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Britain’s got talent

‘Please share your memories of Jimmy Cricket’ 150 150 mhamer

‘Please share your memories of Jimmy Cricket’
Ventriloquist Steve Hewlett has been sharing his fond memories of fellow entertainer Jimmy Cricket on social media.
Ventriloquist Steve Hewlett has been sharing his fond memories of fellow entertainer Jimmy Cricket on social media.
Steve is currently highlighting a “comedy legend of the day” series on his profile and just a couple of days before St Patrick’s Day, he choose Northern Irish funnyman Jimmy.
A finalist in the seventh series of Britain’s Got Talent, Steve posted over the weekend: “I first worked with Jimmy on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
“I was already an admirer of his growing up watching variety in the 80s. He was all over television.
“He made my parents laugh so much and when they laughed my siblings and I took notice and laughed too.
“On the cruise in 1999, I introduced myself shy as I was but he could not have been more welcoming, kind and generous with his time and advice.
“He came to my shows and we chatted and laughed and after that contact we would constantly bump into each other through the years.
“I think we worked together 2/3 times just in 2024 and it is always great being in his and May’s company. They are adorable people.
“The last time we gigged together with Mark Shortland, my daughter Lola roadied for me and Jimmy made her so welcome it made it so memorable for me and her!
“Thanks Jimmy 💙.
So kind and generous
Steve added: “Please share your memories of Jimmy Cricket.”
Colin Mills was among numerous people to comment on his post.
He said about Jimmy: “Many years ago after a Talent show I did in Corton, (Lowestoft), I wrote him a letter.
“It was like winning the lottery when he said come and do 4 minutes at his show in Leiston.
“So kind and generous for a “star” to give you stage time.
“If Jimmy reads this THANK YOU, never thought I would have own theatre show back then, but those moments really helped.”
You can leave your own happy memory of Jimmy by putting a comment at the bottom of this page (in the box under “Leave a reply”).
Jimmy Cricket has wished everybody a happy St Patrick's Day
Sunday Night at the Grand show marks special milestone 150 150 mhamer

Sunday Night at the Grand show marks special milestone

Blackpool's Sunday Night at the Grand returns next month for its 10th anniversary show, promising laughter, music and dance.

Blackpool’s Sunday Night at the Grand returns next month for its 10th anniversary show, promising laughter, music and dance.

The variety spectacular takes place at The Grand Theatre on Sunday 16 March (7.30pm start).

Well-known comedians Jimmy Cricket and Billy Pearce are among those performing on the night.

Other entertainers include Britain’s Got Talent finalist, award-winning impressionist Ben Nickless, and Lisa Press, a tribute act to Celine Dion.

Also appearing is outstanding vocalist Benjamin Moss, who appeared on Voice UK.

All proceeds go to the The Not Forgotten charity, which supports veterans.

‘More confident’

Its website says it “transforms the lives of veterans and serving military personnel living with injury, illness or isolation”.

“We run a varied year-round programme of social events, day outings, respite and challenge breaks around the UK and aboard, and prestige royal events at Buckingham Palace and St James’s Palace.

“These events improve physical and mental health, reduce isolation and loneliness, build self-esteem and re-establish the camaraderie and peer support for those who desperately miss that sense of belonging.”

It adds that this enables “beneficiaries and their families to live a happier, more sociable and more confident life”.

Gaz Jenkins hosts Sunday Night at the Grand, which also features the Showcase international dancers.

The event is in conjunction with Tower Top Entertainments and the Lyndene Hotel, Jimmy Cricket’s fabourite Blackpool hotel.

Click here for all the booking details.

Also read:

Lyndene Hotel: I’ll be back again next year, my friends!

Memoirs Of An Irish Comedian: Hear chapter one now!

Tribute show in memory of the late, great Roy Hudd 150 150 mhamer

Tribute show in memory of the late, great Roy Hudd

Roy Hudd

Jimmy Cricket is among the performers taking to the stage in memory of the late Roy Hudd OBE.

Roy was an actor, comedian radio host, author and authority on the history of music hall entertainment.

He died in 2020 at the age of 83 after a short illness.

Hooray for Hudd, on Sunday 2 June, will be an evening of top-class variety entertainment to celebrate his life and work.

It takes place at the West Cliff Theatre in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.

All proceeds go towards a charity formed after Roy’s death.

The Clacton Gazette website says: “A fundraising appeal was made to put up a statue in memory of the much-loved comedy legend.

“Roy was a good friend of the West Cliff and, in 2010, he became patron of the theatre.

“Due to his long association with the West Cliff, the theatre decided to put on a variety show in his memory.

“Organised by Roy’s widow, Debbie Hudd, and local singer Andrew Robley, plenty of artists have agreed to appear on stage.

“Andrew will be performing a selection of songs.

‘Well-rounded cast’

“Jimmy Cricket, one of Ireland’s best-known comedians, is also taking part.

“Steve Hewlett, one of Britain’s leading ventriloquists and finalist in Britain’s Got Talent 2013, will be taking part in the celebratory performance.

“Comedian and actor Richard Gauntlett, who has twice starred in the West Cliff’s Summer Season, will also be performing.

“Lyn Paul, a former member of the New Seekers before starting her solo career and becoming a TV personality, is also attending.

“Other names are yet to be added to form a well-rounded cast.

“Ticket prices are £23, concessions £21.50.

“Hudd broke into television in the mid-1960s in sketch series such as The Illustrated Weekly Hudd and The Roy Hudd Show.

We’d love to see you there!

“His acting roles included the Dennis Potter series Lipstick on Your Collar, for which he received critical praise and a part in Karaoke.

“He also was the long-standing President of the British Music Hall Society and appeared in many pantomimes and variety performances.

“For more information go to westcliffclacton.co.uk/famousfaces/hooray-for-hudd.”

Jimmy commented on social media: “We’d love to see you there!”

Also read: Roy Hudd: One of the great performers, writers and comics

A magician, a ventriloquist and ‘hard-working volunteers’ 150 150 mhamer

A magician, a ventriloquist and ‘hard-working volunteers’

My thanks to organiser the Rev Nathan Ward for tonight’s show @StMargaretsChurch & caught up with two great acts and friends BGT/ventriloquist/Eyes&TeethPodcasts Steve Hewlett with his lovely daughter Lola, & magician Mark Shortland & thanks to the hard-working volunteers too!

A magician and a ventriloquist helped to make it a night of real variety at a show staged in a church in Kent.

Steve Hewlett and Mark Shortland performed at St Margaret’s Church of England in Rainham, along with famous funnyman Jimmy Cricket.My thanks to organiser the Rev Nathan Ward for tonight’s show @StMargaretsChurch & caught up with two great acts and friends BGT/ventriloquist/Eyes&TeethPodcasts Steve Hewlett with his lovely daughter Lola, & magician Mark Shortland & thanks to the hard-working volunteers too!

Steve, a ventriloquist from Basingstoke in Hampshire, was a finalist on the seventh series of Britain’s Got Talent.

Watch his performance in the 2013 final here.

Mark is a comedic magician who auditioned for both Series 10 and 14 of Britain’s Got Talent.

He was 51 years old at the time of his second audition, which was televised.

Watch Mark playing musical musical chairs with the BGT judges!

My thanks to organiser the Rev Nathan Ward for tonight’s show @StMargaretsChurch & caught up with two great acts and friends BGT/ventriloquist/Eyes&TeethPodcasts Steve Hewlett with his lovely daughter Lola, & magician Mark Shortland & thanks to the hard-working volunteers too!St Margaret’s is a diverse and inclusive church which has served the community of Rainham for more than 800 years.

Jimmy said after the show on Friday 26 April: “My thanks to organiser the Rev Nathan Ward for tonight’s show @StMargaretsChurch.

“Caught up with two great BGT/ventriloquist/Eyes&T acts and friendseethPodcasts Steve Hewlett, with his lovely daughter Lola, & magician Mark Shortland.

“And thanks to the hard-working volunteers too!”

All Jimmy’s tour dates are on his website here.

My thanks to organiser the Rev Nathan Ward for tonight’s show @StMargaretsChurch & caught up with two great acts and friends BGT/ventriloquist/Eyes&TeethPodcasts Steve Hewlett with his lovely daughter Lola, & magician Mark Shortland & thanks to the hard-working volunteers too!

Buy Jimmy’s autobiography!

Don’t forget that Jimmy’s official autobiography is on sale.

Memoirs Of An Irish Comedian tells the heart-warming story of Jimmy’s illustrious life and 50-year career.

The paperback version costs £11.99 at online retailer Amazon. It is also available via eBook and audio.

Jimmy Cricket with his autobiography

Signed copies (£15.99 including postage and packing) can be purchased on this website here.

Additionally, it is available at Jimmy’s live gigs for £10, where Jimmy will also sign it.

One pound from the sale of every book goes to Mary’s Meals.

The charity supports feeding projects in some of the world’s poorest communities.

Also read: Jimmy Cricket’s signed autobiographies now available by post!

‘What a great evening of variety’ at Northop Golf Club 150 150 mhamer

‘What a great evening of variety’ at Northop Golf Club

What a great evening of variety entertainment @Northopgolfclub my thanks to organisers comic/writer/historian @JohnMartinComic and his lovely wife theatricalagent/manager/talentbooker @JoMartin_Mgmt with BGT finalist/juggler/comic @steveroylecomic & the great voice of LouiseRogan

A comedian who was a finalist in Britain’s Got Talent was among the splendid array of entertainers performing at a golf club in Wales.What a great evening of variety entertainment @Northopgolfclub my thanks to organisers comic/writer/historian @JohnMartinComic and his lovely wife theatricalagent/manager/talentbooker @JoMartin_Mgmt with BGT finalist/juggler/comic @steveroylecomic & the great voice of LouiseRogan

Steve Royle was third in the 2020 edition of BGT and also appeared as a juggler in the TV series, Phoenix Nights.

He joined famous funnyman Jimmy Cricket, fellow comic John Martin and singer Louise Rogan on stage at Northop Golf Club, Flintshire.

Jimmy posted on social media afterwards: “What a great evening of variety entertainment @Northopgolfclub.

What a great evening of variety entertainment @Northopgolfclub my thanks to organisers comic/writer/historian @JohnMartinComic and his lovely wife theatricalagent/manager/talentbooker @JoMartin_Mgmt with BGT finalist/juggler/comic @steveroylecomic & the great voice of LouiseRogan

“My thanks to organisers comic/writer/historian @JohnMartinComic and his lovely wife theatricalagent/manager/talentbooker @JoMartin_Mgmt with BGT finalist/juggler/comic @steveroylecomic & the great voice of LouiseRogan.”

Northop Golf Club is situated in stunning 247-acre parkland and is one of the most celebrated golfing venues in North Wales.
What a great evening of variety entertainment @Northopgolfclub my thanks to organisers comic/writer/historian @JohnMartinComic and his lovely wife theatricalagent/manager/talentbooker @JoMartin_Mgmt with BGT finalist/juggler/comic @steveroylecomic & the great voice of LouiseRogan
It offers a championship course and multiple teeing areas, making it a perfect location for golfers of all abilities.

Buy Jimmy’s autobiography!

Don’t forget that Jimmy’s official autobiography is on sale.

Memoirs Of An Irish Comedian tells the heart-warming story of Jimmy’s illustrious life and 50-year career.

The paperback version costs £11.99 at online retailer Amazon. It is also available via eBook and audio.

Jimmy Cricket with his autobiography

Signed copies (£15.99 including postage and packing) can be purchased on this website here.

Additionally, it is available at Jimmy’s live gigs for £10, where Jimmy will also sign it.

One pound from the sale of every book goes to Mary’s Meals.

The charity supports feeding projects in some of the world’s poorest communities.

Also read: Jimmy Cricket’s signed autobiographies now available by post!

‘It was wonderful working in this great variety show’ 150 150 mhamer

‘It was wonderful working in this great variety show’

It was wonderful working in this great variety show last night @GCHalls with show host Sean McDonald, compere (my son) @FatherFrankie & Fr Ray Kelly, with @LadyM_McManus and St Roch’s Ceili Band, alongside Harrison’s School of Irish Dance, & Maureen O’Kelly & Carfin Choristers

Jimmy Cricket teamed up with his youngest son, Fr Frankie Mulgrew, for a special St Patrick’s variety concert in Scotland.

The show took place at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Monday (11 March).

Also among the entertainers was singing priest Fr Ray Kelly, who reached the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent in 2018.

Fr Frankie, a comedian like his dad, was the compere for the evening.

Glasgow’s own St Roch’s Ceili Band & Harrison School of Irish Dance, plus a surprise guest vocalist, also performed.

The show took place at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

Jimmy said afterwards: “It was wonderful working in this great variety show @GCHalls with show host Sean McDonald, compere (my son) @FatherFrankie & Fr Ray Kelly, with @LadyM_McManus and St Roch’s Ceili Band, alongside Harrison’s School of Irish Dance, & Maureen O’Kelly & Carfin Choristers.”

Buy Jimmy’s autobiography!

Don’t forget that Jimmy’s official autobiography is on sale.

Jimmy Cricket with his autobiography

Memoirs Of An Irish Comedian tells the heart-warming story of Jimmy’s illustrious life and 50-year career.

The paperback version costs £11.99 at online retailer Amazon. It is also available via eBook and audio.

Signed copies (£15.99 including postage and packing) can be purchased on this website here.

It is also available at Jimmy’s live gigs for £10, where Jimmy will also sign it.

One pound from the sale of every book goes to Mary’s Meals.

The charity supports feeding projects in some of the world’s poorest communities.

Also read: Jimmy Cricket’s signed autobiographies now available by post!

Singing and comedian priests in St Patrick’s variety concert 150 150 mhamer

Singing and comedian priests in St Patrick’s variety concert

Singing and comedy priests in St Patrick's variety concert.

Fr Frankie Mulgrew is one of two priests helping to provide the entertainment at a special St Patrick’s variety concert next month.

Jimmy Cricket, Fr Frankie’s famous father, is also on the show at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Monday 11 March.

Both will be teaming up with singing priest Fr Ray Kelly, who reached the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent in 2018.

A comedian like his dad, Fr Frankie will be the compere for the evening, which starts at 7.30pm.

Glasgow’s own St Roch’s Ceili Band & Harrison School of Irish Dance, plus a surprise guest vocalist, are also performing.

Ring the box office on 0141 353 8000 or you can book tickets online here.

Jimmy said: “I’m heading up to bonnie Scotland to work at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall with my son @FatherFrankie and Fr Ray Kelly from BGT.
“Also, St Roch’s Ceili Band and Harrison School of Irish Dance, raising funds for food banks and the homeless.”

Buy Jimmy’s autobiography!

Don’t forget that Jimmy’s official autobiography is on sale.

Jimmy Cricket with his autobiography

Memoirs Of An Irish Comedian tells the heart-warming story of Jimmy’s illustrious life and 50-year career.

The paperback version costs £11.99 at online retailer Amazon. It is also available via eBook and audio.

Signed copies (£15.99 including postage and packing) can be purchased on this website here.

It is also available at Jimmy’s live gigs for £10, where Jimmy will also sign it.

One pound from the sale of every book goes to Mary’s Meals.

The charity supports feeding projects in some of the world’s poorest communities.

Also read: Jimmy Cricket’s signed autobiographies now available by post!