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may marion

Return to special Shropshire venue after 11 years 150 150 mhamer

Return to special Shropshire venue after 11 years

Jimmy Cricket returns to a special community centre in Shropshire for the first time since 2012 at the weekend.Jimmy Cricket is returning to a special community venue in Shropshire for the first time since 2012.

The Northern Irish comedian is eagerly awaiting his latest visit to the Festival Drayton Centre on Saturday (16 September).

It is part of his 50 Golden Years in showbusiness tour.

The Festival Drayton Centre hosts dance classes, martial arts, adult educational courses, a licensed coffee shop and a state-of-the-art cinema and theatre.

It is owned and run by the local community.

Established in 1984, the centre underwent a major refurbishment in 2004.

It won the Best Regional Winner of the West Midlands Market Towns Award two years later.

Jimmy posted on social media: “It’s been 11 years, but I’m looking forward to my revisit this coming weekend, performing my last ‘50 Golden Years’ show of 2023 at the @festivaldrayton.

“If you live local, why not join in on the fun?!”

The centre’s website said: “Jimmy Cricket is one of the UK’s most-loved Irish comedians, having made four Series for Central Television in the mid 1980s and his own BBC Radio 2 Series in the 1990s, alongside numerous television appearances and Royal Variety Shows over the decades!”

The website also features a TV interview Jimmy did with the late comedian Bob Monkhouse (see below).

Jimmy told the website: “It’s great to be making a return visit, as it has warm memories for me doing my one-nighters there.”

His wife and singer May Marion is also performing on the night.

Book for the show here.

Read about Jimmy’s last visit to Festival Drayton here.

Christmas podcast to raise money for children’s charity 150 150 mhamer

Christmas podcast to raise money for children’s charity

Jimmy Cricket is producing a special festive podcast in aid of his favourite charity.

The Northern Irish comedian is recording the half-show Christmas show in front of a live audience this week.

It will be made available as a podcast for people to listen to from Thursday (8 December).

Christmas podcast to raise money for children's charity

Performing along with Jimmy are his wife May Marion and Jonathan Young (from The Bachelors), both professional singers.

The variety show, comprising comedy, songs and sketches, will be part of one of the regular ‘jam’ nights in Jimmy’s adopted home of Rochdale.

Famous Northern Irish funnyman Jimmy and May have for about 15 years hosted a regular night of entertainment and charity fund-raising at a local parish centre.

It provides an opportunity for Jimmy, May and other performers to try out new (and relive some old) routines.

They began it on a monthly basis and in the past few years have alternated hosting the jam nights with their good friend and fellow entertainer Eric Devereaux.

It takes place in the lounge area of St Vincent’s RC parish centre in Norden.

They often invite special guests who perform free of charge.

There is a raffle and the selling of refreshments, with all proceeds donated to a chosen charity.

‘Wee bit different’

The popular comedian has nicknamed those who regularly support these evenings as ‘Jimmy’s Jammers’.

Tuesday (6 December) is the next charity night, when the Christmas show will be recorded.

Francis House Children’s Hospice, for whom Jimmy has raised many thousands of pounds over the years, will benefit from proceeds of the podcast.

Jimmy said Tuesday would be a “wee bit different”.

He added: “I’m doing half-hour show called The Jimmy Cricket Christmas Variety Special.

“As well as the show being performed to the audience on the night, it will be recorded and put out on podcast to be heard until the end of December.

“What makes it doubly exciting is that I’ve got together with Francis House Children’s Hospice.

“For anyone who does tune in, we’re asking them to make a small donation towards the charity.

“Big or small, they will all be warmly accepted.”

People can contribute here.

Jimmy urged his friends and fans: “Why not listen via my website from Thursday, the eighth of December, and make a small donation to help raise much-needed funds for Francis House?!

“Merry Christmas everyone!”

Read all about the great work done by Francis House here.

Also read: Jam nights are about to return!

Millgate show was ‘amazing’ and ‘wonderful’ 150 150 mhamer

Millgate show was ‘amazing’ and ‘wonderful’

My thanks to organisers Tim and Michael at #millgateartscentre for the #FrancisHouseCH show this evening, my thanks to my fellow acts, compère Jim Nicholas and singer/actor #JonathanYoung and Mrs C. #keepvarietyalive 🎭

The show at the Millgate Arts Centre in Saddleworth was described as “amazing”.

Jimmy Cricket headlined the line-up at the Delph venue on Saturday 23 April.

It had been billed as “an evening of laughter with the legendary funnyman”.

And it clearly lived up to the hype.

Audrey Barrass said: “What an amazing show.”

And Saddleworth Live at the Millgate posted on social media: “What a wonderful show tonight.

“Thank you so much for the laughs and the music.”

May (Marion), Jimmy’s wife, was of the several acts on the night.

Jimmy said afterwards: “My thanks to organisers Tim and Michael @TheMillgateLIVE for the @FrancisHouseCH show this evening.

“My thanks also to my fellow acts, compère Jim Nicholas and singer/actor Jonathan Young, and Mrs C.”

The show raised money for Francis House Children’s Hospital, based in south Manchester.

The hospice supports more than 500 families of children and young people with life-limiting conditions from across the whole of Greater Manchester.

Millgate Arts Centre is home to a thriving local arts community, providing a base for theatre, film, and chamber concert societies.
Additionally, it holds art exhibitions and is available for business or personal lettings.
Saddleworth show is ‘evening of laughter with legendary funnyman’ 150 150 mhamer

Saddleworth show is ‘evening of laughter with legendary funnyman’

Come 'ere, there's more! Join the legendary Irish comedian @jimmy_cricket & friends for a charity variety show supporting @FrancisHouseCH on 23 April 2022. At @millgatearts theatre in Delph Saddleworth. Tickets £12.50

Jimmy Cricket returns to a theatre in Saddleworth for another performance in aid of his favourite charity.

The ever-green Northern Irish comedian is back at the Millgate Arts Centre in Delph, Oldham, on Saturday 23 April.

It is billed as “an evening of laughter with the legendary funnyman”.

Jimmy’s wife May will be one of the acts on the night.

The show will raise money for Francis House Children’s Hospital, based in south Manchester.

Tickets are priced £12.50 and the entertainment is suitable for all ages.

Millgate Arts Centre is home to a thriving local arts community, providing a base for theatre, film, and chamber concert societies.
Additionally, it holds art exhibitions and is available for business or personal lettings.
The theatre’s website says: “The much-loved Irish comedian JIMMY CRICKET and friends are bringing a show brimming with laughter and song to the Millgate Arts Centre with the proceeds going to Francis House Children’s Hospice charity.

Jimmy will arrive equipped with one-liners galore, a sprinkling of visual comedy and, yes, that ever-present letter from his mammy!

This is the perfect show for all the family and there will be giggles aplenty during an evening of fun and frivolity.

On offer is a comedy master-class delivered by Jimmy Cricket, the legendary entertainer everyone has come to know and love.

In 2015 Jimmy Cricket was awarded a papal knighthood (Order of St. Gregory the Great) by Pope Francis for his charity work.

And there’s more…

Jimmy will be joined on stage by special guests:

JONATHAN YOUNG of John Stokes’ THE BACHELORS

More than 25 years ago, singer, songwriter and guitarist Jonathan was invited to join original band member John Stokes and has been entertaining audiences worldwide with the many hits by The Bachelors (and more) ever since.

MAY MARION

Professional singer and actual ‘Mrs Cricket’, May Marion will be entertaining us with a delightful selection of charming songs.

AARON WELBY

Saddleworth Gentleman of Style, Aaron is a two-time X Factor contestant and his unique soul swinging tones will have you calling for more.

JIM NICHOLAS

Long-standing hospice supporter and entertainer Jim Nicholas has raised over £200,000 for Francis House, winning the Pride of Manchester Award for Fundraiser of the Year in 2020. He is delighted to be back on stage to bring you some sunshine and laughter raising funds for the hospice.

“Jimmy Cricket is keeping the fans laughing”  Belfast Telegraph
“Comedian Jimmy Cricket is one of the great front of tabs comedians” The Stage
FRANCIS HOUSE CHILDREN’S HOSPICE

The hospice supports more than 500 families of children and young people with life-limiting conditions from across the whole of Greater Manchester including, Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Stockport, Trafford, Cheshire and Manchester.”

Book for the show here

Watch Jimmy and Jonathan promoting the show on social media

Also read on this website: Oldham show promises a night of ‘fun & frivolity’

Happy St Patrick’s Day everyone! And remember… 150 150 mhamer

Happy St Patrick’s Day everyone! And remember…

It was a joy to return to the wonderful #gladstonetheatre this evening, my thanks to #ChriskaDanceAcademy and Mrs C. and House Manager Valerie, sound and lighting by Ste, and all the volunteers who made us feel so welcome! #keepvarietyalive

Jimmy Cricket sent his annual happy St Patrick’s Day greeting to all his friends and followers across social media.

The popular Belfast-born Jimmy said: “Happy St Patrick’s Day everyone!

“And remember… if you want to live longer, find out where you’re going to die and stay away from there.”

Jimmy and his wife May began the celebrations early, performing at the Gladstone Theatre in Port Sunlight on The Wirral.

“It was a joy to return to the wonderful #gladstonetheatre this evening,” said Jimmy on Sunday.

“My thanks to #ChriskaDanceAcademy and Mrs C. and House Manager Valerie, sound and lighting by Ste.

“And thanks also to all the volunteers who made us feel so welcome! #keepvarietyalive.”

2 weeks to go until Irish comedy legend @jimmy__cricket will be on our stage! Come and start your St Patrick’s Day Celebrations off right and book your tickets now!

Like Jimmy, singer May Marion, aka Mrs Cricket, hails from the Emerald Isle.

The Gladstone Theatre’s website had promoted the event with the following: “Come and join the comedy legend Jimmy Cricket in this St Patrick’s Day celebration as he celebrates all things Irish.

“Featuring the fabulous May Marion and Ellesmere Port-based CHRISKA Performing Arts School (pictured top right), this really is a celebration not to be missed.”
The Wirral’s hidden gem

William Hesketh Lever, founder of Lever Brothers, now known as Unilever, founded the Gladstone Theatre in 1888.

The building originally housed his soap factory workers.

It is known as The Wirral’s hidden gem.

Subsequently, it became an assembly and recreation hall for entertainment.

Additionally, it has staged political meetings, films, dance and lectures, something it still hosts to this day.

The Port Sunlight venue hosted Jimmy’s popular comedy play No more Fiffing and Faffing in October 2019.

Also read: Start St Patrick’s Day celebrations by watching legend Jimmy!

May to sing special song in Gladstone Theatre show 150 150 mhamer

May to sing special song in Gladstone Theatre show

2 weeks to go until Irish comedy legend @jimmy__cricket will be on our stage! Come and start your St Patrick’s Day Celebrations off right and book your tickets now!

May Marion, aka Mrs Cricket, is to sing her father’s favourite song in a show celebrating St Patrick’s Day.

Like Jimmy, May is from the Emerald Isle and will include How Can You Buy Killarney? among her repertoire of songs at the Gladstone Theatre in Port Sunlight on Sunday (13 March).

Killarney, a town in County Kerry, south-west Ireland, is a popular tourist destination.

Jimmy will do his usual comedy routine as the headline act at the Gladstone.

He said: “My good lady will be singing her dad’s favourite song “How Can You Buy Killarney” when we take our St Patrick’s day show to the Gladstone theatre in Port Sunlight next Sunday the 13th of March at 7-30….Telephone 0151 643 8757.”

The Gladstone Theatre’s website says: “Come and join the comedy legend Jimmy Cricket in this St Patrick’s Day celebration as he celebrates all things Irish.

“Featuring the fabulous May Marion and Ellesmere Port-based CHRISKA Performing Arts School, this really is a celebration not to be missed.”

Click on the image below for more details and to book your tickets.

Celebrate St Patrick’s Day with Jimmy Cricket

William Hesketh Lever, founder of Lever Brothers, now known as Unilever, founded the Gladstone Theatre in 1888.

The building originally housed his soap factory workers.

It is known as The Wirral’s hidden gem.

Subsequently, it was used as an assembly and recreation hall for entertainment.

Additionally, it has staged political meetings, films, dance and lectures, something it still hosts to this day.

The Port Sunlight venue hosted Jimmy’s popular comedy play No more Fiffing and Faffing in October 2019.

Also read: Start St Patrick’s Day celebrations by watching legend Jimmy!

Coventry show will be ‘wonderful afternoon of feel-good entertainment’ 150 150 mhamer

Coventry show will be ‘wonderful afternoon of feel-good entertainment’

This was one of the first shows to be cancelled when the pandemic struck last March… now at last we can go ahead! This coming Friday, 24 Sept at @BelgradeTheatre … #Variety is back! #CoventryJimmy Cricket will be making up for lost time when he performs on stage in Coventry this week.

The famous funnyman appears on the Belgrade Theatre Main Stage on Friday 24 September (1.30pm start).

The show, originally postponed because of coronavirus, is billed as A Big Afternoon Out with Bob Brolly and Jimmy Cricket.

Jimmy’s wife, a professional singer who going by the stage name of May Marion, is also appearing.

Musical host Andy Eastwood, a good friend of Jimmy’s, said: “This was one of the first shows to be cancelled when the pandemic struck last March.

“Now at last we can go ahead! This coming Friday, 24 Sept at @BelgradeTheatre#Variety is back! #Coventry.”

The theatre’s website says: “Bob Brolly and his band return with their heartwarming blend of Irish ballads, country hits, nostalgic singalongs and entertaining chat.

“Favourite funnyman Jimmy Cricket is also back, with the brand of humour that has made him not only a legend of laughter, but a national treasure.

“Singer May Marion and your regular host and compere Andy Eastwood complete the line-up in this wonderful afternoon of feel-good entertainment.”

View times and book here for the Coventry show

Also read: Great chance to support live entertainment