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‘British light entertainment at its most vibrant’ 150 150 mhamer

‘British light entertainment at its most vibrant’

This evocative gathering of Frank Carson alongside Jimmy Cricket, Paul Daniels, Cannon and Ball, and The Krankies captures a remarkable cross-section of British light entertainment at its most vibrant.

A photograph posted on social media features a group of entertainers who “dominated British screens during a period when variety television was at its peak”.
Comedian Jimmy Cricket was among the celebrities whose humour “carried a sincerity and immediacy that resonated widely”.
Classic British Throwback published the picture, believed to have been taken on the Best of British Variety Tour in 2008.
It said: “This evocative gathering of Frank Carson alongside Jimmy Cricket, Paul Daniels, Cannon and Ball, and The Krankies captures a remarkable cross-section of British light entertainment at its most vibrant.
“Each of these performers rose to prominence during the latter half of the twentieth century, particularly through television variety shows, stand-up circuits and family-oriented programming.
“Frank Carson was famed for his rapid-fire jokes and unmistakable Northern Irish delivery, while Jimmy Cricket charmed audiences with his whimsical humour and well-known catchphrases.
“Together, they represented a style of comedy that was accessible, warm and deeply rooted in live performance traditions.
“Paul Daniels, distinct from the others as a magician, nonetheless shared their ability to captivate mass audiences, especially through his long-running television series which blended illusion with humour.
‘Nostalgic symbols’
“Meanwhile, Cannon and Ball, the double act of Bobby Ball and Tommy Cannon, became household names through their popular ITV show, combining slapstick comedy with musical interludes.
“The Krankies, with their unique stage dynamic and memorable characters, brought a distinctly theatrical and family-friendly energy that appealed across generations.
“Collectively, these entertainers dominated British screens during a period when variety television was at its peak, often drawing millions of viewers and becoming staples of weekend viewing.
“What makes this image particularly powerful is not merely the fame of those depicted, but the shared cultural impact they represent.
“This was an era before the fragmentation of media, when audiences across the United Kingdom would tune in together, creating a shared comedic language and collective memory.
“Their humour, though often simple by modern standards, carried a sincerity and immediacy that resonated widely.
“For many, these figures are more than entertainers; they are nostalgic symbols of a time when laughter was communal, television was central and comedy brought people together in a uniquely enduring way.”
Classic British Throwback published the picture which is believed to have been taken on the Best of British Variety Tour in 2008.
‘Legend series continues with the one and only Jimmy Cricket’ 150 150 mhamer

‘Legend series continues with the one and only Jimmy Cricket’

Jimmy Cricket performs in Cheshire at the weekend as part of a comedy legend series.

Jimmy Cricket performs in Cheshire at the weekend as part of a comedy legend series.

The Northern Ireland entertainer appears at the Whitby Sports and Social Club in Ellesmere Port.

Sunday’s show (29 June) – billed as An Afternoon with Jimmy Cricket – begins at 2.30pm. Doors open at 1.30.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit this webpage.

Jimmy posted on social media: “Hi folks, this coming Sunday afternoon I’ll be on stage doing my act and chatting with my friend Bobby Murdock and doing a meet and greet.

“Why not drop in, you will be warmly welcomed!”

A company called Who Dares Grins are organising the event.

The website looking after the booking process says: “Our comedy legend series continues with the one and only Jimmy Cricket.

“We have him here for an afternoon of fun and laughter on Sunday 29th June at The Whitby Club in Ellesmere Port.

“Jimmy Cricket’s act is a unique blend of observational comedy, storytelling, and musical performance, often featuring self-deprecating humor and a focus on everyday life and the human condition, all delivered with a charming and engaging stage presence.

“TV credits include Bullseye, the Royal Variety Show and The Krankies Klub.

“Jimmy has toured with The Osmonds, Gerry and The Pacemakers, Frank Carson and many more.”

Also read from this website: Tickets are selling fast for big birthday bash

D-Day landings: Many heroes included Paddy the pigeon 150 150 mhamer

D-Day landings: Many heroes included Paddy the pigeon

Next month (June) sees the celebrations for the D-Day landings.

Next month sees the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings – and Jimmy Cricket marks the occasion in his latest newspaper column.

The Normandy landings were the land and associated airborne operations which took place on 6 June 1944.

Codenamed Operation Neptune and widely referred to as D-Day, it involved the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II –  the largest seaborne invasion in history.

It commenced the liberation of France, and also the rest of Western Europe, and laid the foundations for the Allied victory on the Western Front.

Writing in the Blackpool Gazette and the Lancashire Evening Post, comedian Jimmy says: “As next month (June) sees the celebrations for the D-Day landings which took place 80 years ago, I always pause to think about the many entertainers who helped to boost the morale of our fighting troops.

Beautiful voice

My friend the late Frank Carson, who served in the forces himself, used to joke: ‘One day I saved the lives of 200 men – I shot the cook!’.

Then, of course, there was the Force’s Sweetheart the late great Vera Lynn.

[Vera Lynn’s songs helped raise morale duringWorld War Two. People knew her best for her wartime anthem We’ll Meet Again. She died aged 103 in 2020.

She was just a young girl vocalist back then and the only time she’d been out of the country was when she travelled to Holland to do a gig with a dance band.

However, she had a yearning to do her bit, and before she knew it, she was touring the swamps of the Borneo jungle in the sweltering heat, giving young soldiers a taste of home with her beautiful voice and melodic songs.

Feathered friend

A lot of the time she performed on the back of army trucks.

You know readers, this may sound funny but I always think of Vera’s pianist and accompanist Len Edwards, who always went with her and who risked life and limb to provide her musical backing.

He truly was an unsung hero.

Which leads me on to mention another hero from the Second World War, in this case a silent one.

His name was Paddy, and on the day of the D-day landings, he flew back all the way from Normandy in record time to provide valuable information that reassured everyone at home, that everything was going to plan and that our soldiers had made a successful landing.

The reason he did this without saying a word?

Paddy was a carrier pigeon and his coded message was tagged on to his foot.

Quiet thanks

But what made Paddy even more special was this…

… Of all the pigeon’s released from Normandy that day, he was the last one to make the journey and, guess what, he was the first one back to Hampshire.

But there’s more readers, come closer, what made his feat all the more remarkable was that not only did he have to contend with open-air fire, but the Nazis had placed specially trained hawks along the way to ambush him.

However, our feathered friend thwarted all their efforts and made it home safe and sound.

He did it in an astonishing four hours and 50 minutes, which became the fastest record by a message-carrier pigeon during the Normandy landings.

Paddy was honoured for his heroic achievements by being awarded the Dicken Medal on September the 1st, 1944.

The medal is given for gallantry or devotion to duty while serving in military conflict and is often known as the animal’s Victoria Cross.

He eventually returned to the place of his birth – Carnlough, County Antrim, in Northern Ireland, to be with his owner – Andrew Hughes.

He lived until 1954, dying at the age of 11.

In 2019 a plaque was unveiled in his honour in Car lough harbour.

So readers, if you ever cross the Irish Sea and take a trip along the Antrim coastline to drink in the beautiful scenery, make sure you stop off at Carnlough Harbour and pay a visit to Paddy’s plaque and give a quiet thanks for a silent hero.”

Also read: LEP column paid tribute to the ‘wonderful’ Vera Lynn

‘The good old days’… ‘love this’… ‘complete legends’ 150 150 mhamer

‘The good old days’… ‘love this’… ‘complete legends’

A photograph featuring several comedy legends, including Jimmy Cricket, attracted plenty of interest on social media.

The picture, taken on the Central Pier at Blackpool, also includes The Krankies, Frank Carson, Paul Daniels and double act (Tommy) Cannon and (Bobby) Ball.

Hundreds of people liked the Facebook post, which got a lot of comments.

It was posted by Marky Ashworth and could be seen on The Official Cannon & Ball Facebook Group page.

Here are a selection of the many comments made about this gathering of famous entertainers.

“Great summer line up.”

“Back in the days of real comics.”

“The good old days!”

“When you could go on holiday around the country and see three or four shows in a week at seaside piers/theatres.”

“Bet that was a good night out!”
“What a great photo.”
“Love this!”
“My childhood growing up.”
“A gaggle of legends.”
“What a great group.”
“Complete Legends.”
“Wow all LEGENDS.”
“That’s a great picture, very funny and talented people.”
Autobiography
Don’t forget that Jimmy Cricket’s autobiography is on sale.
Memoirs Of An Irish Comedian is priced at £11.99 as a paperback.

It is also available as an ebook priced £9.99 (unless you have subscribed to Kindle Unlimited, in which case it is free).

Amazon Kindle allows users to read ebooks purchased on Amazon.

Jimmy has said he is happy to sign copies of the book at his live shows, where they are available for a discounted price of £10.

The autobiography tells the heart-warming story of his 50 golden years in showbusiness – told in his own words.

Recognisable for wearing a funny hat and green wellies marked L and R on the wrong feet, Jimmy has been making people laugh as a professional comedian for half a century.

And he proudly keeps his comedy clean – increasingly rare these days –  making him the perfect family entertainer.

The book is available from online retailer Amazon here.

Mary’s Meals

His best-known catchphrases include ‘And there’s more!’ and ‘Come closer!’

He is also famed for reading out Letters from his Mammy, which have provided the material for two published books.

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 where hunger and poverty prevent children from gaining an education.

Also read: Mary’s Meals: 20 years serving global communities

From bingo caller to 50 Golden Years in showbiz!

Frank Carson: Memories of a cracking comedian 150 150 mhamer

Frank Carson: Memories of a cracking comedian

Jimmy Cricket's tribute to the late Frank Carson

The late, great Frank Carson is the subject of Jimmy Cricket’s latest newspaper column.

Like fellow comedian and great friend Jimmy, Frank was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, died aged 85 in 2012.

Comedian Frank Carson

He had battled ill health for some time.

Frank was a regular face on television for many years from the 1970s onwards.

Having risen to prominence in the 60s after winning Opportunity Knocks, he appeared in popular TV series such as The Comedians and Tiswas.

One of his trademark lines was “It’s the way I tell them!”.

Another one was “It’s a Cracker!”.

Jimmy’s column relives Frank’s famous career and their great friendship.

He posted a grab of the newspaper piece on social media.

And he told his friends and followers: “Hi Folks! My tribute via @leponline and @The_Gazette to a much-loved comedian and friend whom we all sadly miss! #keepvarietyalive.”

Also read: Memorial concert to Frank Carson

 

Facebook & Twitter profile photos show celebrities 150 150 mhamer

Facebook & Twitter profile photos show celebrities

Jimmy Cricket has changed his Facebook and Twitter profile pictures

The Facebook and Twitter profile pictures for Jimmy Cricket now show him with a host of fellow celebrities and friends.

The Northern Irish comedian has put the same image on both social media platforms.

The Krankies, plus the late entertainers Paul Daniels and Frank Carson, are among those on the photo.

Additionally, Tommy Cannon and his late comedy partner Bobby Ball feature on the picture.

Reaction to the new image has been very positive.
Gary Wilson said: “Wow my childhood in one photo! What an amazing lineup.”
And Rod Barry commented: “That’s a proper variety line up!
Paul Naylor described it as a “great picture”, adding that it was “variety at its best”.
Meanwhile, Michelle Carrots Campbell said: “Fabulous image of true talent. So many no longer with us…”
Jimmy has nearly 5,000 friends on Facebook, while his Twitter account has more than 9,000 followers.
The popular funnyman has just marked 12 years with a Twitter account.
He has been a Facebook member for a similar length of time.

Also read: Paying tribute to Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy

Blackpool big night out

 

Charlie Williams – one of the funniest men to grace a stage 150 150 mhamer

Charlie Williams – one of the funniest men to grace a stage

Hi folks! Paying tribute here to one of the funniest men that ever graced a stage, my friend the great Charlie Williams! #keepvarietyalive

Jimmy Cricket fondly remembered multi-talented trailblazer Charlie Williams in his latest newspaper column.

Writing in the Blackpool Gazette on Tuesday 24 May, Jimmy said Charlie had broken down racial barriers and had successful careers as both a comedian and a professional footballer.

Charlie was born in Yorkshire of Jamaican descent and was the first black comedian to make the big time on British TV.

He found fame on hit 1970s TV show The Comedians and developed the comedy catchphrase “me old flower”.

Others he appeared with on Granada’s The Comedians included Frank Carson, Tom O’Connor and Jim Bowen.

He went on to host the Golden Shot game show.

Previously, he had played professional football for Doncaster Rovers.

Charlie was awarded an MBE in 1966 for his charity work.

He died in 2006 at the age of 78, having been ill for some time with Parkinson’s and dementia.

Jimmy introduced his latest newspaper column on social media by describing his friend Charlie as “one of the funniest men that ever graced a stage”.

His column began: “I’ve been working on an autobiography dear read­er, but who hasn’t during the lockdowns, when we’ve had so much time on our hands?

“I think the trick is to revisit it now that things are back to normal.

Ronald Reagan’s 80 chapters

“To keep fired up, Mrs Cricket bought me a few autobiographies I expressed an interest in.

“The first one was Michael McIntyre and when I got to the end I said to her: ‘Look, Michael’s finished his life story at 23 chapters, I’m up to 29 chapters and I’ve still got a way to go.’

“She said: ‘I know, but he’s in his forties, you’re 76!’

“Ouch!

“I then opened Ronald Reagan’s autobiography: ‘Look!’ I said. “It took Ronnie 80 chapters to finish his.’

“‘Yes’, she said. ‘But he had two jobs. First, he was an actor, and then he became President of the United States!’

Won the nation’s hearts

“You know that got me thinking.

“It’s taking me all my time to make a living out of being a full-time comedian, so I’m in awe of anyone who can climb the lad­der in one job and then go into a totally different occupation and become a resounding success in that one as well.

“Older readers will remember a black comedian, Charlie Williams, who won the nation’s hearts when he came on the television programme The Comedians.

“Charlie’s wonderful Yorkshire accent endeared him to millions of fans.

“In fact, he was breaking down racial barriers way before the woke people came on the scene.

“However, I wonder how many people actually knew that Charlie had an illustrious career as a professional footballer, playing centre-half for Doncas­ter Rovers.

“As soon as Charlie reached retirement, a career in showbiz beckoned and he moved seamlessly from kicking a ball to holding a mic.

“Sadly, he developed Par­kinson’s Disease, but trouper that he was with the help of his friend Neil Crossland, he carried on touring.

“Neil helped him to dress, led him onstage and Charlie did his act sitting on a chair.

“I have a happy memory of them both coming over to my house in Rochdale, and we all swapped showbiz stories over lunch.”

Also read: Little and Large: It was a joy to work with them both