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Phoenix Nights

Talking Pictures TV festival: Singer Tony Christie among performers 150 150 mhamer

Talking Pictures TV festival: Singer Tony Christie among performers

Looking forward to joining this great cast of fellow performers for @TalkingPicsTV this coming 20th July weekend!A Festival of Film being staged by Talking Pictures TV and Renown Pictures later this year will feature a host of entertainers, including comedian Jimmy Cricket and singer Tony Christie.

The event takes place at The Savoy Theatre in Monmouth, Wales, on Saturday and Sunday, 20 and 21 July.

Northern Irishman Jimmy has performed at a Talking Pictures TV production previously, appearing alongside fellow comic Jimmy Tarbuck and actor Tim Healy in October 2022.

Speaking about the show this summer, he said: “Looking forward to joining this great cast of fellow performers for Talking Pics TV!”

Radio DJ Mike Read is one of the hosts for the weekend.

For details of how to book, phone (freephone) 0808 178 8212.

Tony Christie, now 80, found fame in the 1970s with songs such as (Is This the Way to) Amarillo.

A special Festival of Film later this year, staged by TV channel Talking Pictures, will feature a host of entertainers including comedian Jimmy Cricket and singer Tony Christie.In 2002, comedian Peter Kay used Amarillo on his TV show Phoenix Nights, leading to a resurgence in the song’s popularity.

Talking Pictures TV is an independent archive film and television channel.

It is available on Virgin 445, Freesat 306, Freeview or Youview 82 or on the Sky digital satellite platform, channel 328.

Its website says: “Do you remember the thrill and excitement of Saturday Morning Pictures?

“Where heroes and villains and clowns and crooners, invariably in glorious black and white, would entertain you for hours?

 

“Now those glorious days return, and it’s not just for Saturday mornings.

“It’s 24 hours a day. Every day!”

Find out more about the TV channel here.

Renown Pictures Corporation is a British film distributor founded by producer George Minter in 1938.

Buy Jimmy’s autobiography!

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

Jimmy Cricket with his autobiography

Memoirs Of An Irish Comedian tells the heart-warming story of Jimmy’s illustrious life and 50-year career.

The paperback version costs £11.99 at online retailer Amazon. It is also available via eBook and audio.

Signed copies (£15.99 including postage and packing) can be purchased on this website here.

It is also available at Jimmy’s live gigs for £10, where Jimmy will also sign it.

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.

Also read: Jimmy Cricket’s signed autobiographies now available by post!

Which promenade hotel in Blackpool is a ‘great survivor’? 150 150 mhamer

Which promenade hotel in Blackpool is a ‘great survivor’?

Lyndene Hotel in Blackpool

It’s a promenade hotel in Blackpool which has survived a pandemic, temporary closure and two changes of ownership during recent years.

The Lyndene, situated at the heart of the famous Lancashire seaside resort, has undoubtedly had more than its fair share of uncertainty in the past.

And yet the popular venue continues to flourish, with its nightly entertainment a major part of its success.

Loveable comedian Jimmy Cricket has been a reglar performer at the hotel – and he is already looking forward to doing his NINTH season there.

Jimmy says: “I’m excited about going back to the Lyndene hotel in Blackpool in 2024.

“The Lyndene hotel is a great survivor.

“It went through the pandemic when many hotels closed their doors, never to reopen, and two changes of ownership.

“I suppose the one constant has been the manager Paul and his wife Claire, who have weathered all the storms, keeping in touch with the customers and welcoming them back when things got back to normal.”

Dispensing cornets and 99s

The Northern Irish funnyman recalls: “I remember nine years ago when the original owner Barry Young first booked me.

“Barry was a down-to-earth Brummie who, when he arrived in Blackpool, bought a small bed and breakfast guest house.

“And while his wife Carol looked after it, he drove an ice cream van around Blackpool dispensing cornets and 99s to all the families.

“The guest house became so popular with holiday makers that Barry and Carol  bought the Lyndene on the seafront and transformed it into a 140-bedroom hotel.

“The location is a vital attribute, because the Lyndene is within close proximity to the Blackpool attractions, especially the Pleasure Beach.”

He continues: “The first night I played the Lyndene hotel was a real eye opener.

“As well as me, there were another three acts plus a compere.

“There are two performing venues – the Somerset Lounge and the Cabaret bar – and all the acts rotate between the two rooms.

“In between, there are a couple of games of bingo and even before the shows there’s an organist in each room playing preshow music… is that value or what?

“From a personal point of view, I find the intimate atmosphere at the Lyndene ideal for comedy.

“It’s up close and personal. It also means that after each show I can do a meet and greet, shake hands and have selfies with the audience.

You can’t miss it

“I can also sell my autobiography, Memoirs of an Irish Comedian, for a bargain basement price of £10.” (See below for more details of the book and the charity that benefits from the sales.)

Jimmy adds: “If you drive down the Golden Mile in Blackpool on a cold January night, the lights will be out on all the hotels except one.

“You can’t miss it – it’s the big blue one with all lights fully on and a big sign that says LYNDENE HOTEL.”

The hotel’s website says: “Located on Blackpool’s glorious seafront, the Lyndene Hotel is the No 1 choice for hotels with entertainment in Britain’s favourite holiday destination.

“With sweeping views across the Irish Sea with incomparable sunsets and people-watching, the Lyndene Hotel has all the amenities to make your stay perfect.

“Our entertainment keeps our guests returning to us again and again.

“Widely known as Blackpool’s No 1 entertainment hotel, we offer THREE superb cabaret acts each evening, every evening, all year around.”

Jimmy’s first appearance back at the Lyndene is on Wednesday 6 March.

His other three shows there this year are:

  • Wednesday 5 June
  • Wednesday 4 September
  • Wednesday 4 December.
Jimmy Cricket ‘so sad’ over closure of Blackpool hotels

Buy Jimmy’s autobiography!Jimmy Cricket with his autobiography

As Jimmy mentions above, his official autobiography is on sale.

Memoirs Of An Irish Comedian tells the heart-warming story of Jimmy’s illustrious life and 50-year career.

The paperback costs £11.99 and can be bought at online retailer Amazon here. It is also available via eBook and audio.

Signed copies (£15.99 including postage and packing) can be purchased on this website here.

It is also available at Jimmy’s live gigs for £10 where Jimmy will also sign it.

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.

Also read: Jimmy Cricket’s signed autobiographies now available by post!

Eighth season at Blackpool’s Lyndene comes to a close 150 150 mhamer

Eighth season at Blackpool’s Lyndene comes to a close

Jimmy Cricket signs off his eighth season at the Lyndene Hotel in Blackpool on Wednesday 6 December.Jimmy Cricket signs off his eighth season at the Lyndene Hotel in Blackpool tomorrow (Wednesday 6 December).

The Northern Irish funnyman is back at the popular venue in the famous North West seaside resort.

It will be his sixth and final appearance of 2023 at the Lyndene.

Jimmy will again do two shows on the night, one in each of the hotel lounges.

Rochdale-based Jimmy has dubbed the Lyndene as his “second home”!

The hotel’s website says: “Located on Blackpool’s glorious seafront, the Lyndene Hotel is the No 1 choice for hotels with entertainment in Britain’s favourite holiday destination.

“Situated amongst family attractions, glittering show venues, great shopping and Blackpool’s jewel, the Blackpool Tower, our hotel is in the prime position for your holiday base.

“With sweeping views across the Irish Sea with incomparable sunsets and people-watching, the Lyndene Hotel has all the amenities to make your stay perfect.

“Our entertainment keeps our guests returning to us again and again.

Lyndene Hotel in Blackpool“Widely known as Blackpool’s No 1 entertainment hotel, we offer THREE superb cabaret acts each evening, every evening, all year around.

“Unlike many Blackpool hotels, the Lyndene offers FREE onsite parking, subject to availability.”

Trivia: The hotel appeared as Le Ponderosa in the second series of Peter Kay’s TV hit comedy Phoenix Nights.

See all Jimmy’s booked shows here.

Buy Jimmy’s autobiography!

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

Memoirs Of An Irish Comedian tells the heart-warming story of Jimmy’s illustrious life and 50-year career.

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

Signed copies (priced £15.99 including postage and packing) can be purchased on this website 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.

Also read: Jimmy Cricket’s signed autobiographies now available by post!

View photos from Jimmy’s first Lyndene Hotel shows of 2023

Return to favourite Blackpool hotel just weeks away 150 150 mhamer

Return to favourite Blackpool hotel just weeks away

Lyndene Hotel in Blackpool

It is now less than a month to go before Jimmy Cricket returns to his “second home” in Blackpool! 

The famous Northern Irish comedian begins his EIGHTH season at the popular Lyndene Hotel on Wednesday 5 July.

He will also be returning on 2 August, 6 September, 4 October, 1 November and 6 December.

His latest appearance at the Lyndene was on Wednesday 7 December last year.

Rochdale-based Jimmy has dubbed the Lyndene as his “second home” as he has done so many shows at the Blackpool venue over several years.

Paul Swift, general manager at the Lyndene, previously told Jimmy: “We love nothing more than getting to split our sides laughing on the first Wednesday of every month watching your show when you come to visit.

“Jimmy isn’t just one of our incredible acts, he’s family and takes the time to speak to all of our team and check how they each are when he comes to visit.

“Thank you for being you Mr Cricket!

“We look forward to your visits and always love watching your fantastic act!”

The Lyndene appeared as Le Ponderosa in the second series of Peter Kay’s TV hit comedy Phoenix Nights.

See all Jimmy’s booked shows here.

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

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 50-year 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!

Lyndene Hotel: Jimmy set for a seventh season 150 150 mhamer

Lyndene Hotel: Jimmy set for a seventh season

Jimmy Cricket is appearing again at the Lyndene Hotel in Blackpool in 2022

Jimmy Cricket makes his eagerly awaited return to Blackpool’s popular Lyndene early in July.
The evergreen Northern Irish comic is back on 6 July for his SEVENTH season at the hotel.
And there’s more… he appears there on the first Wednesday of every month until December!
Find out here how to book a hotel stay.

The hotel’s website says: “Located on Blackpool’s glorious seafront, the Lyndene Hotel is the No 1 choice for hotels with entertainment in Britain’s favourite holiday destination.Lyndene Hotel in Blackpool

“Situated amongst family attractions, glittering show venues, great shopping and Blackpool’s jewel, the Blackpool Tower, our hotel is in the prime position for your holiday base.

“With sweeping views across the Irish Sea, with incomparable sunsets and people-watching, the Lyndene Hotel has all the amenities to make your stay perfect.”

Open 365 days a year

“Our entertainment keeps our guests returning to us again and again.

“We host up to four top cabaret and tributes acts each and every night of the year!”

The Lyndene appeared as Le Ponderosa in the second series of Peter Kay’s TV hit comedy Phoenix Nights.

See all Jimmy’s booked shows here.

Also read: ‘Electric atmosphere’ for Lyndene shows

 

Live stage shows back on Jimmy’s calendar! 150 150 mhamer

Live stage shows back on Jimmy’s calendar!

Jimmy Cricket's schedule of when he is appearing live on stageJimmy Cricket is just over a month away from returning to the stage!

Like so many other entertainers, the famous funnyman has had to be patient as the coronavirus pandemic forced the suspension of all live shows in person.

But the popular Northern Ireland comedian has lined up several stage performances over the coming months.

As things stand, his first  appearance is at Oxton Conservative Club in Birkenhead on the Wirral, Merseyside, on Sunday 27 June.

Jimmy then makes his eagerly awaited return to the Lyndene, his favourite Blackpool hotel, on Wednesday 7 July.

The Lyndene and sister hotel St Chads had reportedly shut their doors for the final time.

However, new reports in February said the two hotels were ready to return to business.

Jimmy has appeared regularly on the popular Lyndene’s two stages over the past few years.

Five seasons

His performances at the Lyndene were limited during 2020 following the restrictions imposed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Jimmy did his last show there in September before another lockdown again resulted in the closure of hospitality venues.

The Lyndene and St Chads stand next to each other on the seafront. Husband and wife team Paul and Claire Swift manage both.

Jimmy will be appearing once a month at the Lyndene from July until the end of the year.

He has had five seasons in total at the Lyndene.

The hotel starred as the Le Ponderosa in the second series of Peter Kay’s TV hit comedy Phoenix Nights.

Also read: ‘Wonderful news in these gloomy times!’

See all Jimmy’s booked shows (note the schedule is updated regularly)

‘Wonderful news in these gloomy times!’ 150 150 mhamer

‘Wonderful news in these gloomy times!’

Jimmy Cricket will do a New Year's Eve show at the Lyndene Hotel in BlackpoolJimmy Cricket has welcomed the news that two Blackpool hotels which had closed are back in business.

Earlier this month, the famous funnyman had expressed his sadness that the Lyndene and sister hotel St Chads had shut their doors for the final time.

However, the Blackpool Gazette reports that the two hotels are ready to return to business, with their managers re-employed.

Jimmy has appeared regularly at the popular Lyndene over the past few years.

He said: “Wonderful news in these gloomy times for Blackpool and ⁦@LyndeneHotel and for all the staff at #TeamLyndene and St Chads Hotels!

“We were all hoping for a miracle! Great news!”

His performances at the Lyndene were limited during 2020 following the restrictions imposed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Jimmy did his last show there in September before another lockdown again resulted in the closure of hospitality venues.

Owners the Fragrance Group announced the Lyndene and St Chad’s hotels will now be run by hotel management company RBH, which has taken over operations with immediate effect.

The hotels were shut suddenly with staff left unpaid on 3 February by operating firm Bespoke Hotels Group.

The Blackpool Gazette added that a number of staff made redundant will be offered employment soon.

It is hoped hotels will reopen this spring when lockdown restrictions are lifted.

The Lyndene and St Chads stand next to each other on the seafront.

Husband and wife team Paul and Claire Swift manage both.

Jimmy has had five seasons in total at the Lyndene, which starred as the Le Ponderosa in the second series of Peter Kay’s TV hit comedy Phoenix Nights.

Also read: Jimmy Cricket ‘so sad’ over closure of Blackpool hotels
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