Posts By :

mhamer

Talking Pictures TV festival set to be a complete sellout 150 150 mhamer

Talking Pictures TV festival set to be a complete sellout

Looking forward to joining this great cast of fellow performers for @TalkingPicsTV this coming 20th July weekend!

The Festival of Film in which a host of top entertainers including Jimmy Cricket are starring is on the verge of being a sellout.

Talking Pictures TV and Renown Pictures, are hosting the two-day event, which begins on Saturday (20 July).

The  organisation posted this morning (17 July) on social media: “**STOP PRESS ALERT** We have just EIGHT weekend tickets left for our otherwise ‘sold out’ #TPTV Festival at the Savoy Theatre, Monmouth @monmouthsavoy for Sunday 21st July 11am-7pm only!

“First come, first served! Call 0808 178 8212 buff.ly/4bDcUMh.”

Veteran singer Tony Christie is also among the performers at The Savoy Theatre in Monmouth, Wales.

Northern Irishman Jimmy has performed at a Talking Pictures TV production previously, appearing alongside fellow comic Jimmy Tarbuck and actor Tim Healy in October 2022.

Speaking about the show this summer, he said previously: “Looking forward to joining this great cast of fellow performers for Talking Pics TV!”

Radio DJ Mike Read is one of the hosts for the weekend.

Tony Christie, now 80, found fame in the 1970s with songs such as (Is This the Way to) Amarillo.

A special Festival of Film later this year, staged by TV channel Talking Pictures, will feature a host of entertainers including comedian Jimmy Cricket and singer Tony Christie.In 2002, comedian Peter Kay used Amarillo on his TV show Phoenix Nights, leading to a resurgence in the song’s popularity.

Talking Pictures TV is an independent archive film and television channel.

It is available on Virgin 445, Freesat 306, Freeview or Youview 82 or on Sky digital satellite platform, channel 328.

Its website says: “Do you remember the thrill and excitement of Saturday Morning Pictures?

“Where heroes and villains and clowns and crooners, invariably in glorious black and white, would entertain you for hours?

“Now those glorious days return, and it’s not just for Saturday mornings.

“It’s 24 hours a day. Every day!”

Find out more about the TV channel here.

Renown Pictures Corporation is a British film distributor founded by producer George Minter in 1938.

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!

Oldham Coliseum – fabulous news it will open again as a theatre! 150 150 mhamer

Oldham Coliseum – fabulous news it will open again as a theatre!

Jimmy Cricket has welcomed the news that the historic Oldham Coliseum has been saved.

Jimmy Cricket has welcomed the news that the historic Oldham Coliseum has been saved.

The theatre is due to reopen in time for the 2025 pantomime season following a campaign led by Coronation Street actor Julie Hesmondhalgh.

It closed last year amid a storm of protest.

Arts Council England withdrew its funding, citing concerns over management.

Meanwhile, Oldham Council – which owns the building – had described it as “no longer fit for purpose”.

There were plans for a new, smaller venue, but a group was set up to save the current building, a well-known landmark.

Famous funnyman Jimmy, who has appeared at the theatre numerous times, was clearly delighted when he heard that the high-profile campaign had been successful.

He said on social media: “What fabulous news today that Oldham Coliseum will reopen!”

Julie Hesmondhalgh commented on X (formerly Twitter): “Absolute moment of people power.

“Thank you to everyone who signed petitions, wrote letters, carried banners, never gave up.

“And thanks to those who listened and acted!”

Actor Les Dennis was among those who celebrated Monday’s news with a street party outside the venue.

Past greats who graced the theatre included Charlie Chaplin, Dame Thora Hird and Oldham-born Eric Sykes.

Also read: Stars come out for Francis House returns to Oldham Coliseum Theatre

Video of first TV appearance is very popular on social media 150 150 mhamer

Video of first TV appearance is very popular on social media
Jimmy Cricket's first appearance on television
Video footage has appeared on Facebook showing Jimmy Cricket’s first performance on television.
The clip, originally posted by Mike Fox (Man Fom Belfast) on TikTok, shows Jimmy’s near four-minute comedy act.

Belfast-born Jimmy won ITV’s television talent contest Search For A Star at the beginning of the 1980s.

He earned his own television show called And There’s More, which was broadcast over four series between 1985 and 1988.

The show included the first TV appearance by the impressionist Rory Bremner.

Jimmy also appeared in a television special broadcast on ITV called All Cricket and Wellie.

By now, Jimmy was a household name and the subject of Eamonn Andrews’, programme, This Is Your Life, which aired in September 1987.

He also had his own comedy series on BBC Radio 2 during the 1990s called Jimmy’s Cricket Team’.

In addition to his own TV show, Jimmy made numerous other television appearances, including featuring on both the ‘Royal Variety Performance’ and the children’s equivalent.

He appeared regularly on BBC TVs long-running show ‘The Good Old Days’.

The video of his first TV appearance has attracted thousands of likes and hundreds of comments across both Facebook and TikTok.

Comments include: 
Brenda JonesModern Love The green bolded text says "Love This". "i" in the "This" is emphasized with a pink heart. sticker

Garry Williams Class act.

Steve Massey Brilliant 👏 ❤️

Mark Pearce A lovely man, appeared in a Charity Concert with him a few years ago , and we met up at a Butlins Reunion too 🤝😀
Dave Starr I remember from way before that, Jimmy, will never forget the very first time we ever worked together.

Jean Fox I have worked with him on pantos he is a lovely man and still wears his boots loved him when I was younger

A lovely man and still going strong 👍
Meet the author: Library talk will focus on autobiography 150 150 mhamer

Meet the author: Library talk will focus on autobiography

Jimmy Cricket is visiting a local library later this year to talk about his autobiography, Memoirs Of An Irish Comedian.

Memoirs Of An Irish Comedian tells the heart-warming story of Jimmy's illustrious life and 50-year career.The famous comedian will appear at Heywood Library in his adopted hometown of Rochdale, Greater Manchester.

The event takes place at 1pm on Saturday 7 September.

Jimmy’s autobiography tells the heart-warming story of his illustrious life and 50-year career.

The book will be on sale at the library on the day and Jimmy will sign purchased copies.

Tickets for the event are free but limited.

To book, email heywood.library@rochdale.gov.uk or ring 01706 927260.

You can also call in at the library by noon on Friday 6 September to sign up (if there are still places available by then).

Jimmy is not charging members of the audience for the talk, but in lieu of a fee, he would be grateful if those attending could make a small donation to Mary’s Meals. This is optional.

Jimmy Cricket with his autobiography

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.

The paperback version of the autobiography costs £11.99 at online retailer Amazon and is also available via eBook and audio formats.

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 sign it.

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

‘Warm memories performing in this wonderful seaside town’ 150 150 mhamer

‘Warm memories performing in this wonderful seaside town’

Hi folks back in Blackpool and in the ever popular @LyndeneHotel tonight, I have warm memories performing in this wonderful seaside town!

Jimmy Cricket enjoyed another night on stage at his favourite hotel in Blackpool.

The evergreen comedian was back at the Lyndene Hotel for the second time this year on Wednesday (5 June).

He is performing at the promenade venue for an amazing NINTH season.

Jimmy said on social media after his latest apperarance there: “Hi folks, back in Blackpool and in the everpopular @LyndeneHotel tonight.

“I have warm memories performing in this wonderful seaside town!”

Jimmy has been a regular performer at the Lyndene over the past decade (apart from the enforced break due to Covid), making several appearances there each year.

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

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

Jimmy’s other two shows there during the 2024 season are on Wednesdays 4 September and 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!

Theatre’s new history display officially opens to public 150 150 mhamer

Theatre’s new history display officially opens to public

Jimmy Cricket helped to officially unveil a new history wall at a popular theatre in Essex.

Jimmy Cricket helped to officially unveil a new history wall at a popular theatre in Essex.

The Northern Irish comedian was at the West Cliff in Clacton-on-Sea at the weekend to perform in a variety show paying tribute to the late Roy Hudd OBE.

And while he was there, Jimmy took part in the theatre’s unveiling ceremony.

Roy, who died in 2020 at the age of 83 after a short illness, was an actor, comedian, radio host and author.

He was also an authority on the history of music hall entertainment.

The theatre said: “The West Cliff’s new permanent history display was officially unveiled yesterday by two of our patrons, Jimmy Cricket and Andrew Robley, along with Debbie Hudd and Don Maclean, all of whom have played a big part in the theatre’s history.
“The display was designed by our chairman and theatre historian, Norman Jacobs, along with graphic designer, Robert Gunthorpe.
‘What a variety show’
“It gives a complete overview of the theatre’s history from its foundation in 1894 to the present day, covering many of the major events and personalities that have made the West Cliff such a successful theatre, while at the same time, retaining its family friendly atmosphere.
“The display, in the foyer, will be open to the public from 10am to 4.30pm, Monday to Saturday and before and during shows.”

Jimmy was among a talented selection of performers who took to the stage on Sunday (2 June) to remember Roy.

What a variety show it was for our friend Roy Hudd @wctclacton with @DebHudd, co patron @andrewrobley, great singers @DarrenDOfficial @LynPaul6, comics @BobthecatBevan @DickyGauntlett, musicians Victoria Yellop, @tomcarradine, & Co alongside friends who came Don & Tony Maclean.

Hooray for Hudd celebrated Roy’s life and work.

Jimmy posted on social media: “What a variety show it was for our friend Roy Hudd @wctclacton with @DebHudd, co patron @andrewrobley, great singers @DarrenDOfficial @LynPaul6, comics @BobthecatBevan

@DickyGauntlett, musicians Victoria Yellop, @tomcarradine, & Co alongside friends who came Don & Tony Maclean.”

Roy Hudd

All proceeds from the show will contribute to a charity formed after Roy’s death.

Its aim is to have a statue erected in memory of the much-loved comedy legend.

As a patron, Roy had a long association with the West Cliff.

Roy’s widow, Debbie Hudd, and local singer Andrew Robley, organised Sunday’s show.

Oher performers included Steve Hewlett, one of Britain’s leading ventriloquists and a finalist in Britain’s Got Talent 2013.

Also read: Roy Hudd: One of the great performers, writers and comics

‘He returns exclusively, TV’s Irish comedy legend…’ 150 150 mhamer

‘He returns exclusively, TV’s Irish comedy legend…’

Wednesday 5th June at the Lyndene Hotel, live entertainment with personality vocalist Natalie Jaxx, vocal entertainer Stevie G, and "Come'ere There's More" he returns exclusively, TV's Irish Comedy Legend and Lyndene favourite Jimmy Cricket.

Comedy legend Jimmy Cricket heads up another eagerly awaited night of live variety entertainment at the Lyndene Hotel in Blackpool.

The evergreen Northern Irish entertainer is making his second appearance of the season at the popular seaside venue on Wednesday (5 June).

Jimmy is performing at the Lyndene for the ninth year.

The hotel posted on social media: “Wednesday 5th June at the Lyndene Hotel, live entertainment with personality vocalist Natalie Jaxx, vocal entertainer Stevie G, and “Come’ere There’s More” he returns exclusively, TV’s Irish Comedy Legend and Lyndene favourite Jimmy Cricket.
“Show starts at 7.00pm with Resident keyboard palyers Ray Bentley & Colin Marr, followed by two games of CASH Prize Bingo with Resident Compere Tom Collins.”

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

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’s other two shows there during the 2024 season are Wednesdays 4 September and 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!