From bingo caller to 50 Golden Years in showbiz!
Jimmy Cricket has enjoyed a golden career in showbiz – but before that, the comedian was a labourer, waiter, salesman and bingo caller!
The famous funnyman talks about his 50-year career as a high-profile entertainer in his latest newspaper column.
He says that before he became a professional comedian, he worked in the holiday camps as a Redcoat (Butlins) and Bluecoat (Pontins).
However, from each September, Jimmy says he had to have a day job for the winter.
His wife May agreed to give up her singing career so Jimmy could rehearse.
And his showbiz career started to take off when he signed with a top agent.
He also recalls in his Lancashire Post column the problems he encountered for his first gigs.
These included not having his own transport to get to venues!
Jimmy is doing what he describes as a “little five theatres tour” in March as part of the celebrations for his golden anniversary.
They are venues where he has done one-nighters & summer seasons in the past.
Here are those March dates:
Middlesbrough Theatre (Saturday 4 March) – go here for tickets.
Bridlington Spa Theatre (Sunday 12 March) – go here for tickets.
West Cliff Theatre, Clacton-on-Sea (Sunday 19 March) – go here for tickets.
Lancaster Grand Theatre (Saturday 25 March) – go here for tickets.
Plaza Theatre, Stockport (Sunday 26 March) – go here for tickets.
Jimmy has been making people laugh as a professional comedian for 50 years – and usually raising money for worthy causes at the same time.
Instantly recognisable for wearing a funny hat and green wellies marked L and R on the wrong feet, he proudly keeps his comedy clean – increasingly rare these days – which makes him a perfect family entertainer.
His best-known catchphrases include ‘And there’s more!’ and ‘Come closer!’
He is also famed for reading out Letters from his Mammy, which have provided the material for two published books.
Read more about Jimmy’s life and career here.
All his tour bookings and other events can be found here.
