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nostalgia

‘Nice to be friends on Facebook’ 150 150 mhamer

‘Nice to be friends on Facebook’

Jimmy and Gary Winstanley at Whelley Labour Club in Wigan

Jimmy and Gary Winstanley at Whelley Labour Club in Wigan

Jimmy Cricket has been emailed this picture by Gary Winstanley.

It was taken at Whelley Labour club in Wigan where the famous Irish entertainer performed a few years ago.

Gary says: “Not sure of the exact date now, but I think it was 2008. It was a great night and a pleasure to meet you.

“Nice to be friends on Facebook. Keep up the good work.”

Meet the Wooden Hut Club 150 150 mhamer

Meet the Wooden Hut Club

Members of the Wooden Hut Club

Members of the Wooden Hut Club

November saw the latest gathering of the informal showbiz fraternity group that Jimmy Cricket attends, which is lovingly called the “Wooden Hut Club”.

Conveniently for Jimmy, the location where this get-together takes place is in Rochdale. It was felt Rochdale was well placed on the M62 between Manchester/Cheshire and Yorkshire for his showbiz pals to get to. After the first ‘do’ was successfully held at the Royal Toby Hotel restaurant on Manchester Road in Castleton, the club have met there ever since.

This gathering has been meeting on and off for last four years and, as you can see from the photo, there was a large number who attended the last lunch showing it is well supported. This is probably because it is a rare chance for showbiz professionals to come together and catch up with the industry news – and of course reminisce about old times.

Some of the individuals in the photo with Jimmy are: Buzz Hawkins from ‘The Bradshaws’, ‘The Comedians’ producer Johnnie Hamp, impressionist Johnny More, BBC radio producer Steve Garner, comedy script writer Phil Collinge, the wife of former BBC radio comedy producer Mike Craig, Treflyn Jones from Target television and entertainer Eric Devereaux.

Treading the Comedy Carpet 150 150 mhamer

Treading the Comedy Carpet

The Crickets' grandson, Tristan, points out Jimmy's famous catchphrase "And there's more..."

The Crickets' grandson, Tristan, points out Jimmy's famous catchphrase "And there's more..."

The Comedy Carpet in Blackpool celebrates the work of more than 1,000 comedians and comedy writers – including our very own Jimmy Cricket.

It features jokes, songs and catchphrases dating from the early days of variety to the current day.

Situated in front of Blackpool Tower, the 2,200 square metres of art contains over 160,000 granite letters embedded into concrete. It was created by artist Gordon Young and commissioned by Blackpool Council as part of the multi-million pound regeneration of the sea front.

Mrs Cricket took their grandson Tristan to visit the Comedy Carpet.

“It’s a fantastic idea, a superb piece of public art. But most importantly it recognises the undeniable contribution that comedians have made to Blackpool over the years as they performed in the resort’s much-loved theatres,” says Jimmy.

“My grandson was gently guided to where my name was located in the lengthy roll call of comedians that have been included within the Comedy Carpet.

“Then – and this must have been quite a feat given that this carpet stretches out over quite a huge land mass – he and grandma managed to located my catchphrase – ‘And there’s more…’ which is one of the many sayings and jokes listed on this carpet.

“I have been told by Mrs Cricket that this is quite a comedy hall of fame, as many comedians who have trodden the Blackpool boards have a joke or catchphrase presented on the carpet. I cannot wait to view the carpet myself!”

A thank-you from the past 150 150 mhamer

A thank-you from the past

Pictures from the past

Jimmy Cricket is getting a big thank-you from a charity – three decades later.

The recognition comes after Jimmy appeared in the Hippodrome Theatre’s Pantomime with famous Liverpool entertainer Cilla Black back in the mid-1980s.

He recently received the following email from Matt Adams: “We are holding another charity event in aid of the Young Venturers on December 10th at the Hall Green Conservative Club, Birmingham. These nights raises enough funds to enable us to take a group of disabled children to the Pantomime in Birmingham.

“My parents, who has been raising funds for this charity for over 40 years, write to the stars of the show and asks them if they would be kind enough to spend a few minutes after the show to meet the children.

“We plan to project photos taken from the last 40+ years on the 12ft screen at the club, and whilst going through a few of the photos, I found a few of Jimmy from way back. This photo along with countless others will be projected on the night with a ‘thank you’ message.

“As my Dad always says ‘time is the most important thing you can give to anyone’ and the time Jimmy spent with ‘our’ children certainly made their night.

“I would therefore be grateful if you could thank Jimmy on behalf of us for all the smiles he has made!”

Jimmy and The Krankies to appear in Francis House fundraiser 150 150 mhamer

Jimmy and The Krankies to appear in Francis House fundraiser

Story from The Oldham Advertiser about the charity show

Story from The Oldham Advertiser about the charity show

Jimmy Cricket will be teaming up with other stars from the world of showbusiness in October to raise money for charity.

The legendary Irish comedian will be performing in the “Stars Come Out” show at the Oldham Coliseum as a fundraiser for the Francis House Hospice.

Also appearing will be The Krankies – very good friends of Jimmy’s – and 1960s Merseybeat band Swinging Blue Jeans.

The show will now be on October 10 and 11 after the originally-planned one-day performance was sold out.

Jimmy says: “It will be a very special show as it is not often that you find The Krankies, myself and the Swinging Blue Jeans in town and all on the same bill.

“The Francis House Children’s Hospice is a wonderful place where a lot of support and care is provided.”

Tickets are £15, with concessions £12, and are available from the box office on 0161 624 2829 or by going to the Coliseum’s website

Starring in a charity gala 150 150 mhamer

Starring in a charity gala

Carnival of Dreams posterJimmy Cricket is among the entertainers appearing in a charity gala in support of Donna’s Dream House at the Grand Theatre in Blackpool.

Carnival of Dreams will also feature Gareth Gates, Denise Nolan, Irish international singing star Rose-Marie, JK as Robbie Williams, International comedy entertainer Kenny Cantor, Aimi MacDonald, Sue Devaney (BBC’s Dinnerladies), International female impersonator Ceri Dupree, Scott Wright (Coronation Street) and the cast of Blackpool’s rock and roller coaster musical Booze Birds & Blackpool Rock, Top UK & World Elvis impersonator Martin Fox, Jamie Pugh from Britain’s Got Talent, Comical singing ventriloquist Kieran Powell, Shani Cantor, Leo Jones Star of TV’s Airline, Scottish Champions Craig Paton on the accordion and Andy Kain on the fiddle, Fylde Scottish Country Dancers, Barry Haywood, Iain Matley, and Blackpool’s very own Funny Girls, Langley Dance Centre, Mary Whelan School of Irish Dancing, Blackpool Circus School and Greater Manchester Pipe Band.

It takes place on Sunday, August 7 – full details in Jimmy’s events calendar and view the full gala poster here.

Jimmy returns to Darlington for panto – 21 years after his last appearance! 150 150 mhamer

Jimmy returns to Darlington for panto – 21 years after his last appearance!

Jimmy Cricket in panto costume

Jimmy Cricket will be appearing in the Darlington Civic Theatre’s pantomime at Christmas in a version of Cinderella.

This winter seasonal offering will feature Jimmy alongside “Dancing with Ice” sensation Ray Quinn and Deena Payne – who appeared on “Emmerdale” for 18 years.

Interestingly, this will be quite a return for Jimmy to Darlington. The last time he appeared in the Theatre’s Pantomime was 21 years ago and ironically it was also a version of Cinderella! Back then in 1990 he played the role of Buttons, although this year he is lined up for the part of Baron Hardup.

“That 1990 pantomime season was a real hoot!” says Jimmy. “The Chuckle Brothers were playing the part of the Brokers Men.”

Jimmy added: “Inbetween shows Barry Chuckle and I would go across to Crombies restaurant to have something to eat and Barry would pick up a salt cellar and say ‘to you, to me’ and have me in hysterics!”

Jimmy is thrilled to not only be back in Darlington and working with such a wonderful cast, he is also really pleased to be back working for QDOS Pantomimes. This is a company Jimmy believes puts enchantment into every single production that they do.