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Norman Wisdom tribute act is part of charity gala 150 150 mhamer

Norman Wisdom tribute act is part of charity gala

Jimmy Cricket has been invited to take part in a fundraiser in May with a distinctive Norman Wisdom feel.TV entertainer Jimmy Cricket has been invited to take part in a fundraiser in May with a distinctive Norman Wisdom feel.

This is because the charity gala on Saturday 6 May is being organised by Barbara Lindsay – who was legendary comedian Sir Norman Wisdom’s PA – and produced and presented by the impresario Johnny Mans – Norman’s agent for many years.

The show will even feature an impersonator of the man himself as Glenn M Ford, who performs as a tribute to Norman Wisdom, will be part of the show’s line-up.

This event is being organised by Barbara to raise funds for churches in and around the town of Whittlesey within the Cambridgeshire Fens.

With the Ivy Leaf Club chosen as the venue, the evening’s proceedings which Johnny Mans has put together, will not just include himself as compere and Glenn Ford as Norman, alongside Jimmy, it also features 60s star Jess  Conrad, illusionist Daniel Dean and a host of other entertainment surprises.

Jimmy, 71, said: “I am looking forward to teaming up once more with Johnny Mans, whom I have known for a long time, and am very pleased to be lending my support to this special event.”

Motorbike made out of balloons 150 150 mhamer

Motorbike made out of balloons
Jimmy with Fred and Connie alongside an amazing motorbike made especially for this celebration out of modelling balloons!

Jimmy Cricket with Fred and Connie Van Buren – and that amazing motorbike made of modelling balloons

A motorbike made out of modelling balloons was one of the highlights when comedian Jimmy Cricket helped to celebrate the 80th birthday of one of his friends.

Jimmy Cricket with Connie, Fred's wife

Jimmy Cricket with Connie, Fred’s wife

Magician Fred Van Buren’s party was held in the village of Silverdale in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire.

Fred is now retired but his son, Andy, who has inherited the family penchant for magic, is following in his dad’s footsteps and is one of a few performers still skilled in the art of plate spinning.

Andy has been described as “one of the biggest names in British illusionists for many a decade”.

A multi-talented & skilled performer, he is one of the most experienced performers within the speciality act, shows & entertainment showbusiness today. He a gold star performing member of the Inner Magic Circle and a member of the prestigious showbusiness organisation, the Grand Order of Water Rats.

Fred and Connie get ready to cut the birthday cake

Fred cuts the cake

Jimmy has worked with Andy on many occasions – including in a pantomime at the Garrick Theatre in Lichfield – and the friendship has even involved Fred and Andy storing some of Jimmy’s props in their crammed warehouse which is full of tricks and props – including Jimmy’s gigantic Mexican hats!

This is because Jimmy tried to recreate for a stage show one of the sketches from his TV series called And There’s More on YouTube. This sketch involved large Mexican hats, but Jimmy did not have room for them, so  the Van Burens stepped in to help out and house them for him.

Jimmy says a big thank-you to magician Geoff Rushworth and Andrew Sherratt for supplying these superb photographs of a truly tremendous occasion!

Bike made out of balloons