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It’s nearly panto time! 150 150 mhamer

It’s nearly panto time!

Jimmy Cricket is starring in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Charter Theatre in PrestonFamous entertainer Jimmy Cricket is about to embark on a return to  his beloved pantomime land.

This year’s destination is the Charter Theatre in Preston for a version of the classic tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Rehearsals for the show began this week ahead of the opening performance on Tuesday (2 December) and Northern Irish comedian Jimmy is really looking forward to what is a  very enjoyable time of year for him.

He said: “I am thrilled to be joining up with cast members who were with me during last year’s Christmas season in the North East, as the Preston pantomime is a straight transfer of a hugely successful show which was hosted at the Billingham Forum Theatre.”

Tickets are very affordable for all the family and the show schedule has a range of options, including morning, afternoon and early evening performances.

For more details and to book online please visit the theatre’s website.

A new comedy song for Christmas 150 150 mhamer

A new comedy song for Christmas

A new Christmas comedy song entitled ‘The Ballad of Harvey the Turkey’ is about to be released by the nation’s favourite Irish comedian Jimmy Cricket.

A new Christmas comedy song called The Ballad of Harvey the Turkey is about to be released by the nation’s favourite Irish comedian, Jimmy Cricket.

It is a lively tale of a turkey being adopted by Jimmy’s family, instead of ending up – as intended – on the Christmas Day platter.

Jimmy has always enjoyed the Christmas season, having headlined nearly 30 festive shows in many major towns and cities over his celebrated career, so it is fitting this king of the pantomime has decided to release a Christmas song.

Specialist comedy record label Rolling Tear are the force behind the song as they think it’s perfect for the 2014 festive season. They have produced the track and the song’s release is scheduled for the beginning of December.

David Tennant from Rolling Tear said: “Christmas is the season when the novelty song reigns. Over the years we have had some great festive tunes from Wizard, The Pogues, Noddy Holder, Cliff Richard and even Benny Hill!

“So we believe here at Rolling Tear that we can keep this tradition alive by working with the much-loved Jimmy Cricket and releasing this seasonal tale about a turkey called Harvey.”

Jimmy said: “Christmas is like no other time in the year. This is the same with the music we listen to, as for a really wonderful reason, we like to listen to feel-good tunes that get us in the mood at this time of the year. So I penned The Ballad of Harvey the Turkey with this in mind.

“And there’s more… it also has a distinct festive theme like no other, as everyone knows about Christmas dinner and how we all look forward to the feast it is.

“Well, this song describes the same glorious anticipation, but with a slightly different comical outcome!”

* Jimmy  is headlining Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Charter Theatre in Preston – where he made his pantomime debut in 1981 – over the Christmas and New Year period.

One hundred events to celebrate 100 years 150 150 mhamer

One hundred events to celebrate 100 years
Jimmy and May Cricket with musicians at the centenary event

Jimmy and May Cricket with musicians at the centenary event

Jimmy Cricket appeared at an evening to mark the centenary anniversary of the opening of an Edwardian picture house in Suffolk.

The charming Leiston Film Theatre has celebrated 100 years by staging 12 months of special events, which have all been arranged by the venue’s manager Wayne Burns (below right).

The theatre has even welcomed royalty during 2014, as the Duke of Gloucester paid a visit there a few days after famous entertainer Jimmy attended his event.Jimmy Cricket and others at the centenary event at Leiston Film Theatre

Mr Burn’s target was for the theatre to host 100 special events over the course of its centenary year.

The fund-raising dinner attended by Jimmy was part of the schedule of 100 events and was held at the nearby Thorpeness Country Club.

Jimmy was there with his good lady, May, to support and endorse the theatre as a delightful live entertainment venue and hoping for another successful 100 years!

Jimmy, May and others at the centenary event at Leiston Film Theatre

Jimmy, May and others at the centenary event

And the latest Golden Wellie winner is… 150 150 mhamer

And the latest Golden Wellie winner is…

Jimmy Cricket’s latest Golden Wellington award has been presented to Danny Tujeshyn, who manages the restaurant at the Royal Toby Hotel in Castleton, Rochdale.

The famous entertainer decided to recognise the great hospitality and service Danny has provided to all who have been to the restaurant over the years, and also for all the assistance he has provided in helping the venue to host the Wooden Hut Club.

The club – of which Jimmy is a member – is a regular lunchtime get-together for the show business fraternity in the north of England.

Jimmy Cricket with Royal Toby manager Danny Tujeshyn

As Jimmy is a founding member, it just happened the club started meeting at the Royal Toby because of its proximity to the M62 motorway.

From its first convening several years ago, the club continues to meet at least six times a year at the Royal Toby restaurant and for its Christmas gathering it puts on a festive show for the elderly population of Rochdale.

Over the years, these lunchtime get togethers have featured notable performers such as Bernie Clifton, Graham Grumbleweed, Johnny Casson, Smug Roberts, John Henshall, Arthur Bostrom, Buzz Hawkins, Fred Fielder, Freddy ‘Parrot Face’ Davies and many more.

The latest club gathering was during the afternoon of Tuesday 21 October and Jimmy used the opportunity to thank in front of club members Danny’s contribution in helping to organise these luncheon events.

He also awarded Danny with the October Golden Wellington award (picture above).

Jimmy said: “I have been going to the Royal Toby restaurant for years, ever since I moved into Rochdale in the mid 1970s.

“It is my favourite restaurant because I am a fan of good food and good service. A lot of the latter has been down to how the restaurant has been run over the years and Danny has been a tremendous manager.

“When we started these Wooden Hut Club lunches several years ago, Danny was happy to host them – to the point where club members view the restaurant as its official home, even though we now have guests travelling over from as far as Chesterfield and Chester.

“This means there is no push to move the luncheon club to a venue in Manchester or Leeds as Danny always makes us feel very welcome and can be spotted wearing one of our Wooden Hut club badges!”

Show included George Formby tribute act 150 150 mhamer

Show included George Formby tribute act

Jimmy Cricket with Miss Helen Watson and the Barbershop Choir called Baby Grand in the show's grand finale

A George Formby tribute act was on a specially arranged lunchtime show headlined by well-known entertainer Jimmy Cricket.

Andy Eastwood does a George Formby tribute act

The extravaganza is hosted annually by the Derby & Nottingham Music Hall Society, but  this year it was organised by Jimmy’s friend, Caroline Fields, who is a very fine female vocalist in her own right.

Also on this year’s show was the multi-instrumentalist Andy Eastwood (right), who performs a great tribute to the late English actor, singer-songwriter and comedian George Formby with his ukulele.

The photos top and below are of the grand finale from the show and feature the other performers from this year’s performance, who were Miss Helen Watson and the 12-member Barbershop Choir called Baby Grand.

The show’s musical accompaniment was provided by David Carter who played the keyboard.

Well-known entertainer Jimmy has known David for a number of years and has worked with him on several different projects.

 As David is based in the south east of England and Jimmy in north Manchester, they usually communicate over a great distance, so it was great that they had the chance to meet in person again at the show.

Jimmy Cricket with Miss Helen Watson and members of the the Barbershop Choir called Baby Grand in the show's grand finale

Jimmy joins co-stars at showbiz event (slideshow) 150 150 mhamer

Jimmy joins co-stars at showbiz event (slideshow)

Jimmy Cricket joined a host of fellow top entertainers at a showbusiness event in Blackpool.

Encore Reunion was organised by performer Hilary O’Neil, who was one of the stars of the 80s TV show Copy Cats, and was hosted at the Viva cabaret venue in Blackpool.

Jimmy, who attended with his wife, May and son, Fr Frankie, was invited to attend by the event sponsor, Nick Thomas from the Qdos Entertainment Company.

It was a who’s who from the world of entertainment as also there were: Bobby Davro, Paul Chuckle (from the Chuckle Brothers), Ken Dodd, Billy Pearce, Krankies, Christopher Biggins, Russ Abbot, Robin Grumbleweed and Little and Large.

“I was thrilled to have been at this unique event and thought it was a sensational night,” said Jimmy.

“I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with my fellow entertainers, some of whom I had not seen in quite some time.

“It was also superb the event was held in Blackpool – the resort famed for its entertainment offer – as all those who went to the Encore Reunion had at one time or another graced the venues of the town.”

The sponsors produced an event brochure, which highlighted the many shows the performers had produced over the years in the resort.

Jimmy featured in a few of these shows at venues such as the South Pier Theatre (no longer standing as it was demolished at the end of the 90s) and the Grand Theatre (located within the town centre).

Click on either of the arrow buttons above to watch a photo slideshow of the event.

Fun run plans get media coverage 150 150 mhamer

Fun run plans get media coverage

Jimmy Cricket's plans for a fun run were featured in the Rochdale Observer newspaper

Jimmy Cricket’s plans to stage a special fun run to mark his 70th birthday have received coverage in his local newspaper.

The Rochdale Observer published the above report and picture on the race, which will take place on 18 October 2015 – the day after the well-known entertainer turns 70.

The Belfast-born comedian was approached by Rochdale-based fundraiser Andy O’Sullivan about the prospect of a birthday race.

Andy has been organising charity runs with the local Rochdale Harriers athletics club for many years.

The location of the start will be the Cock & Magpie pub in Whitworth, near Jimmy’s beloved Healey Dell Nature Reserve where he is often spotted walking and taking in the beautiful surroundings.

All proceeds from the fun run will be donated to one of Jimmy’s favourite charities, which is the Francis House Children’s Hospice in Manchester.

The entry fee to join Jimmy on this fun race is £4 to club runners and £6 to all others. An additional £1 will be charged to entrants who turn up on the day. Prizes will be awarded to all race finishers.

For more information and for a copy of the entry form, please contact Andy O’Sullivan at info@andemsrunners.co.uk