Posts Tagged :

ken dodd

‘Amazing memorabilia from the maestro of Knotty Ash!’ 150 150 mhamer

‘Amazing memorabilia from the maestro of Knotty Ash!’

The late Sir Ken Dodd is being remembered with a special exhibiton of memorabilia in his hometown of Liverpool.

The late Sir Ken Dodd is being remembered with a special exhibiton of memorabilia in his hometown of Liverpool.

Sir Ken, who died at the age of 90 in March 2018, was a famous comedian and singer.

He often did very long stand-up shows, which sometimes lasted until the early hours of the morning.

People will also remember him fondly for his Diddy Men from Knotty Ash (where he was born and died) and his tickling stick.

The Museum of Liverpool exhibition, entitled Happiness!, celebrates his life and career.

It runs from Saturday (9 September) to 3 March 2024.

The website promoting the event says: “Ken’s unique blend of whimsical, physical, surreal and theatrical humour transformed the UK’s comedy scene.

‘Natural gift for making people laugh’

“Using memorabilia from Ken Dodd’s personal archive, this show will explore Ken’s career and how his comedic approach continues to be used and adopted by some of the UK’s most well-known and emerging comedians.

“Fondly remembered for the magical world he created, including Ken Dodd’s Diddymen, his tickling stick and the jam butty mines, his true passion was his natural gift for making people laugh.

“The exhibition will build on Ken’s passion, looking at the science of comedy, happiness and why laughter is good for our health.”

You can book tickets here for the exhibition.

Fellow funnyman Jimmy Cricket, a very good friend of Ken’s, highlighted the event on social media.

He said: “Hi folks. Opening soon is the ‘Happiness Exhibition’ dedicated to one of the greatest comics who ever graced the stage.

“Running till March 2024, why not pop along and see some amazing memorabilia from the maestro of Knotty Ash!”

Signature song

The son of a coal merchant, Ken Dodd had been a comedian since 1954.

He made it into the Guinness Book of Records for telling 1,500 jokes in three-and-a-half hours.

Sir Ken was also a ventriloquist and an established singer.

He had many recording hits, charting on 18 occasions in the UK Top 40.

His version of Bill Anderson’s Happiness, which reached 31 in the charts in 1964, became his signature song.

And his recording of Tears topped the UK singles chart for five weeks in 1965.

It was the biggest hit single in Britain that year, selling more than one million copies in the UK alone.

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!

 

Mary’s Meals: Charity marks memorable milestone 150 150 mhamer

Mary’s Meals: Charity marks memorable milestone

My thanks to #FrFrankieMulgrew and all the Team Members here at headquarters for the invite to Mary's Meals here in the great City of Glasgow for the celebrations of reaching the monumental figure of now providing meals for over 2million children in over 19 countries around the world! #pleasehelpifyoucanJimmy Cricket helped charity Mary’s Meals celebrate passing the great milestone of providing food for two million children.

The famous comedian was in Glasgow earlier this week for the special event.

Mary’s Meals supports feeding projects in some of the world’s poorest communities where hunger and poverty prevent children from gaining an education.

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

Jimmy said on social media: “My thanks to #FrFrankieMulgrew and all the Team Members here at headquarters for the invite to #MarysMeals here in the great City of Glasgow…

“… for the celebrations of reaching the monumental figure of now providing meals for over 2million children in over 19 countries around the world! #pleasehelpifyoucan”

Fr Frankie has previously written two books, with the proceeds from both going to Mary’s Meals.

He compiled and edited Does God LOL? (LOL is internet slang for Laugh Out Loud), published in 2013.

Sir Ken Dodd, Ricky Tomlinson, Tim Vine and the late Frank Carson were among the famous showbiz names to contribute to the book.

God’s love and power

Fr Frankie also compiled and edited Miracles R Us: Supernatural Miracles In The Catholic Church.

A summary of the book, published three years ago, asks: “Do miracles really happen? Are there miracles in the 21st century just as there were during the life of Jesus?

“This book proves that God’s love and power to traFr Frankie Mulgrew leaves church after saying his first Mass as a Catholic priestnsform hearts and lives is as real today as it was in the time of Jesus.”

It includes a contribution from Cardinal Vincent Nichols.

Fr Frankie (right) was a professional comedian like his dad before being ordained in 2013.

The Salford-based Roman Catholic priest had the stage name of Frankie Doodle as an entertainer.

Also read: Packed show is a family affair for Mary’s Meals fundraiser

 

TV tennis sketch – to whom did those umpire legs belong?! 150 150 mhamer

TV tennis sketch – to whom did those umpire legs belong?!

Hi folks! with the US Open a week away, here is a fun sketch, (will be featuring many on the front page of my website in the coming weeks), meanwhile who do these umpire legs belong to?Jimmy Cricket chose a topical time to post his popular TV tennis sketch on social media.

The US Open starts on Monday at Flushing Meadows in New York and lasts two weeks.

It is usually tennis’s final Grand Slam tournament of the year, the others being the Australian Open, the French Open and Wimbledon.

The tennis sketch is from Jimmy’s popular TV show called And There’s More.

It went out on ITV prime-time on Saturday nights and ran for three years between 1985 and 1988.

The show was a mixture of stand-up routines and sketches.

He said earlier this week: “Hi folks! With the US Open a week away, here is a fun sketch, (will be featuring many on the front page of my website in the coming weeks).

“Meanwhile, who do these umpire legs belong to?” Thinking face

Jimmy subsequently shared the answer to his question.

He revealed: “Hi folks, the umpire legs belonged to the great scriptwriter Eddie Braben.

“The great man himself kindly lent us his knees for the sketch and was always fantastic fun to work with, as we went through the scripts he had written!

“You can spot him many times doing cameos throughout the series of And There’s More.”

Eddie, who died aged 82 in 2013, was a legendary comedy writer.

As well as Jimmy, he provided material for Morecambe and Wise.

Eddie was credited with changing the profile of the famous duo.

He helped to turn them into one of the most popular and enduring comedy acts in the history of British entertainment.

Jimmy started working with Eddie on his TV show, And There’s More, and then his radio show, Jimmy’s Cricket Show.

Watch the tennis sketch here

Eddie Braben exhibition is ‘a tribute to a genius’

 

Losing the Grand Theatre in Blackpool would be a ‘tragedy’ 150 150 mhamer

Losing the Grand Theatre in Blackpool would be a ‘tragedy’

Jimmy Cricket says the closure of the iconic Grand Theatre in Blackpool would be a "tragedy" for future generationsJimmy Cricket says the closure of the iconic Grand Theatre in Blackpool would be a “tragedy” for future generations.

The theatre, which was almost demolished in 1972, could be closed because of the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

Management warned it would shut unless the government intervened.

Most of the 57 staff were furloughed during the lockdown.

They could be left redundant when the job-saving scheme ends on 31 October.

A charitable trust has run the theatre since 1972, when local campaigners saved it from the bulldozers.

Among them were entertainers such as Sir Ken Dodd and BBC broadcaster Alistair Cooke.

It reopened in March 1981 with a performance of The Merchant of Venice starring Timothy West and Prunella Scales.

Like other provincial theatres which depend largely on box office receipts to keep going, the venue has had no income since the lockdown began.

All tickets were refunded for cancelled shows and plays.

We must all get together

The theatre, which first opened in 1894, had applied for a £500,000 government grant to keep it going until it might be able to put shows on in January.

However, if social distancing measures were still in place then, it would not make the shows viable and also the money would have run out.

Jimmy said: “We must all get together to save the Grand in Blackpool folks.

“To deprive future generations of this wonderful theatre would be a tragedy.”

His post on Twitter attracted hundreds of likes and retweets as well as some comments.

Also read: Grand Theatre in Blackpool hosts charity concert

External link: Blackpool’s Grand Theatre facing closure amid coronavirus pandemic

The late, great Paul Melba was one of the finest 150 150 mhamer

The late, great Paul Melba was one of the finest

Sad to hear of the passing of one of showbiz finest comedians and impressionist the great Paul Melba, known for his classy mimicking of the great stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood, alongside his acclaimed James Mason voice, amongst others! R.I.P.

Jimmy Cricket described Paul Melba, who has died aged 84, as one of the finest comedians and impressionists in showbusiness.

Paul Melba, whose real name was Francis ‘Frank’ Staunton, passed away on 11 August from heart failure.

The dad-of-three grew up in Huyton on Merseyside and went on to enjoy a  successful career on stage and television.

It included him performing at the Royal Variety Performance and he became friends with some famous celebrities.

He was known for voice impressions of stars such as James Mason, John Wayne, Eric Morecambe, Ken Dodd and Billy Connolly.

Paul also did memorable singing impressions of the likes of Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jnr among many others.

Northern Irish entertainer Jimmy said on social media: “Sad to hear of the passing of one of showbiz’s finest comedians and impressionists the great Paul Melba.

‘Great entertainer and gentlemen

“Known for his classy mimicking of the great stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood, alongside his acclaimed James Mason voice, amongst others! R.I.P.”

Jimmy’s post prompted tributes from others.

They included:

:: Met him once lovely talented man Jimmy will be greatly missed!

:: A great entertainer and gentlemen, RIP

:: Thank you, he will be sorely missed #PaulMelba x
Jimmy found out there was a fund-raising appeal in the wake of Paul’s death.
He said: “We’re living in difficult times folks, but if you can help financially, by donating a little for this worthy cause! Paul’s Melba’s Funeral Expenses.”

Paul’s daughter, Kate Richards, 50, organised the fundraiser, saying: “I am so sad to say that my Father passed away peacefully at his home in Spain on the 10th of August.

“Unfortunately his financial circumstances were not great and he left no will.

‘Dad would have been so overwhelmed’

“I am sorry to say that we are struggling to find the money to cremate my Father and need to raise the funds to do this due to our own personal financial circumstances.

“Anything you can donate would help towards easing the financial responsibility which has been placed solely with me.

“Many thanks for anything you can spare.

The target was £3,000 and Kate posted again several days later.

She said: “Thank you so much for all of your help, Dad would have been so overwhelmed.

“We have reached the goal with further donations from The Royal Variety Charity & The Water Rats charity.”

Also read: Lord Alton’s ‘wonderful tribute’ to John Hume

Blackpool Big Night Out: Relive it on BBC’s iPlayer 150 150 mhamer

Blackpool Big Night Out: Relive it on BBC’s iPlayer

Blackpool Big Night Out in on BBC's iPlayer

Jimmy Cricket and a host of other top entertainers have featured in a special programme about Blackpool – and you can catch it on iPlayer.

The 74-year-old Northern Irish comedian has performed at the popular Lancashire seaside resort many times over the years.

In the BBC documentary, he talks fondly about his feelings for the coastal town.

Blackpool is described as the beating heart of British entertainment.

The Lancashire coastal town launched the careers of Morecambe and Wise, attracted stars as big as Frank Sinatra and is still the spiritual home of the likes of the late Sir Ken Dodd, Cannon and Ball and many more.

Jimmy Cricket is among those interviewed on Blackpool Big Night Out

Jimmy tweeted: “Hi folks, here is a link to the BBC’s nostalgic look at this great seaside resort.”

He says on the programme about Blackpool: “I remember arriving and seeing the trams.

“There were people advertised on the trams, like Cilla Black and Val Doonican.

“And you think, you’ve arrived when you’ve got your name on a tram – this is incredible.

Blackpool Big Night Out on BBC's iPlayer“I remember once doing the south pier and actually saw my name on a tram.

“I thought ‘I must get on here!'”

The programme went out on BBC Two on Monday 27 April 2020 at 9.45pm.

You have just 11 days left (until 27 May) to watch on the BBC iPlayer.

Watch it here

Jimmy features about three quarters of the way through the hour-long programme.

Also read: From the archives – Norman Wisdom and Ernie Wise

Jimmy Cricket is seen performing on Blackpool Big Night Out

Interviewed by cousin on Black Country Radio about Christmas CD! 150 150 mhamer

Interviewed by cousin on Black Country Radio about Christmas CD!

Jimmy CricketJimmy Cricket was interviewed on the radio by a relative recently!

The Northern Irish comedian chatted to his cousin Pat Breslin, who as well as being a professional entertainer himself, is a presenter on Black Country Radio, which broadcasts across part of the West Midlands.

Jimmy was asked about his Christmas CD,  Santa bring my wellies back to me, which first went on sale two years ago and has now sold around 1600 copies.

Jimmy posted on social media: “Was interviewed by my cousin Pat Breslin! Listen to our chat here, as we also promote my Christmas CD, with all the proceeds going to ⁦

The interview with Jimmy begins at 2:05:20; towards the top of the page on the link above, press the play button (arrow pointing right) and then drag the white circle along the black band to this time.

Famous funnyman Jimmy said that when another 400 copies of the CD have been sold, it will have raised £10,000 for the hospice.

The name of the CD relates to the theft several years ago of concrete wellington boots (below right)  given to Rochdale-based Jimmy by friend and fellow comedian, the late Sir Ken Dodd. They were never recovered.

All proceeds go to Francis House Children’s Hospice which is based in south Manchester and is a favourite charity of Jimmy’s.

The wellies were given by Ken Dodd to Jimmy Cricket

  • In a special offer only for Christmas 2018,  Jimmy is offering his Christmas CD and his DVD Pull Your Seats Forward, which is based on a live performance, both for the same price (£12 including P&P) and Jimmy  will send half the money to charity.

For more details about this special offer, go here.