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Reward for outstanding courtesy 150 150 mhamer

Reward for outstanding courtesy

The article appeared in the 11 September edition of the Eastbourne Gazette

Comedian Jimmy Cricket, who prides himself on his clean humour, has helped to honour a man for outstanding courtesy and good customer service.

The Belfast-born, Rochdale-based funnyman was on hand to present Jack Pout from Eastbourne his award on behalf of the National Campaign for Courtesy.

Jack, aged 18, works at his parents’ business Seaside Furniture and was nominated by shopper Edward Thomas, who lives in Eastbourne and is a member of the campaign.

The presentation featuring Jimmy, who is a patron of the campaign, and Jack was reported by the Eastbourne Gazette and on the Eastbourne Herald online.

Also at the presentation were campaign chairman Peter Foot and Mr Thomas.

Other campaign patrons include:

DAVID HAMILTON
ROY HUDD OBE
DOUG McKENZIE
DIANA MORAN
PENNY PALMANO
ESTHER RANTZEN CBE
JOAN REGAN
THE CHIEF RABBI LORD SACKS OF ALDGATE
MARY ANN SIEGHART
JUNE WHITFIELD CBE

Jimmy has been performing in Eastbourne twice a week since 1 May in the family show Sentimental Journey at the Royal Hippodrome Theatre. It finishes next Wednesday (26 September).

Topping the bill at a memorial concert 150 150 mhamer

Topping the bill at a memorial concert
Jimmy and Kelvin (who is pictured far left) singers Big D and Micky Diamond and host Ryan Dollard

Jimmy and Kelvin (who is pictured far left) with singers Big D and Mickey Diamond and host Ryan Dollard

Jimmy Cricket, who has been spending two days a week during the summer performing in Eastbourne, was at the other end of the country at the weekend.

The Rochdale-based entertainer topped the bill in the third annual LW Rock 4 Macmillan concert at The Shepherds Inn & Auctioneer in Carlisle.

All proceeds raised at the event, held in memory of Lance Wood who died in 2009 from liver cancer, were donated to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Lance’s son, Kelvin J Wood, organises the show and also appeared as he is the lead singer of an indie rock band from Carlisle called The Mass.

Gretna Social Club hosted the first two annual events but its popularity has grown so much that Kelvin was forced to switch to a larger venue.

Other acts appearing alongside Jimmy and Kelvin’s band included singers Big D and Mickey Diamond.

The  evening was hosted by local ITV reporter Ryan Dollard.

Jimmy said: “The show raised hundreds of pounds and everyone had a fabulous time!”

Jimmy starred in the third annual LW Rock 4 Macmillan concert at The Shepherds Inn & Auctioneer in Carlisle

Jimmy starred in the annual LW Rock 4 Macmillan concert at The Shepherds Inn & Auctioneer in Carlisle

Jimmy in comedy marathon on BBC 150 150 mhamer

Jimmy in comedy marathon on BBC
Jimmy Cricket and Mick Miller with a couple of fans before their show in Edinburgh

Jimmy and Mick with a couple of fans before their show in Edinburgh

Jimmy Cricket has taken part in a televised comedy marathon spectacular.

The Northern Irish funnyman was among 40 comedians to perform in the eight-hour overnight show (9pm-5am) at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2012 on Friday 17 August.

And Jimmy did not take to the stage until 2.50am!

The show was broadcast throughout the night on the BBC digital channel and BBC3 has edited the event down to a one-hour highlights package which it will screen three times, the first at 9pm tomorrow (Friday 31 August).

Jimmy Cricket and Mick Miller get ready for their show at the Ace Dome

Jimmy and Mick get ready for their show at the Ace Dome

Watch a preview trailer of the programme here, though it is accompanied by a warning about strong language (none from Jimmy, we hasten to add!).

See the line-up of comedians and Jimmy’s profile.

Jimmy was also at the world-famous Edinburgh Festival to team up with one of his contemporaries, Mick Miller, as part of their short tour around the UK which also includes Darlington, Preston, Chester, Sheffield and Manchester.

The ‘Jimmy & Mick 2012 UK Tour’ show in Edinburgh was at a venue called the Ace Dome, which is among several Fringe venues run by the Pleasance company – one of the Fringe’s key venue organisers.

Jimmy said: “I really enjoy working with Mick and feel we complement each other’s style of comedy.

“The show was a sell-out and was well received by spectators and critics alike. The show indeed got this year’s festival talking and I think both of us made an impact!”

During his visit to the Fringe, Jimmy also took part in a podcast with Mick Miller, which was hosted by the young comedy double act Peacock and Gamble.

And after his Ace Dome show with Mick, Jimmy travelled over to the main Pleasance complex to take part in that evening’s version of the Horne Section – hosted by the comedian Alex Horne.

Jimmy ended his set on this show with a rendition of ‘Tequila’, which he played on his saxophone with Alex and his band providing the accompaniment.

Jimmy and Mick get ready to record a podcast with Peacock and Gamble

Jimmy and Mick get ready to record a podcast with Peacock and Gamble

Crowning the Carnival Queen 150 150 mhamer

Crowning the Carnival Queen

Jimmy performed at the pier theatre in Cromer

Jimmy Cricket had a dual role when he visited Cromer, a coastal resort in north Norfolk.

In addition to appearing in the theatre on the seaside town’s pier, the Irish comedian was also asked to crown the Carnival Queen!

Jimmy said: “I have always enjoyed visiting Cromer. I really love the theatre which has become a bit of a bastion of the ‘end-of-pier summer season revue’.

“This type of variety format has been maintained in the resort for years. Cromer’s shows have a fine reputation and are not only supported by day trippers, but also by locals from the north Norfolk region.

“With so many resorts not opting to present a summer season family production any more, Cromer continues to buck the national trend.

“This really proves that an audience can be developed for such a show and that people will come back every year to support the theatre.”

Watch a video slideshow on the homepage of this website or at Jimmy’s YouTube channel

Photos here provided by Steve Medler and the remainder on the video slideshow courtesy of Dave Roberts

Jimmy Cricket has a ride in a blue cadillac in Cromer

Jimmy talks to seaside visitors while taking a ride in a blue cadillac in Cromer

A special invitation 150 150 mhamer

A special invitation
Jimmy with Sr Mary, a Palatine sister who has just returned from a mission in Africa

Jimmy with Sr Mary, a Palatine sister who has just returned from a mission in Africa

Jimmy Cricket got a special invitation this week to help the Birmingham Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference celebrate its 25th anniversary.

Organisers decided to schedule in a special event on one of the nights of the five-day conference at the Paragon Hotel in the Midlands city.

They wanted Jimmy to be part of the celebrations as they thought it would create a special atmosphere.

Jimmy said: “I really enjoyed taking part in the celebration and received a very warm and appreciative reception. I wish the conference a healthy and prosperous time ahead.”

Jimmy with others at the conference

Jimmy and others who were among those at the conference

It’s Showtime! 150 150 mhamer

It’s Showtime!
A train forms the backdrop for all the performers in Sentimental Journey

A train forms the backdrop for all the performers in Sentimental Journey at the Royal Hippodrome Theatre

A railway station is the nostalgic setting for a variety summer show starring comedian Jimmy Cricket.

The Belfast-born funnyman has since May been appearing in Sentimental Journey to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year at the Royal Hippodrome Theatre in Eastbourne, East Sussex.

Entertainers Mike Lee and Barry Moon

Entertainers Mike Lee and Barry Moon

The story goes that a train has broken down at the Royal Hippodrome station  so, while everyone waits for it to be repaired, the station master and “the man from head office” arrange some entertainment to keep people amused.

It transports the audience back to an era when a small company of talented individuals would sing, dance and tell jokes.

For a video slideshow of the performers from the show, visit Jimmy’s homepage here or go to the Wellie Boot channel on YouTube.

The host for the evening is the singer Mike Lee, who plays the train’s inspector, and at the start of the show he bumps into the train’s conductor – none other than the talented impressionist Barry Moon.

Barry Moon sings at the Hippodrome

Barry Moon sings at the Royal Hippodrome

Jimmy Cricket said: “Both Barry and Mike are also the show’s producers and they have done a great job at putting this show together.”

The Showtime Dancers in Sentimental Journey are Nick, Jo, Lauren and Janine.

Also appearing are world-renowned tribute acts Colin Gold and Tracy Lea.

Colin, who starred on ITV’s Stars in Their Eyes, has gone on to become one of the most experienced and acclaimed Billy Fury acts in the world. Halfway to Paradise was one of Fury’s best-known songs.

Tracy Lee and dancers Nick, Jo, Lauren and Janine

Tracy Lee & dancers Nick, Jo, Lauren & Janine

Connie Francis’ greatest hits included Who’s Sorry Now, Lipstick on Your Collar and Stupid Cupid. Tracy also appeared on Stars in Their Eyes, a British television talent show screened on Saturday nights from 21 July 1990 to 23 December 2006 in which contestants impersonated showbiz stars.

Jimmy, Colin and Tracy recently appeared live in Eastbourne on ITV’s breakfast show, Daybreak.

* Performances for Sentimental Journey are at 8.15 each Tuesday and Wednesday night throughout the summer. Tickets cost £12 and £17 – go here for more information.

Over 3,000 and still counting 150 150 mhamer

Over 3,000 and still counting

Irish comedian Jimmy Cricket is celebrating another milestone with sales of his first live DVD.

Jimmy Cricket Live - Pull Your Seats Forward

More than 3,000 copies of “Jimmy Cricket Live – Pull Your Seats Forward” have now been sold.

The DVD was created by Jimmy’s small company, Wellie Boot Productions, a couple of years ago.

Belfast-born Jimmy produced the DVD in response to the overwhelming public clamour that suggested there was a real demand for a recording of his stand-up entertainment.

It was filmed at the Royal Court Theatre in Bacup, Lancashire, near Jimmy’s adopted home of Rochdale in Greater Manchester.

The DVD is an hour and 10 minutes long and includes Jimmy’s favourite routines, a phone call and letter from his mammy, his famous “Leaving Home” poem, his sentimental ballad called “I’m Dreaming of a Far off Land” and 20 minutes of extras.

Jimmy said he was especially pleased about reaching 3,000 based on the fact that the DVD is not available in retail outlets: it can only be bought via the Go Shopping page on this website (where you can purchase all Jimmy’s merchandise) or at one of his live performances.

“I am thrilled I have reached this milestone after such a short selling period,” said Jimmy. “It proves I am filling a gap in the market.

“To reach 3,000 sales is truly a significant achievement to celebrate. This DVD is something I am very proud of.

“I have also had good feedback from those who have purchased it. This always pleases me, as I set out with an aim to create a high-quality comedy product which was suitable for all the family.

“If you have not got your copy, you still have every chance to as I have now just placed an order for another 1,000 copies to replenish my stocks!”