Jimmy Cricket describes fellow Northern Irish comedian Roy Walker as “truly inspirational” in his latest newspaper column.
Writing in the Blackpool Gazette and the Lancashire Evening Post earlier this month, Jimmy says Roy has endured bigotry, violence and great personal sadness in his life.
But he “still managed to spread joy and happiness to people with his great comedy and vocal talents”.
Roy worked for many years as a television presenter and comedy actor, including as the original host of the popular TV game show Catchphrase.
In his column, Jimmy writes: “In late March of this year, I went back to my roots and did a short theatre tour in Northern Ireland with three other comics from the province – Roy Walker, Adrian Walsh and Gene Fitzpatrick.
“What made this show different was that all of us were in our late seventies and two of the boys had made miraculous recoveries from serious illnesses.
“The idea for the show was conceived by promoter David Hull and what makes David stand out among promoters can be summed up in one word – compassion.
Like Glastonbury with walking sticks!
“Sure, he wants to make money, but the main purpose of this tour was twofold.
To help give us older entertainers something to look forward to and to thank us for the many shows we’d done for him over the years.
“He was rewarded with house-full signs and electric atmospheres at every venue we played.
“It was a bit like Glastonbury with walking sticks!
“I’d like to focus this article on one of the comedians I shared the stage with during that tour – Roy Walker.
“Roy’s story is truly inspirational.
“Picture the scene… it’s the mid-1960s and a young man fresh out of the army marries his fiancée, Jean.
“They buy a fruit and vegetable shop and by night the young man works as a resident compere in one of the many cabaret clubs in and around Belfast at the time called The Talk of The Town.
“In his tuxedo and bow tie, handsome looks and fine voice, he’s a wow with the nightly audiences.
“In 1969 the troubles grip Northern Ireland and innocent victims are caught up in the sectarian violence that followed in its wake.
“Roy and Jean turned up one morning to find their shop burned to the ground.
“The reason… Roy was a Protestant and Jean was a Catholic.
Dark days
“Not long after, The Talk of The Town closes its doors… these were dark days for the couple and their three small children.
“During his residency there, Roy was always anxious to make sure the many visiting cabaret acts from England that came over to do weekly stints at The talk of the Town were happy.
“He made them feel at home by playing golf with them through the day and inviting them back for family meal.
“One such act was the Karl Denver Trio and their lead guitarist Kevin.
“When Roy rang and told him of his predicament, Kevin unhesitatingly advised him to come to England.
“He was more than sure Roy would carve out a good living in the thriving North of England clubland scene and when he’d settled in he could then send for his family.
“Kevin’s optimism was well founded.
“Roy became an instant hit when he crossed the water and, not only that, when he started to put some patter into his act between songs, the north of England audiences immediately warmed to his gentle Northern Ireland accent and pretty soon Roy Walker the comedian shot to prominence.
“He set up home in Peterlee, County Durham, and sent for Jean and the kids.
“His big break into television was on the talent show New Faces and then he became host of the popular and long-running ITV game show Catchphrase.
Golden legacy
“It ran for 13 years!
“Unfortunately, tragedy struck again when at the height of his popularity his beloved Jean died of cancer.
“I’m sure she she’d be looking down now smiling at the golden legacy she’s left behind.
“Because not only are Roy and Jean’s sons Phil and Mark brilliant comedians.
“But their daughter Josie has been a leading lady in the West End in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical The Phantom of The Opera and many more.
“It’s an amazing story of a man who endured bigotry, violence and great personal sadness, and still managed to spread joy and happiness to people with his great comedy and vocal talents.
“Roy Walker… we salute you!”
Also read: Wonderful, warm audience for Northern Ireland tour opener
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