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Rochdale Observer

‘Happy & thrilled’ at musical’s success 150 150 mhamer

‘Happy & thrilled’ at musical’s success

The opening night of the premiere of Jimmy Cricket’s new musical, Maloney’s Big Moment. The photo was taken backstage at the Thwaites Empire Theatre in Blackburn and features Jimmy with the cast of the show, alongside the Mayor and Mayoress of Blackburn

Famous comedian Jimmy Cricket said he was “happy” and “thrilled” following the successful launch of his new musical.

Large audiences turned out to watch the two-night premiere of Maloney’s Big Moment at the Thwaites Empire Theatre in Blackburn earlier this month.

Jimmy said: “For both performances, more than 80% of tickets were sold, which for an original piece of theatre is a tremendous return. I am just thrilled I was able to get this new musical off the ground.

“I must thank the talented cast who only assembled really at the last minute, the fine musicians who made up the band, and the theatre’s technical staff for all coming together and delivering two performances of the show without much rehearsal time.

“I am also really happy that so many friends, colleagues, supporters and interested spectators came to support the show in such huge numbers.”

Above: Jimmy is pictured with the cast of the show, alongside the Mayor and Mayoress of Blackburn, back stage at the theatre on the opening night of the musical.

Working with a theatre stalwart 150 150 mhamer

Working with a theatre stalwart

Jimmy Cricket is getting help from a theatre stalwart as preparations are stepped up for his new musical in the autumn.

Maloney’s Big Moment is being staged at the Thwaites Empire Theatre in Blackburn on Friday and Saturday, 11 and 12 October.

Jimmy Cricket with Eric Nolan at the Thwaites Empire Theatre in Blackburn

Jimmy Cricket with Eric Nolan at the Thwaites Empire Theatre in Blackburn

And a vital member of Jimmy’s team is Eric Nolan who runs the Blackburn Drama Club and produces four plays a year at the theatre.

He also presents plays at the Library Theatre in Darwen and last year produced one on the Indian icon, Ghandi.

Well-known entertainer Jimmy said: “Eric is a great advocate for the Thwaites Empire Theatre and helps raise loads of funds to keep the theatre going.

“I am looking forward to working with Eric on my show.”

* The booking office is open from 10am-12.30pm, Monday to Saturday, on 01254 685500.

Meeting an old familiar friendly face 150 150 mhamer

Meeting an old familiar friendly face
Jimmy Cricket with the professional photographer Tim Badley

Jimmy Cricket with professional photographer Tim Bradley at the Thwaites Empire Theatre in Blackburn

Jimmy Cricket came across a familiar figure at the launch of his new musical.

The Rochdale-based famous Irish entertainer was at the Thwaites Empire Theatre in Blackburn where Maloney’s Big Moment is being staged on Friday and Saturday, 11 and 12 October.

And he bumped into freelance photographer Tim Bradley, whom Jimmy has met many times previously.

He said: “Tim is such a warm and amiable guy, whom I first met when he worked as a photographer at the Rochdale Observer – my local paper.

“I get asked to appear at a lot of local events in Rochdale and this is when I used to bump into Tim.

“He has now gone freelance and does a lot of work for the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, so when I recently launched my new musical show at the Thwaites Empire Theatre in Blackburn, it was Tim who turned up on behalf of the paper to take some photographs.”

Tim took the photos which featured in the previous Cricket Times story about Maloney’s Big Moment.

Jimmy added: “I hope it won’t be too long before our paths collide again!”

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).

Back to the 80s in aid of charity 150 150 mhamer

Back to the 80s in aid of charity

The Rochdale Observer's coverage of Red Nose DayIrish entertainer Jimmy Cricket went back to the 1980s as he joined in with a rendition of A-ha’s Take on Me – all in aid of Comic Relief.

The Rochdale-based comedian teamed up with the Littleborough Rock Choir on Red Nose Day (15 March) for their special fancy dress rehearsal.

He also sang John Farnham’s You’re the Voice – another 80s hit – with the choir.

The evening raised around £70 and choir master Phil Reynolds was thrilled that as well as joining in with rehearsals, Jimmy also performed one of his own songs called The lady From My Sat Nav.

His local newspaper, the Rochdale Observer, ran an account of local Red Nose Day activities, with Jimmy featuring in two out of the four photos (above and below)!

* Comic Relief is a major UK charity set up in 1985 which strives to create a just world free from poverty, raising awareness and money through activities based around entertainment. its two big fundraising campaigns being Red Nose Day and Sport Relief.

The Rochdale Observer's coverage of Red Nose Day

Milton wants old pal in audience 150 150 mhamer

Milton wants old pal in audience
Milton Jones talks about his friendship with Jimmy Cricket in the Rochdale Observer

Milton Jones talks about his friendship with fellow comedian Jimmy Cricket in the Rochdale Observer paper

TV comedian Milton Jones is hoping to spot a famous friend in the audience when he performs in Rochdale later this month.

The Rochdale Observer featured an article on Saturday 2 March about the Mock of the Week star appearing at the Gracie Fields Theatre.

Milton mentions that he knows Jimmy and has visited him in Rochdale – he has even popped round for lunch in the past!

They hit it off when they performed on the same bill at the Edinburgh Festival in the late 1990s and the pair have stayed in touch ever since.

And he is looking forward to performing in Belfast-born Jimmy’s adopted home town for the first time.

“I do know Jimmy Cricket and I have visited him a couple of times,” said Milton who is also well-known for his Hawaiian shirts.

Deadpan style of comedy

“He has lived in Rochdale for years, he likes it there and he is always very pleasant. So I think of Rochdale as a friendly place.”

Mock The Week is a BBC Two topical comedy TV panel show hosted by Dara Ó Briain and also featuring Hugh Dennis, Andy Parsons and Chris Addison.

Master of the one-liner Milton has had various shows on BBC Radio 4 and won the Perrier comedy award for best newcomer in 1996.

He tours the UK periodically and is a regular performer at The Comedy Store in London and Manchester.

Milton’s deadpan style of comedy delivers quickfire gags, wordplay and punchlines with gaps for the audience to fill in.

To see Milton Jones at the Gracie Fields Theatre at 8pm on 20 March, contact the box office on 01706 716 689. Tickets cost £20.

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