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coronavirus pandemic

Double celebration time for our favourite comedian! 150 150 mhamer

Double celebration time for our favourite comedian!

It was a double celebration weekend for evergreen funnyman Jimmy Cricket.

Saturday (16 October) marked the long-awaited return of the popular jam nights introduced by Jimmy and his wife May about 15 years ago.

And Sunday was the famous entertainer’s 76th birthday.

Double celebration weekend: Here back with our Jammers tonight, (now into our second decade), at #StVincentsParishCentre, (after a long 19 month break), Pauline’s raffle tonight will go to the wonderful Charity #marysmeals, my thanks also to singer #MikeHowarth, and Kate and Pat on teas & coffees! 🎭

Jimmy and May – a professional singer – have since 2006 hosted a regular night of entertainment in their adopted home town of Rochdale.

It provides a useful opportunity for Jimmy and other performers to try out new (and relive some old) routines.

They began it on a monthly basis and in the past few years have alternated hosting the jam nights with good friend and fellow entertainer Eric Devereaux.

It takes place in the lounge area of St Vincent’s RC parish centre in Norden.

They invite different guests who perform free of charge.

Jimmy Cricket's self-isolating message just before the start of the lockdown

There is a raffle and the selling of refreshments, with all proceeds donated to a chosen charity.

The popular comedian has nicknamed those who regularly support these evenings as ‘Jimmy’s Jammers’.

However, the event was inevitably put on hold early in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic – until Saturday.

Jimmy said: “Here back with our Jammers tonight, (now into our second decade), at #StVincentsParishCentre, (after a long 19-month break).

“Pauline’s raffle tonight will go to the wonderful Charity #marysmeals, my thanks also to singer #MikeHowarth, and Kate and Pat on teas & coffees! 🎭“

Mary’s Meals supports feeding projects for children in some of the world’s poorest communities.

Jimmy’s comedian-turned-priest son, Fr Frankie Mulgrew, is a long-standing supporter of Mary’s Meals.

Jimmy also expressed his gratitude for all the congratulations on his birthday.

He commented: “Can I say a huge, “Thank You”, to everyone who took the time to wish me, “Happy Birthday”.

“It was so very much appreciated! xx”

Can I say a huge, “Thank You”, to everyone who took the time to wish me, “Happy Birthday”, it was so very much appreciated! xx

Also read:

Jam nights are about to return!

Message of hope: After the storm comes the rainbow

Rochdale jam night is ‘lovely charity evening’

Coronavirus pandemic: We can do this together!

Mary’s Meals: Charity marks memorable milestone

Coventry show will be ‘wonderful afternoon of feel-good entertainment’ 150 150 mhamer

Coventry show will be ‘wonderful afternoon of feel-good entertainment’

This was one of the first shows to be cancelled when the pandemic struck last March… now at last we can go ahead! This coming Friday, 24 Sept at @BelgradeTheatre … #Variety is back! #CoventryJimmy Cricket will be making up for lost time when he performs on stage in Coventry this week.

The famous funnyman appears on the Belgrade Theatre Main Stage on Friday 24 September (1.30pm start).

The show, originally postponed because of coronavirus, is billed as A Big Afternoon Out with Bob Brolly and Jimmy Cricket.

Jimmy’s wife, a professional singer who going by the stage name of May Marion, is also appearing.

Musical host Andy Eastwood, a good friend of Jimmy’s, said: “This was one of the first shows to be cancelled when the pandemic struck last March.

“Now at last we can go ahead! This coming Friday, 24 Sept at @BelgradeTheatre… #Variety is back! #Coventry.”

The theatre’s website says: “Bob Brolly and his band return with their heartwarming blend of Irish ballads, country hits, nostalgic singalongs and entertaining chat.

“Favourite funnyman Jimmy Cricket is also back, with the brand of humour that has made him not only a legend of laughter, but a national treasure.

“Singer May Marion and your regular host and compere Andy Eastwood complete the line-up in this wonderful afternoon of feel-good entertainment.”

View times and book here for the Coventry show

Also read: Great chance to support live entertainment

Jam nights are about to return! 150 150 mhamer

Jam nights are about to return!
Pictures from one of Jimmy's jam nights in 2019

Pictures from one of Jimmy’s jam nights in 2019

Jimmy Cricket is about to bring back his popular charity jam nights following an enforced 18-month break.

Famous Northern Irish funnyman Jimmy and his wife May – a professional singer – have for more than 15 years hosted a regular night of entertainment in their adopted home town of Rochdale.

It provides an opportunity for Jimmy and other performers to try out new (and relive some old) routines.

They began it on a monthly basis and in the past few years have alternated hosting the jam nights with their good friend and fellow entertainer Eric Devereaux.

It takes place in the lounge area of St Vincent’s RC parish centre in Norden.

They invite different guests who perform free of charge.

Jimmy Cricket's self-isolating message just before the start of the lockdown

There is a raffle and the selling of refreshments, with all proceeds donated to a chosen charity.

The popular comedian has nicknamed those who regularly support these evenings as ‘Jimmy’s Jammers’.

But the event was inevitably put on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic.

‘Conveyor of good news’

But the good news is that the jam night is ready to return!

Jimmy, May and their friends messaged the regular audience members this week with the following message.

Hi Jammers,

I hope you’re all fit and well as we gradually come out of what has been an unprecedented time in all our lives.

I’m pleased to be the conveyor of good news. Father James has given us the go ahead to have a Charity Jam Night in the Parish Hall.

Both May and I have decided to make our first one back, a little more special, by having it on a Saturday night, 16th October 2021. As it will be my birthday, on the Sunday the 17th, it is also Maureen Barker’s alongside my fellow Comic Dusty Young on the Monday, so we can celebrate with a big cake for us all, (anyone else celebrating a birthday either side of this date, just let us know).

There will be the usual comedy, music, raffle, with teas, coffees, and biscuits, (cardboard cups for hot drinks will be supplied, but if anyone would rather bring their own cup from home, please feel free).

Ever present dependable Kath and Pauline will be on hand to help, and our designated Charity for the evening will be for Mary’s Meals, (which has just celebrated reaching the 2 million mark of feeding children whilst in education, in 19 different countries around the world).

We look forward to seeing you all there on the evening, as we also come together to remember and celebrate the lives of those whom we have lost from our group over the last 18 months.

Sending our Love and Best Wishes to you all xx

Jimmy & May & Eric & Gloria & Kath & Pauline

Also read: Message of hope: After the storm comes the rainbow

Rochdale jam night is ‘lovely charity evening’

Coronavirus pandemic: We can do this together!

 

 

Oxton show: ‘Lovely to be back doing the job I love’ 150 150 mhamer

Oxton show: ‘Lovely to be back doing the job I love’

While adhering to 30 people only gatherings, it was lovely to get back to the job I love this afternoon at the Oxton Con Club, my thanks to Jacqueline and Caroline and everyone who turned up and made it such a wonderful atmosphere! Performing arts#wirral

Jimmy Cricket welcomed the “wonderful atmosphere” in Oxton as he celebrated his eagerly awaited return to performing live on stage.

The popular Northern Irish entertainer did a show at Oxton Conservative Club in Birkenhead on the Wirral, Merseyside, last Sunday (27 June).

It was the first time this year he had faced a live audience in person.

He said: “While adhering to 30 people-only gatherings, it was lovely to get back to the job I love this afternoon at the Oxton Con Club.

“My thanks to Jacqueline and Caroline and everyone who turned up and made it such a wonderful atmosphere! #wirral”.

The coronavirus pandemic forced the suspension of most stage performances for the majority of the past 15 months.

Jimmy is looking forward to returning to the Lyndene, his favourite Blackpool hotel, on Wednesday (7 July).

He has performed shows regularly on the busy Lyndene’s two stages over the past few years.

Five seasons

Coronavirus restrictions forced the postponement of many of his performances at the Lyndene during 2020.

Jimmy did his last show there in September before another lockdown resulted in the closure of hospitality venues.

He now appears once a month at the Lyndene until the end of the year.

The popular Northern Irishman has enjoyed five seasons in total at the seaside venue.

Also read: ‘Wonderful news in these gloomy times!’

See all Jimmy’s booked shows (note the schedule is updated regularly)

 

Picture posted in honour of those lost to Covid 150 150 mhamer

Picture posted in honour of those lost to Covid

The profile picture was in honour of those lost to Covid-19

Jimmy Cricket updated his profile picture on social media to remember those who have died during the coronavirus pandemic.

The famous comedian uploaded a photograph of him alongside several other well-known celebrities.

They included the late Frank Carson and also fellow funnyman Bobby Ball, who died in October aged 76.

Bobby, one half of the popular comedy double act Cannon and Ball, passed away at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

The actor and comedian had tested positive for Covid-19.

Bobby starred in several popular sitcoms.

They included Not Going Out, Last of the Summer Wine and Benidorm.

Jimmy posted the photo on Tuesday 23 March, which marked exactly one year since the first coronavirus lockdown.

Tommy Cannon and Wee Jimmy Frankie also featured on the picture.

The text on the photo said: “In honour of those lost to Covid-19” and “UK national day of reflection.”

A national minute’s silence was held at midday, which parliaments across the UK paused business to observe.

On 23 March 2020, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced tough restrictions on people’s lives aimed at stopping the spread of Covid-19.

Since then, the UK’s official death toll has risen from 364 to more than 126,000.

Also read: Bobby Ball: An original, funny man – we all loved him

Relishing summer return to Club Tropicana 150 150 mhamer

Relishing summer return to Club Tropicana

Hi folks looking forward to getting back to treading the boards again! #savevariety

Jimmy Cricket is “looking forward to treading the boards again” when he returns to Club Tropicana in July.

Like so many other entertainers, he has done few live shows during the past year because of the coronavirus restrictions.

With an end to the third lockdown in sight, Jimmy is taking bookings again and Club Tropicana is confirmed for mid-summer.

The famous funnyman returns to the 2,000-seater venue in Skegness on Friday 16 July.

The club, based on the Golden Palm Resort Holiday Park, hosts a variety of acts including live bands, singers and comedians.

Jimmy said: “Looking forward to getting back to treading the boards again! #savevariety.”

Club Tropicana said: “Jimmy Cricket is without doubt a 1980s comedy icon.

“With his trademark wellington boots, his famous letters from his Mammy and his catchphrases of ‘come closer’ and ‘there’s more’, he holds the hearts of all those that were original fans of his television and radio shows.

“His shows are as hilarious as ever, winning him new fans wherever he performs.

“Jimmy remains one of the few completely family friendly comedians currently on tour.”

Supporting Jimmy on 16 July at Club Tropicana is Faye Horne’s Diva Show.

Admission is free to members and holiday pass holders.

For more details on Jimmy’s latest show there, ring the box office hotline on 01754 874444 (option one).

Also read: Great night at Club Tropicana in Skegness

Come closer folks – more jokes from Jimmy 150 150 mhamer

Come closer folks – more jokes from Jimmy

Jimmy Cricket has continued to keep our spirits up during the ongoing coronavirus restrictions.

In the run-in to Christmas and over the festive period, Jimmy used social media to keep those topical jokes coming!

Here are some of his funny one-liners:

When the lockdown kicked in, I started walking two miles every day. Yesterday I arrived in Aberdeen.

I’ve just attended a lockdown marriage on Zoom…..The wedding cake had four tiers!

Jimmy Cricket is just 10 away from completing a century of his special daily video messages.

It’s a shame you’re only allowed one bubble for each household. I was looking forward to having a bath on Christmas Day.

We had a very safe Christmas dinner this year. Even the turkey wore a mask.

One thing about this virus, it helps you re-evaluate your priorities. For instance we don’t have to keep up with the Jones’s, cause the Jones’s are in lockdown like the rest of us.

It’s hard to get away from this virus – I used to wake up to the birds singing… now I hear them sneezing!

Things are so quiet at airports these days that the security people are searching each other.

The only thing bothers me about comedy drive-in shows is that if you get a tough heckler he might just keep bumping his horn.

Century mark

With the help of Mrs Cricket, Jimmy produced 100 daily video messages during the coronavirus restrictions last spring and summer.

The famous Northern Irish comedian hit the century mark in July.

He had been sending all his fans and friends togetherness posts each day as the world continued to fight coronavirus.

The UK government first announced on 23 March last year it was imposing strict new curbs on life in the UK.

Jimmy had been posting the videos on social media with the message: “We can do this together!”

Also read: Regular Twitter jokes told on video during during coronavirus pandemic

Coronavirus pandemic: We can do this together!

Watch video of Jimmy’s lockdown lament

Also read: Over and out as Cricket team hit century of videos