrick’s variety concert next month.

Jimmy Cricket, Fr Frankie’s famous father, is also on the show at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Monday 11 March.

Both will be teaming up with singing priest Fr Ray Kelly, who reached the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent in 2018.

A comedian like his dad, Fr Frankie will be the compere for the evening, which starts at 7.30pm.

Glasgow’s own St Roch’s Ceili Band & Harrison School of Irish Dance, plus a surprise guest vocalist, are also performing.

Ring the box office on 0141 353 8000 or you can book tickets online here.

Jimmy said: “I’m heading up to bonnie Scotland to work at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall with my son @FatherFrankie and Fr Ray Kelly from BGT.
“Also, St Roch’s Ceili Band and Harrison School of Irish Dance, raising funds for food banks and the homeless.”

Buy Jimmy’s autobiography!

Don’t forget that Jimmy’s official autobiography is on sale.

Jimmy Cricket with his autobiography

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

The paperback version costs £11.99 at online retailer Amazon. It is also available via eBook and audio.

Signed copies (£15.99 including postage and packing) can be purchased on this website here.

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.

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