Cricket Times

Thoughts, updates and news from Jimmy Cricket

Charity efforts earn PCSO special award 150 150 mhamer

Charity efforts earn PCSO special award

Janet, Jim, Jimmy Cricket and AndreaA Greater Manchester police community support officer is the latest winner of Jimmy Cricket’s Golden Wellie award.

Janet (pictured on the left in the photo above with Jimmy and his good friend Jim Nicholas) recently organised a charity event for the Francis House Children’s Club at the Hough End Police Club in South Manchester.

The other lady in the photo is Andrea who works for Barclays Bank; she had arranged for her organisation to match the money raised by Janet pound for pound.

Rochdale-based entertainer Jimmy said: “PCSO Janet went to a magnificent effort in organising this event; she not only sold tickets around her beat in Swinton in Salford, but placed adverts throughout all the police stations of Manchester!

“The event raised around £1,500, and for her fine efforts and determination to make this event a success, I presented PCSO Janet with this Golden Wellie award.”

A feast fit for a top comedian! 150 150 mhamer

A feast fit for a top comedian!

Jimmy Cricket with Bob and HelenJimmy Cricket paid a massive compliment after a show in Newbury at the start of this month.

The well-known Northern Irish entertainer met married couple Bob and Helen (pictured above with Jimmy) at the Berkshire venue.

Bob runs an entertainment agency called Champagne Entertainments and Helen has a catering company called Champagne Catering. Together they had arranged for Jimmy to appear at the Newbury Conservative Club and Helen actually runs her catering business from the venue’s kitchen.

Funnyman Jimmy said: “Bob contributed to the entertainment programme as the DJ once I had finished my act and Helen used her culinary expertise to provide a sumptuous buffet during the event.

“In fact, it is one of the best catering displays I have ever witnessed, which, coming from someone who throughout my long career has visited many a venue, is quite a compliment!”

‘Small world, isn’t it!?’ 150 150 mhamer

‘Small world, isn’t it!?’

Jimmy Cricket with Paul Crowley and Mary Hussey at the Birmingham Irish CentreJimmy Cricket had a chance meeting with a friend of one of his Northern Irish relatives when he performed at the Birmingham Irish Centre.

The famous entertainer, who was in a show with the traditional Irish musical outfit Irish Mist, bumped into Shaun Preece, the general manager of the centre.

Jimmy said: “Shaun is a good friend of my second cousin who hails from Strabane – small world, isn’t it!?

“The concert was a superb blend of music and comedy, and I was really impressed with the musical prowess of Irish Mist, as they had a great accordion player, a superb penny whistle player and very competent fiddle and drummer.”

Irish Mist are a four-piece traditional/folk band featuring Mal Rogers on fiddle and Joe Giltrap on guitar, plus All-Ireland accordion and flute champion Eugene Teevan and long-time associate, Belfast-born bass/whistle/flute player Brian Aldwinckle.

Over the years they have appeared with all the top names from the Irish folk world, including The Dubliners, Christy Moore and De Dannan, with shows at the Royal Albert Hall, the Dominion and the Gaiety in Dublin.

* Jimmy is pictured with Paul Crowley and Mary Hussey who were members of the audience.

Panto rehearsals set to start 150 150 mhamer

Panto rehearsals set to start

Jimmy Cricket will be headlining the 2013 Christmas panto at the Forum Theatre in BillinghamJimmy Cricket will begin rehearsals for his Christmas pantomime at the end of next week.

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.

Also in the cast is 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 is being 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.

Visit from Theo the Mouse & Wendy 150 150 mhamer

Visit from Theo the Mouse & Wendy
Jimmy Cricket with Theo The Mouse at St David's Hall in Cardiff

Jimmy and children’s character Theo the Mouse enjoy some comedy capers at St David’s Hall in Cardiff

Jimmy Cricket had some special visitors when he appeared at St David’s Hall in Cardiff, South Wales.

The famous funnyman was visited before the show by Theo the Mouse and Wendy.

Wendy features in CITV’s Sooty Show and Theo the Mouse is a children’s character created by Wink Taylor, who has written for both the Sooty Show and the Basil Brush show.

Jimmy said: “I enjoyed the visit and my capers with Theo, and wish both of them all the best with their forthcoming Pantomime – Cinderella at the Leatherhead Theatre in Surrey.”

Watch video of Jimmy being interviewed by Wendy and Theo the Mouse.

Latest Golden Wellie award winner is… 150 150 mhamer

Latest Golden Wellie award winner is…

Jimmy Cricket with Golden Wellie award winner Sarah the postwomanThe latest Golden Wellie award winner is Sarah the postwoman whose round include Jimmy Cricket’s cottage in Rochdale.

Ever since Sarah started to deliver to Jimmy’s house, the well-known comedian has been very impressed with her positive demeanour, cheerful personality and feel-good attitude.

He feels it certainly helps when she is out and about delivering to households and customers.

“She even makes bills more palatable!” joked Jimmy.

The Northern Irishman, who presented the award (above) outside his cottage, wanted to thank Sarah for being such a great advert for the postal service!

How Jimmy celebrated his birthday 150 150 mhamer

How Jimmy celebrated his birthday

Jimmy Cricket, with his birthday cake, Jim Nicholas and the local organising committee for the eventJimmy Cricket celebrated his latest birthday doing exactly what he likes the most – performing at a show for one of his favourite charities.

The famous entertainer took to the stage on Thursday 17 October, at a fundraiser for the Francis House Children’s Hospice at St Joseph’s Parish Centre in Little Hulton, Salford.

Seen above is Jimmy, with his birthday cake, alongside Jim Nicholas – the DJ who is ever present at his Francis House fundraisers and is in his Elvis costume – and surrounded by the local organising committee for this event.

Jimmy said: “I had a tremendous time and what better way to celebrate my birthday than doing the very thing I love the most – performing!”