My first library gig must have gone well because…
Jimmy with grandson Tristan and library staff
Jimmy Cricket’s talk at a library in his adopted hometown went so well that he has been asked to do another one next month!
The evergreen entertainer appeared at Heywood Library in Rochdale to discuss his autobiography Memoirs Of An Irish Comedian, released last year.
It tells the heart-warming story of Jimmy’s illustrious life and 50-year career.
In addition to talking about his book, purchased copies of the autobiography were on sale at the library on the day.
The event was part of a series of talks organised by Rochdale Council, entitled Meet the author.
His first library appearance was so well received that Jimmy has been asked to do the same again.
It will take place at 1pm on Saturday 23 November at the town’s Central Library at Number One Riverside.
Jimmy said: “So this chap goes into the library, plonks this book down on the table and says to the librarian: ‘That book I’ve just read is absolute rubbish.
Intrigued
‘There’re too many characters and no story whatsoever.’
“The librarian picks it up and says: ‘So you’re the one who took our telephone book.’
“I was reminded of that story a few months ago when a nice lady called Joanne Eaves sent me an email.
“She asked me if I would like come to the local Rochdale library and talk about my autobiography.
“She said it part of an event they were promoting called Meet the Author.
“In a persuasive tone, she wrote: ‘I’m sure local people will be intrigued to find out how you came to settle in Rochdale’, before adding: ‘Of course, after your talk you’ll be able to sell some books!’
“It was an offer I couldn’t refuse, so last month – on Saturday the seventh of September – I headed off at noon to Heywood to do my first ever library gig.
“We were warmly welcomed by the staff – Rebecca, Anna and Debs – who led us to the children’s department which they’d cordoned off.
“There before us was a nifty little performance space, complete with a table and two chairs for an interview and some rows of seats in front of Mrs Cricket who’s a whizz kid with electronics, setting up a sound system and making sure our sound was of an acceptable level.
“After all, this was a library and we didn’t want to get thrown out for being too loud!
The Krankies
“I brought along my 15-year-old grandson, Tristan, to interview me, because I thought it would be interesting, especially in a library, for a young person to find out how much the entertainment industry has changed over the years.
“Then they let the audience in and an eclectic mix of people they were.
“A man whom I met at Rochdale football club, a nice lady on her own called Janet who reminded me I’d sent her a birthday card, a local café owner and his wife, and two sisters who thought they were coming to see the Krankies!
“Halfway through my 15-minute stand-up, I noticed a face I recognised in the audience.
“Then it hit me. It was Graham who was in the bed next to me in Fairfield Hospital in Bury during Covid.
“We were both having tests done on our hearts and as our families weren’t allowed to visit, we sort of bonded over that weekend and kept each other’s spirits up.
“I was so excited to see him I stopped the act and shook him warmly by the hand, telling him I’d often thought about him.
“It was so nice to see him there with his wife Pauline and daughter Dot… it was an emotional moment that was real and not theatrically produced.
“After Tristan interviewed me, we took questions from the audience and I finished by delving into my stage act to do my ever perennial letter from my Mammy.
Cuppa and a giggle
“I think what made the whole thing a bit special was the friendliness of the library staff. Everybody was given a free cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit.
“Well, it must have gone well, because they’ve asked me to do it all again at the Riverside Central library in Rochdale on Saturday the 23rd of November at 1pm.
“So, if you have any family or friends in Rochdale, tell them to pop in and have a cuppa and a giggle.
“And there’s more… I couldn’t help thinking as I drove home how important libraries are for the community.
“They’re not only fountains of knowledge for young students to absorb, but they’re also a place where older people, especially those on their own, can go for company and to forget their troubles in a good book.
“See you next month.”
Poorest communities
Jimmy did not charge members of the audience for the talk at Heywood Library.
In lieu of a fee, he had suggested that those attending might make a small donation to Mary’s Meals.
One pound from the sale of every book goes to Mary’s Meals.
The charity supports feeding projects for children in some of the world’s poorest communities.
The paperback version of Jimmy’s autobiography costs £11.99 at online retailer Amazon.
It is also available via eBook and audio formats.
Signed copies (£15.99 including postage and packing) can be purchased on this website here.
It is also on sale at Jimmy’s live gigs for £10 where he will sign it.
Also read: Jimmy Cricket’s signed autobiographies now available by post!
