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may cricket

Easter cruise included special birthday celebration 150 150 mhamer

Easter cruise included special birthday celebration

A thunderstorm and a timely stop-off to celebrate a special birthday helped to make Jimmy Cricket’s Easter cruise a memorable one!

Famous funnyman Jimmy was a celebrity entertainer on the Ambience, the flagship of Ambassador Cruise Line.

His wife, May – a professional singer – accompanied him on the boat, which set sail from London Tilbury on 3 April.

Guernsey, Tobermory on the Isle of Mull and Belfast in Northern Ireland – Jimmy’s place of birth – were among the destinations on the 11-night trip.

It included a ‘Journey through Holy Week’ theme, with Easter services and reflections on board.

Jimmy said: “It was organised by a lifelong friend of ours called Chris Gidney who used to run an organisation called Christians in Entertainment, so it was Christian-themed.

“When we stopped at Belfast, May and I were able to attend a birthday lunch to celebrate her brother Carson’s 80th birthday.

“How convenient was that!?”

He added: “And when we docked in the port of Cherbourg, we were hit by a thunderstorm!”

‘What a star!’

High praise for Jimmy came from one of the passengers called MJ Simpson (pictured below).

Here is MJ’s description of himself on his Twitter profile.

“Writes a bit, acts a bit, doesn’t sing. One book every 20 years or so. Proud owner of the officially second-best handlebar moustache in Britain.”

He posted after the cruise: “The absolute highlight of an @ambassadorcruis packed with great times was seeing and even meeting comedy legend @jimmy__cricket.

“Two hilarious shows and he took time to chat with every fan.

“What a star!”

The absolute highlight of @ambassadorcruis packed with great times was seeing and even meeting comedy legend @jimmy__cricket.

The celebrity entertainers on board included Syd Little, of comedy duo Little and Large fame.

Jimmy posted on social media; “My heartfelt thanks to @ambassadorcruis and to organiser @ChrisGidney1 & Katherine & Tony & Maggie & @RealSidLittle & Sheree alongside @mimilabonqu & Pad, @revcindy1 & Jeff & Rev Ed & Margaret for the joyful Easter Celebrations & fun we had in each other’s company while onboard!”

Find out who else was on the cruise here.

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

Jimmy’s autobiography!

Don’t forget that Jimmy’s official autobiography is now on sale.

Memoirs Of An Irish Comedian tells the heart-warming story of Jimmy’s illustrious life and career – told in his own words.

The paperback costs £11.99 and is available at online retailer Amazon here.

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: Autobiography: Buy The Jimmy Cricket Story now!

South Pacific: Manchester production was fabulous! 150 150 mhamer

South Pacific: Manchester production was fabulous!

What a fabulous production of the Classic Rogers and Hammerstein musical, South Pacific, playing @PalaceAndOpera Opera House on Quay Street, until Saturday 23rd July, myself, @mulgrew_may and @FatherFrankie and @KatieMulg enjoyed it, if you get a chance, do go along folks! #liveperformance 🎭

Jimmy Cricket took a break from his own shows to see the famous classic South  Pacific in Manchester.

The popular Northern Irish comedian watched the production at the Opera House.

Wife May, daughter Katie and son Fr Frankie, joined Jimmy for what was clearly a great night out.

“What a fabulous production of a Classic Rodgers and Hammerstein Musical playing @PalaceAndOpera Opera House on Quay Street,” Jimmy posted on social media.

“Myself, @mulgrew_may and @FatherFrankie and @KatieMulg enjoyed it.

“If you get a chance, do go along folks! #liveperformance 🎭.”

The promo says: “This powerful love story, set on a South Pacific island during World War ll, is brought thrillingly to life in an epic new five-star production.

“With a sensational cast of over 30 and a full orchestra, this ravishing musical is set to be the must-see theatrical event of the year.”

The show features songs such as Some Enchanted Evening, I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair and Bali Ha’i.

It has been adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel Tales of the South Pacific by James A. Michener.

The production runs until Saturday 23 July.

You can book here for the show at Manchester Opera House.

Also read on this website: Lyndene Hotel: It’s wonderful to be back!

Covid outbreak in the Cricket household dashes unveiling trip 150 150 mhamer

Covid outbreak in the Cricket household dashes unveiling trip

Just seen this on Facebook folks, how wonderful is this! The unveiling of Eddie’s portrait today! xx

A bout of Covid-19 prevented Jimmy Cricket from attending the unveiling of a portrait of the late Eddie Large in Blackpool.

Northern Irish entertainer Jimmy tested positive for coronavirus, meaning he could not travel to the famous seaside resort for the event.

He posted the photo below of his positive Covid test on Saturday 2 April – the day of the unveiling.

Jimmy said: “Gutted I won’t be able to attend the unveiling of the portrait today in Blackpool of one of showbiz’s greatest talent, Eddie Large.

“Sending our love to his widow Patsy and son Ryan and the rest of his family and friends who will be there this morning! #WinterGardensBlackpool.”

Eddie was usually the funny guy in the legendary comedy duo of Little and Large.
How wonderful!
Syd Little was the straight man of the two and they went on to be one of the best-loved comedy acts in showbusiness.
They had a TV series and appeared in theatres and pantomimes for many years before their partnership ended when Eddie developed serious health problems.

Eddie, who was born Edward Hugh McGinnis, died aged 78 in April 2020.

He had been suffering with heart failure and contracted coronavirus in hospital.

Family and celebrity friends attended the invitation-only unveiling at the weekend.
The portrait can be seen at The Floral Hall in the Winter Gardens.
It will also be on display at Showtown, Blackpool’s first museum of fun and entertainment.

Jimmy Cricket tested positive for Covid

Jimmy posted the photo at the top of this article on social media on Saturday.

He commented: “Just seen this on Facebook folks, how wonderful is this!

“The unveiling of Eddie’s portrait today!”

Watch video of the unveiling here (note: this is an external website and the video is preceded by an advertisement).

Also read from this website:
Providing an update on his wellbeing, Jimmy said on Sunday: “Hoping to be Covid-free soon.
“Mrs Cricket has been very supportive, although I’m not sure about her medical advice.
“She told me to drink a hot glass of orange after a hot bath…. that was four days ago and I’m still drinking the hot bath!”
Lots of laughter at Galloway’s first virtual Christmas party 150 150 mhamer

Lots of laughter at Galloway’s first virtual Christmas party

Lots of laughter at first virtual Christmas partyA society for blind and partially sighted people hailed its first Christmas party held online as a “major success”.

Comic Jimmy Cricket and his wife, whose stage name is May Marion, headlined the Galloway’s show which was broadcast via Zoom.

Galloway’s posted on social media: “Our first virtual Christmas party on Zoom was a huge success.

“There was lots of laughter, with @jimmy__cricket and his wife May Marion, and our Assistive Tech Co-ordinator wowed everyone with his amazing voice.

“A huge thank you to everyone who joined us to make it special.”

Jimmy and May did a 30-minute set during the online celebration on Friday 18 December.

More than 150 years

Andrew Coleman, assistive technology coordinator at Galloway’s, also performed some swinging Christmas songs as part of the festivities.

Guests could join using either their telephone, smart phone or tablet through the Zoom app.

The party is primarily aimed at blind and partially sighted people, their family members and the charity’s volunteers.

Galloway’s has supported people with sight loss in the North West of England for more than 150 years.

Find out more about Galloway’s

Also read: ‘I enjoyed that Cocker’ – the first time I met Bobby Ball

A Merry Christmas from Jimmy and Mrs Cricket! 150 150 mhamer

A Merry Christmas from Jimmy and Mrs Cricket!

My Christmas card 2018, wishing all my social media friends a Merry Christmas ? with Love and Best Wishes from me and Mrs C.

Jimmy Cricket has sent seasonal greetings from himself and his wife May to all his social media followers.

The famous entertainer posted a goodwill message on both his Twitter and Facebook accounts.

His Twitter posting read: “My Christmas card 2018, wishing all my Twitter friends a Merry Christmas ? with Love and Best Wishes from me and Mrs C. x”

Jimmy and May attend ‘a wonderful wedding’ 150 150 mhamer

Jimmy and May attend ‘a wonderful wedding’

Lexi Hamer and Chris Rodgers

The happy couple Chris Rodgers and Lexi Hamer

Jimmy Cricket and his wife May recently attended the wedding of some very good friends in their adopted home town of Rochdale.

The marriage of Lexi Hamer and Chris Rodgers took place at St Vincent’s RC Church in Norden, where Fr Paul Brindle celebrated mass, and was followed by a reception at Rochdale Rugby Union Club in Bamford.

Jimmy Cricket's pictures from the wedding

Lexi is the daughter of Martin and Carole Hamer, who live in Norden, and Chris is the son of Cathryn and Eric Rodgers, who reside in Shawclough.

More than 100 guests in total attended the buffet meal and the evening celebration.

Famous comedian Jimmy tweeted later: “Been to the wonderful Wedding today of #LexiHamer and #ChrisRodgersalongside the father and mother of the bride #MartinHamer (editor of The Cricket Times and Lecturer at Salford University), and #CaroleHamer alongside their family and friends at #StVincentsCatholicChurch and afterwards at the Rochdale Rugby Union Club!”

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!"