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northern ireland

The Great British Seaside Special 150 150 mhamer

The Great British Seaside Special

Jimmy Cricket’s summer season in the idyllic Norfolk seaside resort of Hunstanton gets under way on Monday (5 August).

The show is called the Great British Seaside Special and takes place at the Princess Theatre in the coastal town.

Jimmy Cricket is starring in The Great British Seaside Special

It will be on every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, from the first week of August through to 4 September. There is a mix of 7.30pm performances and 2.30pm matinee shows.

Jimmy said: “I’m really excited as the Princess Theatre is currently going through a major revival in its fortunes.”

It will also feature the multi-instrumentalist Ian Larkham, the balloon-modelling skills of Bob Wooding and the Seaside Special company of talented singers and dancers. The show will be directed and choreographed by Ian’s wife, Michelle.

The show is produced by theatre manager Brian Hallard, who was instrumental in the reopening of the theatre last year.

Tickets are priced between £11.50 to £13.50, with children able to grab a seat for £7.50 and senior citizens from £11.50 to £12.50. Visit the theatre’s online box office here or  telephone on 01485 532252.

Comedy duo hit it off first time 150 150 mhamer

Comedy duo hit it off first time
Dublin comedian Sil Fox at the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival

Entertainer Jimmy Cricket with Dublin comedian Sil Fox at the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival in Kilkenny

Famous entertainer Jimmy Cricket is hoping that his first show with a Dublin comedian earlier this year will not be the last time they perform together.

The Belfast-born funnyman had a thoroughly enjoyable trip back in June to the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival in Kilkenny.

Also on his show was Sil Fox who sent the photo above and said he really enjoyed meeting Jimmy – amazingly they had never bumped into each other previously.

Jimmy was also thrilled to work with Sil and hopes the duo may be able to repeat their successful comedy combination at some point in the future.

The Cat Laughs Comedy Festival was held for the first time in 1995 in response to the burgeoning wealth of Irish comic talent with no clear national outlet for expression.

It has grown from a small event comprising a handful of shows to an internationally acclaimed festival which showcases the very best in Irish and international comedy acts, attracting visitors to Kilkenny city and its surrounding regions.

* Coming later this week on Jimmy Cricket’s website… (Father) Frankie’s special day – including a picture special

The Cat Laughs Comedy Festival 150 150 mhamer

The Cat Laughs Comedy Festival

Jimmy Cricket performed at the Cat Laughs Comedy FestivalJimmy Cricket appeared at the Cat Laughs comedy Festival in the Republic of Ireland.

It was a short trip for the famous Irish entertainer as he flew in and out of Dublin Airport on consecutive days.

He stayed at the Langton House Hotel in Kilkenny, the city that hosts the annual comedy festival, and was very impressed with the hospitality the establishment provided – so much so that he forgot to give his key back and brought it back with him to the UK!

Jimmy said: “Suffice to say I posted back to the hotel via airmail.

“A big thank-you to the festival’s artistic director, Naoise Nunn, for arranging my appearance at the festival.”

The Cat Laughs Comedy Festival was held for the first time in 1995 in response to the burgeoning wealth of Irish comic talent with no clear national outlet for expression.

It has grown from a small event comprising a handful of shows to an internationally acclaimed festival which showcases the very best in Irish and international comedy acts, attracting visitors to Kilkenny city and its surrounding regions.

The world-class programme blends the top Irish and international talent in shows featuring globally renowned comic stars as well as newcomers and breakthrough acts. The festival attracts more than 30,000 visitors annually to Kilkenny.

Jimmy Cricket performed at the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival

Seaside special promoted in brochure 150 150 mhamer

Seaside special promoted in brochure
Jimmy Cricket has a cuppa with the Princess Theatre mascot

Famous entertainer Jimmy Cricket has a cuppa with the Princess Theatre’s mascot

The forthcoming spectacular being headlined by famous funnyman Jimmy Cricket  features in the West Norfolk summer attractions brochure.

The summer special being headlined by famous funnyman Jimmy Cricket features in the West Norfolk summer attractions brochure

Irish entertainer Jimmy is appearing from 5 August to 4 September at the Princess Theatre in Hunstanton.

He said: “I’m really excited about the summer as currently the Princess Theatre is going through a major revival in its fortunes.”

The show, the Great British Seaside Special, will also feature the multi-instrumentalist Ian Larkham, the balloon-modelling skills of Bob Wooding and the seaside special company of talented singers and dancers. The show will be directed and choreographed by Ian’s wife, Michelle.

The show is produced by theatre manager Brian Hallard, who was instrumental in the reopening of the theatre last year. Brian is really thrilled the relaunch of this important Hunstanton attraction got off to such a great start during 2012 and he is looking forward to a successful summer season during 2013.

Irish entertainer Jimmy is appearing from 5 August to 4 September at the Princess Theatre in Hunstanton

Jimmy added: “When I first met Brian a few weeks ago for the press launch of the show, I was immediately impressed by his commitment.

“His enthusiasm was infectious and I’m really looking forward to the summer season at the Princess.”

The show is scheduled for every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Ticket prices range from £11.50 to £13.50, with children £7.50 and senior citizens £11.50 to £12.50. They can be booked online at www.princesshunstanton.co.uk or via the box office on 01485 532252.

Inside the Princess Theatre in Hunstanton

Inside the Princess Theatre in Hunstanton, which is hosting the summer special

Old friend becomes Mayor of Rochdale 150 150 mhamer

Old friend becomes Mayor of Rochdale

Jimmy Cricket with new Rochdale mayor Peter Rush and Heywood and Middleton MP Jim DobbinJimmy Cricket was invited to Rochdale Town Hall to witness his good friend, Cllr Peter Rush, become Mayor of the Borough at the annual Mayor Making Ceremony.

World-famous entertainer Jimmy is pictured above with the new mayor at the post-ceremony reception, along with Heywood and Middleton MP Jim Dobbin.

Jimmy said: “I was delighted to see Peter become the mayor and have known him for over 30 years.

“In fact, when I was getting established within the northern club circuit back in the 1970s, Peter was the concert secretary of a social Club in Heywood and gave me a 15-minute spot!”

Jimmy Cricket’s stolen wellies hit the headlines 150 150 mhamer

Jimmy Cricket’s stolen wellies hit the headlines

The Rochdale Observer reported the theft of the wellies given by Ken Dodd to Jimmy CricketThe theft of concrete wellington boots given to Rochdale-based Jimmy Cricket by fellow comedian Ken Dodd has certainly attracted the attention of the media.

The wellies were given by Ken Dodd to Jimmy Cricket

Ken gave the sculpture (right) as a 50th birthday present to 67-year-old Jimmy who said he was “gutted” about the theft from his garden on Monday night.

As well as featuring catchphrases like “come closer!” and “…and there’s more!” in his act, Northern Irishman Jimmy is also famous for wearing wellingtons marked with the letters R and L, but on the wrong feet, on stage.

The story of the theft of the wellies, which were given by Ken Dodd to Jimmy Cricket, featured on the front page of the Rochdale ObserverHe said the concrete wellies were of “high sentimental value”.

Greater Manchester Police said they were investigating the incident.

The BBC, ITV, the Rochdale Observer (see images with this story) and several radio stations were among the many media organisations to report on the crime.

Tribute to a friend and a legend 150 150 mhamer

Tribute to a friend and a legend

Jimmy Cricket pays tribute to Eddie Braben in the Rochdale ObserverJimmy Cricket has paid tribute to legendary comedy writer Eddie Braben who has died aged 82.

Edwin ‘Eddie’ Charles Braben was an English writer and performer best known for providing material for Morecambe and Wise. He also worked for David Frost, Ronnie Corbett and Ken Dodd.

He was credited with changing the profile of Morecambe and Wise, helping to turn them into one of the most popular and enduring comedy acts in the history of British entertainment.

Belfast-born entertainer Jimmy, who has lived in Rochdale for many years, started working with Eddie on his TV show, And There’s More, in the 1980s and 90s, and then his radio show, Jimmy’s Cricket Show.

They developed a lasting friendship and Jimmy recalled: “He was so funny, even in his hospital bed, and had this incredible surreal sense of humour.

“Eddie was a wonderful radio writer, as it was more relaxing for him rather than having to do the Christmas specials for 28 million people.”

A full tribute from Jimmy appeared in the Rochdale Observer (above is a copy of the article).