Posts Tagged :

bbc

Jimmy Cricket’s stolen wellies hit the headlines 150 150 mhamer

Jimmy Cricket’s stolen wellies hit the headlines

The Rochdale Observer reported the theft of the wellies given by Ken Dodd to Jimmy CricketThe theft of concrete wellington boots given to Rochdale-based Jimmy Cricket by fellow comedian Ken Dodd has certainly attracted the attention of the media.

The wellies were given by Ken Dodd to Jimmy Cricket

Ken gave the sculpture (right) as a 50th birthday present to 67-year-old Jimmy who said he was “gutted” about the theft from his garden on Monday night.

As well as featuring catchphrases like “come closer!” and “…and there’s more!” in his act, Northern Irishman Jimmy is also famous for wearing wellingtons marked with the letters R and L, but on the wrong feet, on stage.

The story of the theft of the wellies, which were given by Ken Dodd to Jimmy Cricket, featured on the front page of the Rochdale ObserverHe said the concrete wellies were of “high sentimental value”.

Greater Manchester Police said they were investigating the incident.

The BBC, ITV, the Rochdale Observer (see images with this story) and several radio stations were among the many media organisations to report on the crime.

Tribute to a friend and a legend 150 150 mhamer

Tribute to a friend and a legend

Jimmy Cricket pays tribute to Eddie Braben in the Rochdale ObserverJimmy Cricket has paid tribute to legendary comedy writer Eddie Braben who has died aged 82.

Edwin ‘Eddie’ Charles Braben was an English writer and performer best known for providing material for Morecambe and Wise. He also worked for David Frost, Ronnie Corbett and Ken Dodd.

He was credited with changing the profile of Morecambe and Wise, helping to turn them into one of the most popular and enduring comedy acts in the history of British entertainment.

Belfast-born entertainer Jimmy, who has lived in Rochdale for many years, started working with Eddie on his TV show, And There’s More, in the 1980s and 90s, and then his radio show, Jimmy’s Cricket Show.

They developed a lasting friendship and Jimmy recalled: “He was so funny, even in his hospital bed, and had this incredible surreal sense of humour.

“Eddie was a wonderful radio writer, as it was more relaxing for him rather than having to do the Christmas specials for 28 million people.”

A full tribute from Jimmy appeared in the Rochdale Observer (above is a copy of the article).

‘Comedy to leave you rolling in the aisles’ 150 150 mhamer

‘Comedy to leave you rolling in the aisles’

Popular entertainer Jimmy Cricket has just completed the first leg of his National Music Hall Tour.

The dates for this tour have been clustered, with the first leg over the spring and the second leg scheduled for the autumn, though there is also a one-off date at the Skegness Embassy Centre in July.

Jimmy Cricket is appearing with the National Music Hall Tour - poster

A poster (right) promoting the tour says the shows feature “a full supporting cast and wonderful live band with songs to get you singing along and comedy to leave you rolling in the aisles”.

The first leg included venues such as the Swansea Grand Theatre, Shrewsbury Theatre Severn, and Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre to name a few.

And the autumn leg has dates at the Nottingham Royal Concert Hall, Harlow Playhouse and the Crewe Lyceum Theatre, among others.

A full list of dates and details for each show can be found within the tour dates section of this website.

The show is produced by Mark Andrews Productions. Mark Andrews is a versatile performer, singing and acting as well as producing, and is developing an excellent reputation for his Music Hall touring shows.

* Jimmy is pictured below with the cast at the finale which was taken at the Swansea Grand Theatre. Alongside him and Mark Andrews is chairman Neil Hurst, singer Kay Carmen, Shep’s Banjo Band and the show’s musicians – keyboard player Steve Warburton and Karl on drums.

Music Hall show cast Jimmy Cricket and Mark Andrews (producer) with chairman Neil Hurst, singer Kay Carmen, Shep's Banjo Band and the show’s musicians - keyboard player - Steve Warburton and Karl on drums

Grand finale with a saxophone! 150 150 mhamer

Grand finale with a saxophone!
Jimmy Cricket with Clubsound in Northern Ireland

Famous comedian Jimmy Cricket on his saxophone with showband Clubsound on his Northern Ireland tour

Jimmy Cricket ended the second leg of a tour of Northern Ireland in some style.

The entertainer had been touring the province along with popular showband Clubsound.

The tour was organised in two parts, with the first back in early March and the second during the middle of April.

There was great camaraderie between the boys of Clubsound and Jimmy – and they even performed a grand finale together, with the Northern Irish funnyman playing his saxophone (picture above) at the Burnavon Theatre in Cookstown.

Below, Jimmy is shown being presented with a special honour by Cllr Tony Quinn, the chairman of Cookstown Council. The plaque was awarded to Jimmy as a famous son of his birthplace.

Jimmy Cricket collects his Cookstown award

Flying visit to appear on radio show 150 150 mhamer

Flying visit to appear on radio show
William Caulfield and Jimmy Cricket share a joke

Fellow Northern Irish comics William Caulfield & Jimmy Cricket share a joke at the radio show recording

Jimmy Cricket made a flying visit to Northern Ireland to appear on a show hosted by a fellow Northern Irish entertainer.

The Rochdale-based funnyman featured on the BBC Radio Ulster programme, It’s William Caulfield, So It Is, hosted by the eponymous impressionist and comedian.

Jimmy journeyed over on the day of the recording and flew back to Manchester the next day.

He said: “It was literally a flying visit to appear on the show. I wanted to accept the invite and had a great time with William.”

The programme was broadcast on Saturday 25 April, with the entire series available as a podcast on the BBC website. Each episode is recorded in front of a live studio audience at Blackstaff House.

Working to stop cruelty to animals 150 150 mhamer

Working to stop cruelty to animals

60s tribute band called the Beat Legends A 60s tribute band called the Beat Legends (above) and BBC Radio Merseyside presenter Frankie Connor were also on the bill when Jimmy Cricket appeared in a charity show on Merseyside.

Sue Lees

The event took place at the Huyton Suite in Knowsley and was organised by Jimmy’s good friends Bill and Sue Lees from Liverpool.

It was in aid of a very worthy cause close to Bill and Sue’s heart called Animal Defenders International (ADI).

ADI is the leading animal protection organisation working to stop cruelty to animals worldwide. It is a major international campaigning group, with offices in London and Los Angeles.

Sue Lees (right) is herself a very talented singer and also appeared on the show.

Top entertainer Jimmy said: “A good night was had by all and significant proceeds will be sent to the charity.”

Jimmy Cricket with one of the event's supporters

Comedian Jimmy with one of the charity event’s supporters

Putting in some overtime! 150 150 mhamer

Putting in some overtime!

Jimmy Cricket and Northern Irish comedienne Victoria ArmstrongJimmy Cricket found the time to fit in an extra performance during a recent trip to Northern Ireland.

He was in the province for the second leg of a tour with the showband, Clubsound, and ended up headlining a show at the Newforge Country Club in South Belfast which was compered by Northern Irish comedienne Victoria Armstrong (pictured right with Jimmy).

Famous Irish comedian Jimmy said: “The event was a fundraising event organised by Paul McCarron who is an emerging comedy prospect in the province in his own right.

“He put a great concert together and everyone at the event had a splendid evening.

“I was able to fit in this event as an additional commitment and was really pleased the schedule allowed me to appear in Paul’s show.

“I wish Paul all the very best with his comedy career and with all the fundraising he is involved with.”