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From Cinders to stand-up 150 150 mhamer

From Cinders to stand-up

Comedy legends Mick Miller and Jimmy Cricket to team up in Darlington

Comedian Jimmy Cricket is returning to the Civic Theatre in Darlington – just months after appearing on the same stage as Baron Hardup in a pantomime version of Cinderella.

This time around, Jimmy is down to do his usual stand-up and is teaming up with fellow comedy legend Mick Miller.

Jimmy enjoyed his time in Darlington so much at Christmas that he could not wait to get back to the civic theatre. When a date was found over the summer, he did not need think twice about it.

He found the Darlington audiences very warm and receptive, and so he now wants to perform the stand-up for which he is famous.

Mick Miller received plenty of praise and plaudits after his appearance in last December’s Royal Command Variety Performance which was broadcast on ITV.

In addition to the Darlington appearance on Wednesday 11 July, the Jimmy and Mick Show tour also includes Preston, Chester, Sheffield and Manchester. It is even down to visit the world-famous Edinburgh Comedy Festival in August.

Jimmy said: “It is a great thrill to be returning to the civic theatre in Darlington after appearing in the theatre’s pantomime last Christmas.

“I am especially excited as people who came to see the panto will now get a chance to see me perform my stand-up.

“Darlington has a great theatre which is really ideal for us comedians as it has an intimate setting that creates a great atmosphere. The evening in question brings together two fine exponents of the arts of comedy and this is a comedy treat that should not be missed.”

Mick said:  “This date in Darlington kicks off mine and Jimmy’s tour together, and I know we are going to have a barrel of laughs over the different dates.

“But I cannot think of a better starting point than Darlington. If you want a giggle or two, then hop down to the civic theatre because with the two of us on stage, it is going to be madcap fun and laughter all the way.”

* Stay up-to-date with all Jimmy Cricket’s forthcoming shows here

All aboard for comedy, music and dance! 150 150 mhamer

All aboard for comedy, music and dance!
Family variety summer show poster

The family variety summer show will take the audience on a nostalgic trip

Jimmy Cricket is starring in a “royal” variety show this summer to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year.

The family entertainment extravaganza, Sentimental Journey, is at the Royal Hippodrome Theatre in Eastbourne, East Sussex, from 1 May to 26 September.

And it will take the audience on a nostalgic trip back to the 1960s and beyond.

Jimmy will be joined by fellow comedians Barry Moon and Mike Lee, world-renowned tribute acts Colin Gold and Tracy Lea – who perform as Billy Fury and Connie Francis respectively – and the Show Time Dancers.

Colin, who starred on ITV’s Stars in Their Eyes, has gone on to become one of the most experienced and acclaimed Billy Fury acts in the world. Halfway to Paradise was one of Fury’s best-known songs.

Stars in Their Eyes was a British television talent show that was screened on Saturday nights from 21 July 1990 to 23 December 2006 and in which contestants impersonated showbiz stars.

Connie Francis’ greatest hits included Who’s Sorry Now, Lipstick on Your Collar and Stupid Cupid.

Performances are at 8.15 each night. Tickets cost £12 and £17 – go here for more information.

Teaching a fellow showbiz star to juggle 150 150 mhamer

Teaching a fellow showbiz star to juggle
Jimmy Cricket has been teaching Ray Quinn how to juggle

Jimmy Cricket has been teaching Ray Quinn how to juggle

Veteran Irish comedian Jimmy Cricket has been giving juggling lessons to actor, dancer and singer Ray Quinn.

The pair appeared in the pantomime Cinderella at the Darlington Civic Theatre which finished on Sunday 15 January.

Jimmy, who played Baron Hardup, said he enjoyed working with all the cast during the six-week showing of the panto.

“We got Cinderella to the ball!” laughed Jimmy this week.

“I have found a great friend in Ray Quinn and you can see me teaching him to juggle on YouTube.”

The juggling video can also be found on the homepage here on Jimmy’s website and on Ray’s own official site.

Jimmy added: “There must have been about 65 panto shows in all as there were often two a day. It was very intensive but thoroughly enjoyable.”

Ray Quinn, who was Prince Charming in the Darlington panto, is engaged to theatre star Emma Stephens who played Cinderella.

They first met when they starred together in Grease in London’s West End several years ago.

Former Brookside actor Ray shot to fame when he finished runner-up to Leona Lewis in the 2007 series of The X Factor and two years later he won ITV’s Dancing on Ice with professional ice skater Maria Filippov.

“Ray’s a good-looking guy. He’s got a terrific voice and dances very well too. I think he could very easily become the next Michael Bublé [Canadian singer and actor]. Ray, Emma and the rest of the cast were great working colleagues,” said Jimmy.

View a musical slideshow of Jimmy and his fellow panto stars on his YouTube channel.

Jimmy and his wife May have just moved house though they still live in Rochdale.

He explained: “We have downsized but only gone around the corner to a lovely cottage overlooking Healey Dell Nature Reserve.”

“The move means we have been offline for a while and have fallen a bit behind with our email and Facebook, but I can assure everybody that they will receive replies to their queries and orders in the next few weeks.”

Starring in a charity gala 150 150 mhamer

Starring in a charity gala

Carnival of Dreams posterJimmy Cricket is among the entertainers appearing in a charity gala in support of Donna’s Dream House at the Grand Theatre in Blackpool.

Carnival of Dreams will also feature Gareth Gates, Denise Nolan, Irish international singing star Rose-Marie, JK as Robbie Williams, International comedy entertainer Kenny Cantor, Aimi MacDonald, Sue Devaney (BBC’s Dinnerladies), International female impersonator Ceri Dupree, Scott Wright (Coronation Street) and the cast of Blackpool’s rock and roller coaster musical Booze Birds & Blackpool Rock, Top UK & World Elvis impersonator Martin Fox, Jamie Pugh from Britain’s Got Talent, Comical singing ventriloquist Kieran Powell, Shani Cantor, Leo Jones Star of TV’s Airline, Scottish Champions Craig Paton on the accordion and Andy Kain on the fiddle, Fylde Scottish Country Dancers, Barry Haywood, Iain Matley, and Blackpool’s very own Funny Girls, Langley Dance Centre, Mary Whelan School of Irish Dancing, Blackpool Circus School and Greater Manchester Pipe Band.

It takes place on Sunday, August 7 – full details in Jimmy’s events calendar and view the full gala poster here.