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Butlin’s reunion from the 1960s 150 150 mhamer

Butlin’s reunion from the 1960s

Frankie Whittle and Ernie Shrimp and his wife all went to watch Jimmy’s showJimmy Cricket caught up with some old friends during his summer season in Norfolk.

The well-known comedian was headlining the Great British Seaside Special at the Princess Theatre when he visited by some of his former Redcoat colleagues from the Butlin’s holiday site in Clacton-on-Sea.

Frankie Whittle and Ernie Shrimp and his wife all went to watch Jimmy’s show in Hunstanton and chat about the old times afterwards (picture above).

Jimmy said: “Frankie, Ernie and I were all at Butlin’s together in the late 1960s, so this was a wonderful reunion and a really nice way to catch up with these long-time friends.”

‘Happy & thrilled’ at musical’s success 150 150 mhamer

‘Happy & thrilled’ at musical’s success

The opening night of the premiere of Jimmy Cricket’s new musical, Maloney’s Big Moment. The photo was taken backstage at the Thwaites Empire Theatre in Blackburn and features Jimmy with the cast of the show, alongside the Mayor and Mayoress of Blackburn

Famous comedian Jimmy Cricket said he was “happy” and “thrilled” following the successful launch of his new musical.

Large audiences turned out to watch the two-night premiere of Maloney’s Big Moment at the Thwaites Empire Theatre in Blackburn earlier this month.

Jimmy said: “For both performances, more than 80% of tickets were sold, which for an original piece of theatre is a tremendous return. I am just thrilled I was able to get this new musical off the ground.

“I must thank the talented cast who only assembled really at the last minute, the fine musicians who made up the band, and the theatre’s technical staff for all coming together and delivering two performances of the show without much rehearsal time.

“I am also really happy that so many friends, colleagues, supporters and interested spectators came to support the show in such huge numbers.”

Above: Jimmy is pictured with the cast of the show, alongside the Mayor and Mayoress of Blackburn, back stage at the theatre on the opening night of the musical.

Backing the Big Red Seat Appeal 150 150 mhamer

Backing the Big Red Seat Appeal

Jimmy Cricket makes an appeal on behalf of the Royal Concert Hall in NottinghamJimmy Cricket used his legendary wellies to support a campaign set up to renovate a famous theatre. 

The Big Red Seat Appeal aims to raise enough funds to replace all 2,500 seats in the Royal Concert Hall auditorium in Nottingham.

It costs £300 to replace each seat is £300, meaning a fundraising target of £750,000 with Nottingham City Council pledging to match all donations, so every £1 given becomes £2.

Since singer-songwriter, composer and pianist Sir Elton John opened the Royal Concert Hall on 27 November 1982, millions of people have come through its doors to experience live performances, from every genre of music, dance and comedy.

Famous entertainer Jimmy was the headline performer of a national music hall tour during 2013 and the Nottingham venue was one of the autumn dates in the show’s schedule.

While he was there, he was asked to support the Royal Concert Hall appeal, a request he could not resist, so he grabbed his trademark wellington boots and made his own personal endorsement of the campaign.

Jimmy is a big supporter of live theatre and this was another opportunity to put his words into action.

Find out more about the appeal.

‘Special medal is fitting recognition’ 150 150 mhamer

‘Special medal is fitting recognition’

A good friend of well-known entertainer Jimmy Cricket has been honoured for distinguished service to the Roman Catholic Church and its community.

Jim Nicholas, a DJ and comedian, was featured in the Manchester Evening News for all his fundraising exploits for the Francis House Children’s Hospice in Manchester.

Jim Nicholas was featured in the Manchester Evening News for all his fund-raising work for the Francis House Children’s Hospice in Manchester

Jim Nicholas was featured in the Manchester Evening News for all his fundraising work for the Francis House Children’s Hospice in Manchester

He has been awarded the Papal Medal, which is also known as the Benemerenti.

The medal was presented to him by the Rt Rev Terence Brain, the Bishop of Salford.

Jimmy was at the ceremony and is quoted in the article, right, saying: “I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this magnificent award than Jim.

“He has worked tirelessly for Francis House over the years, raising a phenomenal amount of money for this cause.

“It’s been a real pleasure to have known him and to have shared the platform with him at various charity concerts.

“This special medal is fitting recognition for his marvellous contribution to the parishes and communities where he’s lived and helped support.”

* Read about the latest fundraising event for Francis House Children’s Hospice involving Jimmy and Jim.

Slideshow tribute to ‘comedian’s comedian’ 150 150 mhamer

Slideshow tribute to ‘comedian’s comedian’

Johnny Casson enjoys his own memories of Norman Collier

Johnnie Casson enjoys his own memories of Norman Collier. Pictures courtesy of OlsenParker photography

Jimmy Cricket was among several top entertainers who paid their last respects to legendary comedian Norman Collier in a special tribute show.

The event, called An evening of Comedy and Laughter, took place at the New Theatre in Hull in September.

It included Northern Irish funnyman Jimmy plus fellow stars Tom O’ Connor, Syd Little (of Little and Large), ventriloquist Roger De Courcey (plus Nookie Bear), Johnnie Casson and Robin Grumbleweed.

Norman, who died in March this year aged 87, was born and bred in Hull and for most of his life lived in the nearby town of Brough.

He achieved popularity following television appearances in the 1970s and was best known for his ‘faulty microphone’ routine and his chicken impressions.

Norman was highly regarded by many fellow comics, including Frank Carson and Les Dawson, and was described by Jimmy Tarbuck as ‘the comedian’s comedian’.

Read more about Norman here.

The show was hosted by Norman’s son-in-law, John Ainsley, who was also the main organiser of the event.

Jimmy Cricket pays tribute to Norman Collier

Jimmy pays tribute

Jimmy Cricket said: “Suffice to say the theatre was packed to the rafters and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

“A sizeable amount of money was raised which will be given to Norman’s widow, Lucy.”

Enjoy some nostalgia and watch Jimmy and Norman performing a chicken sketch together.

All pictures in the slideshow below are courtesy of OlsenParker photography which is based in Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire.

‘Elvis’ helps raise money for hospice 150 150 mhamer

‘Elvis’ helps raise money for hospice

DJ Jim Nicholas does a good Elvis Presley impressionA DJ who does a good Elvis Presley impersonation joined Jimmy Cricket for another fundraising event for the Francis House Children’s Hospice in Manchester.

Famous funnyman Jimmy performs at several such shows each year which are organised by his friend, the DJ Jim Nicholas, and the most recent was at the end of September and hosted by St Oswald’s Social Club in Warrington.

May Marion, Jimmy Cricket's wife who is a female vocalistThe Northern Irish-born entertainer was joined on stage by his wife, female vocalist May Marion (left), and the event was compered by DJ Jim (of Cliff’s Disco), who also does a good turn as Elvis (above right)!

The show was a very touching occasion as it was organised by a family who use the Hospice on a regular basis and wanted to give back some of the support they have received over the years.Jimmy Cricket

They promoted the event, selling the majority of the tickets, and it was a big success resulting in a considerable amount of money being raised for this great cause.

Jimmy, seen on the right in action at the fundraising event  wearing his famous wellies, is also pictured below with photographer Ricky Sandtide Matthews who took all the pictures on this page.

Jimmy Cricket with photographer Ricky Sandtide Matthews

Hi ho hi ho, it’s off to work we go 150 150 mhamer

Hi ho hi ho, it’s off to work we go

Cast members of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs from 7 December to 5 January at the Forum Theatre in Billingham

Some cast members of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs from 7 December to 5 January at the Forum Theatre in Billingham. Photo credit: Northern Echo

Jimmy Cricket teamed up with some of his fellow cast members at a press launch for the forthcoming festive season pantomime he is headlining.

The Northern Irish entertainer will play the comedy role of Muddles in that old favourite, Snow White and the seven dwarfs, at the Forum Theatre in Billingham near Middlesbrough from 7 December to 5 January.

Alongside Jimmy in the picture above are a couple of the cast who will be playing two of the dwarves, plus Craig Ansell (who will be Sarah the Cook), local girl Victoria Holtom (Snow White), and Emmerdale‘s Kurtis Stacey (he plays Alex Moss in the soap) who will feature in the role of the Wicked Henchman.

On most days, there is planned a 2.30 afternoon matinee and an early evening show starting at around 6pm, but check with the theatre by phone or on its website (details below) as times vary on different days.

The panto will be produced by the hugely experience Duggie Chapman, who has been in charge of the Forum Theatre’s panto for the last 15 or so years.

For more information or to book a ticket, visit the Forum Theatre website or ring the Box Office on 01642 552663.

Jimmy Cricket and Victoria Holtom (Snow White)

Jimmy Cricket and Victoria Holtom (who plays Snow White).  Photograph credit: Northern Echo