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From the archives: 1983 Children’s Royal Variety Performance 150 150 mhamer

From the archives: 1983 Children’s Royal Variety Performance

Hi folks editing footage, and here's my little contribution to the 3rd Children's Royal Variety Show, (this idea was the creation of Rod Hull), at the end, how many artistes do you know? Alongside the great advocate of Variety, David Bell #keepvarietyalive

The third Children’s Royal Variety Performance featured many top entertainers, including our very own Jimmy Cricket.

Jimmy has been reliving the star-studded show from nearly 40 years ago by making his own performance available online.

He posted on social media: “Hi folks we’re editing some footage and here’s my little contribution which was recorded at the 3rd Children’s Royal Variety Performance.

“This idea was the creation of Speciality Act Rod Hull, which raised a lot of money for the NSPCC over the 13 years.

This one was staged by LWT – can you name all the Variety Artistes at the end of the clip in the line-up?

“Alongside the great advocate of Televised Variety, the sadly missed David Bell #keepvarietyalive”

Also among the performers in March 1983 were Russ Abbot, Kim Wilde, Jeremy Beadle, Stu Francis, Keith Chegwin, Dustin Gee and Maggie Philbin.

Princess Margaret was the royal guest.

The replies to Jimmy’s post included:

Stewart: I remember Dustin Gee doing a gig at Haslingden Cricket Club many years ago.

Gildas: Well worth watching , would love to see the full show (see below).

Gary: Love it

Michelle: Brilliant

Simon: Brilliant and still funny!

Pete: That’s when variety was at its best. Lovely to see.

Rod: Jimmy Cricket you are brill. Total pro.

Paul: Really fab Jimmy.

Dom: Love it Jimmy. Well done pal.

Watch Jimmy’s performance below.

Watch the full show here

Also read: ‘Great privilege’ to be in 1984 Royal Variety Show

 

Jimmy joins co-stars at showbiz event (slideshow) 150 150 mhamer

Jimmy joins co-stars at showbiz event (slideshow)

Jimmy Cricket joined a host of fellow top entertainers at a showbusiness event in Blackpool.

Encore Reunion was organised by performer Hilary O’Neil, who was one of the stars of the 80s TV show Copy Cats, and was hosted at the Viva cabaret venue in Blackpool.

Jimmy, who attended with his wife, May and son, Fr Frankie, was invited to attend by the event sponsor, Nick Thomas from the Qdos Entertainment Company.

It was a who’s who from the world of entertainment as also there were: Bobby Davro, Paul Chuckle (from the Chuckle Brothers), Ken Dodd, Billy Pearce, Krankies, Christopher Biggins, Russ Abbot, Robin Grumbleweed and Little and Large.

“I was thrilled to have been at this unique event and thought it was a sensational night,” said Jimmy.

“I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with my fellow entertainers, some of whom I had not seen in quite some time.

“It was also superb the event was held in Blackpool – the resort famed for its entertainment offer – as all those who went to the Encore Reunion had at one time or another graced the venues of the town.”

The sponsors produced an event brochure, which highlighted the many shows the performers had produced over the years in the resort.

Jimmy featured in a few of these shows at venues such as the South Pier Theatre (no longer standing as it was demolished at the end of the 90s) and the Grand Theatre (located within the town centre).

Click on either of the arrow buttons above to watch a photo slideshow of the event.