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lancashire

Latest LEP column: UK has the best live theatre 150 150 mhamer

Latest LEP column: UK has the best live theatre

Jimmy Cricket's column in the Preston-based Lancashire Evening Post

Jimmy Cricket has been talking about his love of live theatre – and how a new European Union regulation could affect it.

The famous entertainer has been discussing the issue in his latest monthly newspaper column in the Lancashire Evening Post.

“Live theatre takes us on to another level and here in the UK we’ve got the world’s best. After all, this is the home of Shakespeare.

“Classic drama is one of our biggest exports. As for comedy, whether it be a play or stand-up, to be part of the ripples of laughter is something else.”

Jimmy, 72, says the lighting plays a big part in creating the great atmosphere in theatres.

However, he points out that from 2020, a new EU ruling will require everyone to sign up to new lighting efficiency regulations.

“Now that’s all very laudable and I don’t mind in the slightest adhering to it in my own home – indeed, after Brexit it may not apply at all,” says the Rochdale-born comedian.

“However, it if goes ahead here and it’s applied to theatres, our live experience will never be the same again.”

Jimmy later tweeted: “Have a little catch up with my July column  – since this went to print the ruling has been amended!”

Tickets are selling fast for Jimmy Cricket’s first play 150 150 mhamer

Tickets are selling fast for Jimmy Cricket’s first play

Tickets for the world premiere of Jimmy Cricket’s first play are selling fast.

No more Fiffing and Faffing will be staged at the Blackburn Empire Theatre on Sunday 16 September at 7.30pm.

Join comedy double act Joe Fiffen and Jerry Faffen on their last night in showbusiness. As well as their classic sketches, they’ll be settling some old scores in the dressing room.

Appearing with famous comedian Jimmy will be Jonathan Young from The Bachelors, and actor Colin Meredith, who has had several notable appearances in ITV’s Coronation Street over the years.

Tickets cost £10. You can also book by telephoning 01254 685 500. The theatre’s email address is boxoffice@blackburnempire.com

Read more about the play and book online here.

Mike Johnson tweeted: "No more Fiffing and Faffing written by and starring @jimmy__cricket with Jonathan Young and Colin Meredith @ThwaitesEmpire - tickets going fast don't miss out book https://blackburnempire.com/event/no-more-fiffing-faffing/ … or phone 01254 685 500."

Jimmy and his wife May have just returned from a European cruise.

Northern Irish entertainer Jimmy was performing on the Magellan – a ship belonging to Cruise and Maritime Voyages – which sailed along the coasts of France, Portugal and Spain.

Earlier on the cruise, they visited the cathedral at Santiago de Compostela, the resting place for the relics of the apostle St James and the finishing point for a popular pilgrimage route, the Camino de Santiago (the Way of St James).

And later they went to the National Pantheon (Panteão Nacional) in Lisbon, in which important Portuguese personalities – including Eusébio – are buried. Eusébio da Silva Ferreira is considered by many as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

On their return, Jimmy posted on social media (see photo below): “Back on dry land and my thanks to one of the newer Cruise ? Companies for looking after us so well, here with fellow artist onboard Gary with his family!”

Jimmy Cricket tweeted: "Back on dry land and my thanks to one of the newer Cruise ? Companies @CMVoyages for looking after us so well, here with fellow artist onboard Gary with his family!"

NHS70: Jimmy Cricket’s tribute to UK institution 150 150 mhamer

NHS70: Jimmy Cricket’s tribute to UK institution

jimmy Cricket paid tribute to the NHS

Jimmy Cricket has paid tribute to the UK’s National Health Service, which turned 70 earlier this month.

The NHS was born on 5 July 1948, with the promise of healthcare from cradle to grave, free at the point of use for everyone.

Today, it is the UK’s largest employer, with more than 1.5 million staff from all over the world working in 350 different careers. Its budget for 2018-19 is around £125 billion.

In an interview for the Blackpool Teaching Hospitals website (NHS Foundation Trust), 72-year-old Jimmy  – described as a “legendary welly-wearing funny man” – insisted the NHS should be preserved for generations to come.

He said: “It’s a humanitarian goal that every single person, race colour or creed or whatever their income, gets medical attention.

“In fact, when people go abroad and have to spend fortunes, they realise how blessed and lucky we are in this country to have the NHS.”

Jimmy, who spends a fair bit of time in Blackpool doing shows at the popular Lyndene Hotel on the promenade, added: “Let’s keep the NHS for our children and for our children’s children.”

Read the full story at https://www.bfwh.nhs.uk/come-closer-and-listen-to-comics-thoughts-on-nhs/

NHS70 is running celebrations throughout the year – for details on how to get involved, visit the NHS70 website.

Settling some old scores in the dressing room… 150 150 mhamer

Settling some old scores in the dressing room…

Jimmy Cricket's new play is called No more Fiffen and Faffen

The world premiere of Jimmy Cricket’s play is now just two months away.

No more Fiffing and Faffing will be staged for the first time at the Blackburn Empire Theatre on Sunday 16 September at 7.30pm.

Join comedy double act Joe Fiffen and Jerry Faffen on their last night in showbusiness. As well as their classic sketches, they’ll be settling some old scores in the dressing room.

Appearing with famous comedian Jimmy will be Jonathan Young from The Bachelors, and actor Colin Meredith, who has had several notable appearances in ITV’s Coronation Street over the years.

Read more about the play and book online here.

Tickets cost £10. You can also book by telephoning 01254 685 500. The theatre’s email address is boxoffice@blackburnempire.com

Jimmy’s LEP column: My tribute to a great agent 150 150 mhamer

Jimmy’s LEP column: My tribute to a great agent

Jimmy Cricket's June column in the Lancashire Evening Post

Jimmy Cricket has been paying tribute to “one of the all-time great theatrical agents” in his latest column in the Lancashire Evening Post.

The 72-year-old comedian recalls the career of Phyllis Rounce, who also managed the likes of Rod Hull and Emu, and Tony Hancock.

Rod Hull was a comedian, best known as a popular entertainer on British television in the 1970s and 1980s. He rarely appeared without Emu, a mute, highly aggressive arm-length puppet modelled on the Australian flightless emu bird.

Hancock was a high-profile comedian and actor during the 1950s and early 1960s, enjoying major success with his BBC series Hancock’s Half Hour, first broadcast on radio and then on television.

Jimmy said Phyllis – who was known as Phil to her friends – was an “exceptional manager who went the extra mile for her artistes”.

He added that she “had a love affair with showbusiness that started during the Second World War.

“She realised the part entertainment could play in boosting soldiers’ morale and keeping their spirits up on the way to the front.

“How lucky was I to be guided by a lady with such a caring nature and such creative vision.”

On social media channel Twitter, Jimmy said the June column in the Preston-based LEP was his “dedication and tribute to one of the all-time great theatrical agents in the world of showbusiness”.

No more Fiffing and Faffing – the poster 150 150 mhamer

No more Fiffing and Faffing – the poster

Jimmy Cricket's new play is called No more Fiffen and Faffen

Here’s the poster publicising Jimmy Cricket’s forthcoming play, No more Fiffing and Faffing.

It will be staged for the first time at the Blackburn Empire Theatre on Sunday 16 September at 7.30pm.

Appearing with famous comedian Jimmy will be Jonathan Young from The Bachelors, and actor Colin Meredith, who has had several notable appearances in ITV’s Coronation Street over the years.

Read more about the play and book online here.

Tickets cost £10. You can also book by telephoning 01254 685 500. The theatre’s email address is boxoffice@blackburnempire.com

Jimmy, 72, has previously written three musicals, Let’s Hear It For The Wee Man, Maloney’s Big Moment and Give Me One Good Season.

Blackburn theatre to host Jimmy Cricket’s new play 150 150 mhamer

Blackburn theatre to host Jimmy Cricket’s new play
Jimmy Cricket performing previously at the Thwaites Empire Theatre in Blackburn

Jimmy performing previously at the Blackburn Empire Theatre

Jimmy Cricket’s new play will get its world premiere in the Lancashire town of Blackburn later this year.

No more Fiffing and Faffing takes place at the Blackburn Empire Theatre on Sunday 16 September at 7.30pm.

Read more about the play and book online here.

Tickets cost £10. You can also book by telephoning 01254 685 500. The theatre’s email address is boxoffice@blackburnempire.com

Famous comedian Jimmy, 72, has previously written three musicals, Let’s Hear It For The Wee Man, Maloney’s Big Moment and Give Me One Good Season.