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Golden memories: The Osmonds 150 150 mhamer

Golden memories: The Osmonds

Jimmy Cricket has known and worked with many great fellow entertainers across nearly five decades in showbusiness - including the Osmonds

Jimmy Cricket has known and worked with many great fellow entertainers across nearly five decades in showbusiness.

In a special series of monthly articles, Jimmy is taking a trip down Memory Lane to recall some of the special people with whom he has shared the stage.

Our second feature in the series is about The Osmonds, an American family music group with a long and varied history as star performers.

They started their musical careers as children and achieved further success as teen-music idols, going on to produce a hit television show and also perform as solo and group artists.

The group first comprised brothers Alan, Wayne, Merrill and Jay Osmond. They were later joined by younger siblings Donny – the most famous of all of them – and Jimmy. Their only sister Marie, who rarely sang with her brothers at that time, launched a successful solo career in 1973.

Jimmy, 74, supported the world-famous Osmonds on their pre-Christmas tour around the UK towards the end of 2015.

‘Dream gig’

He was a special guest for the Andy Williams Christmas Spectacular which ran for 15 shows, several of them sellouts.

Jimmy appeared on what was a wonderfully creative and slick show, which featured Jimmy, Jay and Merrill Osmond.

It included a video screen transmitting footage of the late American popular singer Andy Williams and images of Christmas, a set of green Christmas trees around the stage and even snow fell during the finale!

Here, Jimmy remembers the Osmonds in his own special way:

“Touring with the Osmonds was what you would call in this business a dream gig.

“It happened four years ago and the show consisted of Jimmy, Merrill and Jay.

“We did a 15-day tour up and down the country and played to sellout crowds.

“As well as the boys, we had a live band, dancers a  Russian quick-change act and a young English vocalist.

‘Stayed loyal’

“The show was actually a tribute to the great singer Andy Williams, whose Christmas TV specials enthralled American viewers for many years.

“Andy was also the one to give the Osmonds their first break in television when they were just babies.

“Indeed, I did the warm-up for the show and introduced those very appearances to the audiences on a large screen on stage.

“I was always amazed how many of the Osmond fans stayed loyal over the years and came to so many of their shows during that tour.

“It was a pleasure to work with this special showbiz family.”

Also read: Merrill Osmond told me: ‘You’re one of our family’

Click on either of the arrow-shaped play buttons above to watch a slideshow of pictures from the 2015 tour. All the photos were taken during the last tour date at the Winding Wheel concert venue in Chesterfield.

Golden Memories: Norman Barrett MBE

If you have any special memories of the Osmonds or would like Jimmy to feature somebody in our series, you can do this in several ways:

Find out where Jimmy is performing and his other forthcoming shows by viewing all his tour dates on this website.

 

Merry Christmas and a happy new year! 150 150 mhamer

Merry Christmas and a happy new year!

 

Jimmy Cricket has wished all his fans and friends a merry Christmas and a happy new year.

The popular Northern Irish entertainer took to his social media channels, Twitter and Facebook, to send the season’s greetings.

Along with the message, he posted his 2019 Christmas card (above), which was based on the way Westminster MPs have behaved over Brexit.

It shows Jimmy, 74, telling her majesty the Queen that all members of parliament are on the naughty list.

Tradition has it that Father Christmas (also known as Santa Claus) has two lists: the naughty list and the nice list.

He checks over his list twice. If you are nice you get presents. If you are naughty you get a lump of coal in your stocking.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson reportedly apologised to the Queen after the Supreme Court ruled his decision to prorogue (suspend) Parliament earlier this year was unlawful.

British MPs of all parties have come under intense scrutiny – and been the subject of much criticism – following their failure to agree a Brexit deal.

In a 2016 UK referendum, a slim majority voted for the country to leave the European Union.

Iconic images

Northern Irish comedian Jimmy has traditionally created his own customised Christmas card over the years.

It is based on a photograph that has represented in some way an event from the previous 12 months.

In 2012 he picked a picture of Usain Bolt and Mo Farah, which was one of the iconic images from the London Olympics.

The followed year, it was a photo associated with the theft of his concrete wellies, which was widely covered in the media.Jimmy Cricket's Christmas card features the Only Fools and Horses’ sketch staring regular cast members David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst, plus special Comic Relief guest David Beckham

And his 2014 card (pictured right) featured a sketch which took place during that year’s Comic Relief event.

The card recalled the Only Fools and Horses charity scene starring regular cast members David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst.

In addition, it featured former England and Manchester United footballer David Beckham.

Famous entertainer Jimmy was included on the card as if part of the get-together and referenced his famous Mammy!

New Year’s Eve date at Blackpool’s Lyndene Hotel 150 150 mhamer

New Year’s Eve date at Blackpool’s Lyndene Hotel
Jimmy Cricket's next show at the lyndene is on New Year's Eve

Jimmy Cricket’s last show of 2019 at his favourite Blackpool hotel is on New Year’s Eve.

It will be the popular comedian’s 23rd appearance this year at the Lyndene Hotel on the sea front.
His latest visit there was on Wednesday night (18 December) – see photos above.

Jimmy tweeted: “Great festive fun with the audiences here at the @LyndeneHotel tonight while catching up with old friends.”

The famous entertainer has been doing regular shows at the Lyndene for the past few years.

Several acts usually perform twice per night, once each in different lounges at the hotel.

Superb entertainment

The Lyndene Hotel, perched on the seafront, is one of Blackpool’s unique venues as it welcomes tourists and visitors all year round.

Jimmy Cricket will do a New Year's Eve show at the Lyndene Hotel in Blackpool

Its website says that it offers more than 141 fully equipped and tastefully decorated en suite bedrooms.

“The Lyndene Hotel offers superb compered entertainment EVERY NIGHT of the year,” it adds.

Jimmy announced earlier this year that he is to spend a FIFTH season at the Lyndene Hotel.

He will do another 23 nights there in 2020, including two Wednesdays in January (8 and 15).

See next year’s dates below and visit the hotel’s website here.

Find out where Jimmy is performing and his other forthcoming shows by viewing all his tour dates on this website.

Returning to what has become my second home working alongside many talented singers and old friends like @MALFORDUK , my thanks goes to Claire @TowerTopEnts and @LyndeneHotel the Manager Paul, and all the Team members for their hospitality and support over the last four years

Get both DVD and Christmas CD in special charity offer 150 150 mhamer

Get both DVD and Christmas CD in special charity offer
Jimmy Cricket Live - Pull Your Seats ForwardJimmy Cricket is offering all his fans a special Christmas deal that will benefit one of his favourite charities.
Anybody who buys Jimmy’s DVD will receive his Christmas CD for free.
The popular Northern Irish comedian will give £5 for each sale to Francis House Children’s Hospice.
He tweeted about the offer: “Don’t forget folks, if you buy my DVD ‘Pull your seats forward’ which the whole family can watch, between now and the 1st of January 2020 I’ll throw in my Christmas CD ‘Santa bring my wellies back to me’ and send the fiver to Francis House on your behalf.”
Jimmy hit upon the idea of original Christmas numbers for a new CD a few years ago.

It is called Santa bring my wellies back to me.

The name of the CD relates to the theft several years ago of concrete wellington boots (below right).

Public clamour

The late Sir Ken Dodd had given them to Rochdale-based Jimmy.

Jimmy Cricket Live – Pull Your Seats Forward is the name of the DVD, which has sold more than 8,000 copies.

His family-run company, Wellie Boot Productions, filmed and produced it in 2010.The wellies were given by Ken Dodd to Jimmy Cricket

Belfast-born Jimmy produced the DVD in response to the overwhelming public clamour that suggested there was a real demand for a recording of his stand-up entertainment.

It was filmed at the Royal Court Theatre in Bacup, Lancashire, near Jimmy’s adopted home of Rochdale in Greater Manchester.

The DVD is an hour and 10 minutes long.

It includes Jimmy’s favourite routines, a phone call and letter from his mammy, his famous Leaving Home poem, his sentimental ballad called I’m Dreaming of a Far off Land and 20 minutes of extras.

The offer is available via the Go Shopping page on this website or at one of Jimmy’s live shows.

Below is an edited version of a trailer of Jimmy Cricket live at the Royal Court Theatre in Bacup. Journalist and Cricket Times editor Martin Hamer asks Jimmy all about the show in an interview which includes exclusive excerpts from the DVD.

 

Elvis impersonator raises £200,000 for Francis House 150 150 mhamer

Elvis impersonator raises £200,000 for Francis House

DJ and Elvis Impersonator Jim Nicholas has raised an incredible £200k over 25 years by collecting at his performances

 

 

 

 

 

 

DJ and Elvis Presley impersonator Jim Nicholas has raised an amazing £200,000 over 25 years for Francis House Children’s Hospice.

Jim, who is a good friend of comedian Jimmy Cricket, has raised the funds by collecting at his performances.

Northern Irish funnyman Jimmy has also brought in a lot of money over the decades for the hospice.

Francis House is based in south Manchester.

Both entertainers feature in the latest edition of the charity’s newsletter (above).

‘Wonderful cause’

Jimmy, 74, tweeted: “Our thanks, (mine and Jim Nicholas), for the lovely article in the@FrancisHouseCH winter newsletter.

“It has been a pleasure working on behalf of your wonderful cause over the years!”

His pal Jim says in the newsletter: “From day one when I first went to Francis House and saw the families, I felt that I wanted to do everything I could for them.

“Without Francis House these families would be stuck.

“If I can entertain people and they enjoy what I’m doing, and if that helps in some small way, I’m happy to do it.”

Jim, who is from Swinton in Salford, Greater Manchester, is also the impresario behind Jimmy’s variety shows for Francis House.

The pair were introduced many years ago by Sister Aloysius and have remained close friends and showbiz partners ever since.

Christmas CD

The Stars Come Out for Francis House charity gala has taken place at the Oldham Coliseum eight times.

In addition, there are plans for an October 2020 performance.

A few years ago, Jimmy hit upon the idea of original Christmas numbers to sell at his shows with profits donated to Francis House.

The CD is Santa bring my wellies back to me.

The name of the CD relates to the theft several years ago of concrete wellington boots (below right).

‘Happy Christmas everyone!’

The late Sir Ken Dodd had given them to Rochdale-based Jimmy.

The wellies were given by Ken Dodd to Jimmy CricketJimmy said: “With Christmas ‘19 beckoning my goal is to reach 2,000 copies and that would mean we’ve raised £10,000 for Francis House.

“A big thank you to those of you who’ve bought one and a Happy Christmas everyone!”

Francis House said: “Help Jimmy reach his goal of selling 2,000 copies to raise £10,000!

“‘Santa Bring My Wellies Back To Me’ can be purchased for £5 plus £1.95 p&p from Francis House by calling 0161 443 2200.

“Or go to www.francishouse.org.uk/getinvolved/shop/online-shop/”

You can also buy the CD here at Jimmy’s own website.

And there’s more… there’s a special Christmas offer on at present from Jimmy!

Christmas ‘jam’ night benefits Francis House 150 150 mhamer

Christmas ‘jam’ night benefits Francis House

Great night at the Christmas Jam night at St Vincent’s Parish Hall with Jonathan Young, Mrs C. and our friend Moureen, with help from Kath on tea’s and coffee’s and Pauline who organised the raffle for @FrancisHouseCH

One of Jimmy Cricket’s favourite charities benefited from the famous funnyman’s Christmas ‘jam’ night.

The event, hosted by the popular Northern Irish entertainer and his wife May Marion every couple of months, takes place in the lounge area of St Vincent’s parish centre in his home town of Rochdale.

It started about a decade ago as an opportunity for Jimmy and other performers to try out new routines and is still going strong.

As a result, the famous entertainer has nicknamed those who regularly support these evenings as ‘Jimmy’s Jammers’.

At every event,  there is a raffle and the selling of refreshments, with all proceeds donated to a chosen charity.

Francis House Children’s Hospice, based in south Manchester, was the beneficiary of the Christmas ‘jam’ night on Tuesday (3 December).

Jonathan Young from The Bachelors, a great friend of Jimmy’s, also appeared at the event.

Jimmy, 74, tweeted: “Great night at the Christmas Jam night at St Vincent’s Parish Hall with Jonathan Young, Mrs C. and our friend Moureen.

“With help from Kath on tea’s and coffee’s and Pauline who organised the raffle for @FrancisHouseCH”

The popular entertainer has raised around half-a-million pounds for the Didsbury charity over the years.
That is thanks to countless touring shows and parish hall events over almost two decades.
Care, support and friendship
Francis House cares for children and young adults with life-threatening conditions.
It provides a home from home where families can receive professional care, support and friendship.

The Rainbow Family Trust was set up in the early 1990s as a charity by Sister Aloysius and Father Thomas Mulheran.

They were concerned about the lack of palliative care for the families of children with a short life expectancy.

Opened by Princess Diana

As a result, the seven-bedroom Francis House opened in November 1991, with Diana, Princess of Wales, officially doing the honours.

It was only the fifth children’s hospice built in the UK and the world.

Find out where Jimmy is performing and his other forthcoming shows by viewing all his tour dates on this website.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… 150 150 mhamer

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…
Jimmy Cricket @jimmy__cricket · 12h It’s Turkey and Tinsel time and looking a lot like Christmas at @LyndeneHotel tonight folks with their wonderful residents!
Jimmy Cricket helped to get the Christmas season well and truly up and running at his favourite Blackpool hotel.
The well-known comedian did his latest shows in the Lyndene at the Lancashire seaside resort on Wednesday (20 November).

The hotel is one of Blackpool’s unique locations as it welcomes tourists and visitors all year round.

After the summer and illuminations seasons end each year, it is straight into the Lyndene’s Christmas season with turkey and tinsel stays.

Jimmy Cricket @jimmy__cricket · 12h It’s Turkey and Tinsel time and looking a lot like Christmas at @LyndeneHotel tonight folks with their wonderful residents!

Jimmy, 74, put the photo montage above on social media.

 

He also tweeted: “It’s Turkey and Tinsel time and looking a lot like Christmas at @LyndeneHotel tonight folks with their wonderful residents!????”

Jimmy has been doing regular shows at the Lyndene Hotel for the past few years.

Several acts usually perform twice per night, once each in different lounges at the hotel.

You can see the rest of Jimmy’s Lyndene dates for 2019 below.

The Lyndene offers more than 141 fully equipped and tastefully decorated en suite bedrooms.

Its website says: “Our hotel offers three newly refurbished licensed bars and two magnificent air conditioned, sea view cabaret lounges.

“The Lyndene Hotel offers superb compered entertainment EVERY NIGHT of the year.”

Jimmy Cricket's Lyndene Hotel dates in 2019

Jimmy announced earlier this year that he is to spend a FIFTH season at the Lyndene Hotel.

See next year’s dates below and visit the hotel’s website here.

Find out where Jimmy is performing and his other forthcoming shows by viewing all his tour dates on this website.

Returning to what has become my second home working alongside many talented singers and old friends like @MALFORDUK , my thanks goes to Claire @TowerTopEnts and @LyndeneHotel the Manager Paul, and all the Team members for their hospitality and support over the last four years