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Coronavirus

Covid outbreak in the Cricket household dashes unveiling trip 150 150 mhamer

Covid outbreak in the Cricket household dashes unveiling trip

Just seen this on Facebook folks, how wonderful is this! The unveiling of Eddie’s portrait today! xx

A bout of Covid-19 prevented Jimmy Cricket from attending the unveiling of a portrait of the late Eddie Large in Blackpool.

Northern Irish entertainer Jimmy tested positive for coronavirus, meaning he could not travel to the famous seaside resort for the event.

He posted the photo below of his positive Covid test on Saturday 2 April – the day of the unveiling.

Jimmy said: “Gutted I won’t be able to attend the unveiling of the portrait today in Blackpool of one of showbiz’s greatest talent, Eddie Large.

“Sending our love to his widow Patsy and son Ryan and the rest of his family and friends who will be there this morning! #WinterGardensBlackpool.”

Eddie was usually the funny guy in the legendary comedy duo of Little and Large.
How wonderful!
Syd Little was the straight man of the two and they went on to be one of the best-loved comedy acts in showbusiness.
They had a TV series and appeared in theatres and pantomimes for many years before their partnership ended when Eddie developed serious health problems.

Eddie, who was born Edward Hugh McGinnis, died aged 78 in April 2020.

He had been suffering with heart failure and contracted coronavirus in hospital.

Family and celebrity friends attended the invitation-only unveiling at the weekend.
The portrait can be seen at The Floral Hall in the Winter Gardens.
It will also be on display at Showtown, Blackpool’s first museum of fun and entertainment.

Jimmy Cricket tested positive for Covid

Jimmy posted the photo at the top of this article on social media on Saturday.

He commented: “Just seen this on Facebook folks, how wonderful is this!

“The unveiling of Eddie’s portrait today!”

Watch video of the unveiling here (note: this is an external website and the video is preceded by an advertisement).

Also read from this website:
Providing an update on his wellbeing, Jimmy said on Sunday: “Hoping to be Covid-free soon.
“Mrs Cricket has been very supportive, although I’m not sure about her medical advice.
“She told me to drink a hot glass of orange after a hot bath…. that was four days ago and I’m still drinking the hot bath!”
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!

 

 

Promenade stroll before latest Lyndene show 150 150 mhamer

Promenade stroll before latest Lyndene show

At the #LyndeneHotel here in sunny Blackpool tonight, (and for the first Wednesday of every month in 2021), which is my sixth year entertaining at this very popular venue, just a walk along the Promenade #liveperformance

Jimmy Cricket enjoyed a walk along the promenade before his latest show at his favourite Blackpool hotel.

The evergreen Northern Irish entertainer is appearing at the Lyndene monthly until the end of the year.

He said on social media: “At the #LyndeneHotel here in sunny Blackpool tonight, (and for the first Wednesday of every month in 2021), which is my sixth year entertaining at this very popular venue, just a walk along the Promenade #liveperformance.”

Jimmy was back performing at the Lyndene last month for the first time in 2021.
Like all other entertainment venues, shows had been postponed due to the national restrictions imposed because of coronavirus.

Pandemic apart, Jimmy has appeared regularly on the popular Lyndene’s two stages for several years.

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

And there was much praise for Jimmy following his latest appearance at the Lyndene, which is on the sea front, just across from the promenade.

Stephen L. Bunch said: “Brilliant show Jimmy 👏.” and Claire Wilson agreed, saying: “Great show tonight Jimmy x.”

Roger Marsden posted on Facebook: “Saw you the other year there Jimmy. A great act, we had a chat afterwards and photos.”

Janice Ingram uploaded the GIF below, which read: “You are awesome to the core.”

You are awesome to the core

And Theresa Crossan said: “Great to hear, we had the pleasure seeing you last August at the Lyndene and we have never laughed so much in years.

“Such a lovely man and great entertainer.”

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

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

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)

 

Live stage shows back on Jimmy’s calendar! 150 150 mhamer

Live stage shows back on Jimmy’s calendar!

Jimmy Cricket's schedule of when he is appearing live on stageJimmy Cricket is just over a month away from returning to the stage!

Like so many other entertainers, the famous funnyman has had to be patient as the coronavirus pandemic forced the suspension of all live shows in person.

But the popular Northern Ireland comedian has lined up several stage performances over the coming months.

As things stand, his first  appearance is at Oxton Conservative Club in Birkenhead on the Wirral, Merseyside, on Sunday 27 June.

Jimmy then makes his eagerly awaited return to the Lyndene, his favourite Blackpool hotel, on Wednesday 7 July.

The Lyndene and sister hotel St Chads had reportedly shut their doors for the final time.

However, new reports in February said the two hotels were ready to return to business.

Jimmy has appeared regularly on the popular Lyndene’s two stages over the past few years.

Five seasons

His performances at the Lyndene were limited during 2020 following the restrictions imposed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

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

The Lyndene and St Chads stand next to each other on the seafront. Husband and wife team Paul and Claire Swift manage both.

Jimmy will be appearing once a month at the Lyndene from July until the end of the year.

He has had five seasons in total at the Lyndene.

The hotel starred as the Le Ponderosa in the second series of Peter Kay’s TV hit comedy Phoenix Nights.

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

Sing along to Jimmy’s ‘Roll out the Vaccine’ song! 150 150 mhamer

Sing along to Jimmy’s ‘Roll out the Vaccine’ song!

Sing along to Jimmy's 'Roll out the Vaccine' song!We all love a good old sing-song to cheer us up, especially during the darkest days.

And Jimmy Cricket has come up with a perfect ditty to keep our spirits going during the latest lockdown.

The ever-popular Northern Irish comedian has adapted the words of an old war-time favourite, Roll out the Barrel.

He recorded his very own version on YouTube, called Roll out the Vaccine, which can be heard here.

It is in reference to the roll-out of the various vaccines designed to protect people against coronavirus.

Queen Elizabeth and her husband Prince Philip received the coronavirus vaccine on Saturday.

The UK government says every adult in the country will get the offer of a coronavirus vaccine by autumn this year.

Roll out the Barrel was particularly popular worldwide during World War II.

According to Wikipedia, Czech musician Jaromír Vejvoda composed the music in 1927.

It is also known as Beer Barrel Polka and The Barrel Polka.

Wikipedia said many others recorded and played the song.

They included The Andrews Sisters in the Glenn Miller OrchestraBenny GoodmanBobby Vinton and Billie Holiday.

It added: “During World War II, versions in many other languages were created and the song was popular among soldiers, regardless of their allegiances.

“The authors of the English lyrics were Lew Brown and Wladimir Timm.”

So, folks, Jimmy and his wife May want us all to call up his vaccine version now and have a good old sing-along to it!

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

Regular Twitter jokes told on video during coronavirus pandemic