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Panto rehearsals set to start 150 150 mhamer

Panto rehearsals set to start

Jimmy Cricket will be headlining the 2013 Christmas panto at the Forum Theatre in BillinghamJimmy Cricket will begin rehearsals for his Christmas pantomime at the end of next week.

The Northern Irish entertainer will play the comedy role of Muddles in that old favourite, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, at the Forum Theatre in Billingham near Middlesbrough from 7 December to 5 January.

Also in the cast is Emmerdale’s Kurtis Stacey (he plays Alex Moss in the soap) who will feature in the role of the Wicked Henchman.

On most days, there is planned a 2.30 afternoon matinee and an early evening show starting at around 6pm, but check with the theatre by phone or on its website (details below) as times vary on different days.

The panto is being produced by the hugely experience Duggie Chapman, who has been in charge of the Forum Theatre’s panto for the last 15 or so years.

For more information or to book a ticket, visit the Forum Theatre website or ring the Box Office on 01642 552663.

Hi ho hi ho, it’s off to work we go 150 150 mhamer

Hi ho hi ho, it’s off to work we go
Cast members of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs from 7 December to 5 January at the Forum Theatre in Billingham

Some cast members of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs from 7 December to 5 January at the Forum Theatre in Billingham. Photo credit: Northern Echo

Jimmy Cricket teamed up with some of his fellow cast members at a press launch for the forthcoming festive season pantomime he is headlining.

The Northern Irish entertainer will play the comedy role of Muddles in that old favourite, Snow White and the seven dwarfs, at the Forum Theatre in Billingham near Middlesbrough from 7 December to 5 January.

Alongside Jimmy in the picture above are a couple of the cast who will be playing two of the dwarves, plus Craig Ansell (who will be Sarah the Cook), local girl Victoria Holtom (Snow White), and Emmerdale‘s Kurtis Stacey (he plays Alex Moss in the soap) who will feature in the role of the Wicked Henchman.

On most days, there is planned a 2.30 afternoon matinee and an early evening show starting at around 6pm, but check with the theatre by phone or on its website (details below) as times vary on different days.

The panto will be produced by the hugely experience Duggie Chapman, who has been in charge of the Forum Theatre’s panto for the last 15 or so years.

For more information or to book a ticket, visit the Forum Theatre website or ring the Box Office on 01642 552663.

Jimmy Cricket and Victoria Holtom (Snow White)

Jimmy Cricket and Victoria Holtom (who plays Snow White).  Photograph credit: Northern Echo

Jimmy Cricket on Sky in 2013 150 150 mhamer

Jimmy Cricket on Sky in 2013

Jimmy Cricket already has an exciting 2013 lined up.

And you can see him live on stage at a nearby venue – or on television.

Highlights of the coming year include:

– Appearing in Sky1’s new comedy series called John Bishop’s Only Joking, scheduled for January and February

– A  return to the open seas as he is making an appearance on P&O’s Aurora cruise ship where he will feature in a leg of the ship’s world cruise during February between Honolulu, the southern-most major US city, and Papeete, capital of French Polynesia in the Pacific Ocean

Jimmy Cricket and the Good Old Days

– Featuring in a tour of Northern Ireland with the legendary comic showband, Clubsound – this show has proved so popular that the tour’s promoter has had to arrange a second leg!

– Headlining a national Music Hall Tour, which will visit places such as Nottingham, Cardiff, Ipswich and Tunbridge Wells to name just a few

– Appearing at Dave’s Comedy Festival in Leicester during February

–  Headlining the summer season show at the Princess Theatre in Hunstanton, Norfolk, over the main six-week holiday period

– Continuing to tour with his Value for a Tenner show, with dates at Bathgate, New Brighton, Whitley Bay and Bungay already lined up for next year

Celebrities support toy giveaway 150 150 mhamer

Celebrities support toy giveaway
A special photo call was staged to mark the toy giveaway. Photo by Ian McClelland

A special photo call was staged to mark the toy giveaway. Photo by Ian McClelland

The festive pantomine in which Jimmy Cricket is currently starring has been well-received by the critics.

Cinderella is on at the Civic Theatre in Darlington until Sunday January 15.

The cast features Jimmy, who plays Baron Hardup alongside Dancing on Ice star Ray Quinn and former Emmerdale actress Deena Payne.

Recent good reviews of the show can be found at The Stage website and Whatsonstage.

Jimmy and other panto stars agreed to take part in a special photo call to mark a toy giveaway for underprivileged children.

The event was sponsored by a local Darlington car dealership called Jennings Ford and also involved the Salvation Army.

Despite a busy schedule, Jimmy, Ray – who plays Prince Charming – and Deena (Fairy Godmother) took time out from the busy rehearsals to offer their support to the appeal.

Jimmy poses with a child in the theatre foyer after one of the panto performances

Jimmy poses for a picture with a child in the theatre foyer after one of the panto performances

Last year about 7,000 children and 2,000 families across the North East of England were supported with presents and a further 1,000 individuals received food over the Christmas period.

For the past 13 consecutive years, Jennings Motor Group has supported the appeal by using its branch network across the region as drop-off points for staff and members of the public.

Ray Riaz, general manager at Jennings Ford’s Yarm Road dealership in Stockton, said: “We were delighted that the cast of this year’s pantomime could help out with the appeal. The Salvation Army does an absolutely amazing job helping those in the local community, not just at Christmas time but all year round.”

Anyone wanting to buy tickets for the panto should ring 01325 486 555 or visit the website at Darlington Civic Theatre and Arts Centre.

Jimmy gives his autograph in the theatre foyer after one of the panto performances

Jimmy gives his autograph in the theatre foyer after one of the panto performances