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Curtain set to fall on Jimmy’s panto season 150 150 mhamer

Curtain set to fall on Jimmy’s panto season
Jimmy Cricket and Ray Quinn - and dog

Jimmy Cricket and Ray Quinn - and dog

Jimmy Cricket’s marathon pantomime season is coming to an end (oh yes it is! sorry – ed).

The famous Irish comedian has been appearing in Cinderella at the Civic Theatre in Darlington since 3 December. Its last show is on Sunday (15 Jan).

Other celebrities alongside Jimmy, who plays Baron Hardup, include Dancing on Ice star Ray Quinn (Prince Charming) and and former Emmerdale actress Deena Payne (Fairy Godmother).

The pantomime has been praised in media circles with the British Theatre Guide saying:
“Michael Vivian’s script provides a faithful re-telling of the classic fairy tale; it is beautifully designed and costumed; there is a nice balance of pop hits and original songs, and the choreography is tight and slick.”

Other good reviews of the show can be found at The Stage website and Whatsonstage.

And view a musical slideshow featuring many of the show’s cast on the homepage of this website or on Jimmy’s YouTube channel here

Celebrities support toy giveaway 150 150 mhamer

Celebrities support toy giveaway
A special photo call was staged to mark the toy giveaway. Photo by Ian McClelland

A special photo call was staged to mark the toy giveaway. Photo by Ian McClelland

The festive pantomine in which Jimmy Cricket is currently starring has been well-received by the critics.

Cinderella is on at the Civic Theatre in Darlington until Sunday January 15.

The cast features Jimmy, who plays Baron Hardup alongside Dancing on Ice star Ray Quinn and former Emmerdale actress Deena Payne.

Recent good reviews of the show can be found at The Stage website and Whatsonstage.

Jimmy and other panto stars agreed to take part in a special photo call to mark a toy giveaway for underprivileged children.

The event was sponsored by a local Darlington car dealership called Jennings Ford and also involved the Salvation Army.

Despite a busy schedule, Jimmy, Ray – who plays Prince Charming – and Deena (Fairy Godmother) took time out from the busy rehearsals to offer their support to the appeal.

Jimmy poses with a child in the theatre foyer after one of the panto performances

Jimmy poses for a picture with a child in the theatre foyer after one of the panto performances

Last year about 7,000 children and 2,000 families across the North East of England were supported with presents and a further 1,000 individuals received food over the Christmas period.

For the past 13 consecutive years, Jennings Motor Group has supported the appeal by using its branch network across the region as drop-off points for staff and members of the public.

Ray Riaz, general manager at Jennings Ford’s Yarm Road dealership in Stockton, said: “We were delighted that the cast of this year’s pantomime could help out with the appeal. The Salvation Army does an absolutely amazing job helping those in the local community, not just at Christmas time but all year round.”

Anyone wanting to buy tickets for the panto should ring 01325 486 555 or visit the website at Darlington Civic Theatre and Arts Centre.

Jimmy gives his autograph in the theatre foyer after one of the panto performances

Jimmy gives his autograph in the theatre foyer after one of the panto performances

Francis House says thanks 150 150 mhamer

Francis House says thanks
Pictured, from left: David Ireland from Francis House, comedian Jimmy Cricket, David Martin,executive director of the Coliseum theatre, and the show’s producer, Jim Nicholas

Pictured, from left: David Ireland from Francis House, comedian Jimmy Cricket, David Martin,executive director of the Coliseum theatre, and the show’s producer, Jim Nicholas

The organisers of a charity event at the Coliseum in Oldham earlier this year returned to say thank-you to the theatre for hosting the show which was a huge success.

Jimmy Cricket helped to raise more than £6,000 for a Manchester-based charity at the two-night extravaganza in October.

The famous Irish comedian appeared in the “Stars Come Out”, along with husband and wife comedy duo The Krankies and sixties Merseybeat band The Swinging Blue Jeans, of “You’re no Good” and the “Hippy Hippy Shake” fame. The show also featured the Dobcross Youth Band.

An extra night was added after the originally-planned one-day performance was sold out.

The money from the shows went to Francis House Children’s Hospice, which is based at Didsbury in Manchester. The Hospice cares for children and young adults with life-threatening conditions and provides a home from home where families can receive professional care, support and friendship.

The charity’s director, David Ireland, also participated in the recent thank-you visit, along with Jimmy Cricket who said: “The show was a resounding success and raised buckets-full of cash for the charity.

“This was the fourth edition of the show and it continues to be really well-supported. The money raised will enable the Francis House Children’s Hospice to be able to continue the important work they do of caring for the region’s very sick children.”

“I hope the show can return for number five in the spring of 2013!”

Jimmy’s friend Patti Gold celebrates 60th birthday 150 150 mhamer

Jimmy’s friend Patti Gold celebrates 60th birthday
Jimmy, his wife May (right) and good friend Patti

Jimmy, his wife May (right) and good friend Patti

Jimmy Cricket recently attended the 60th birthday of a good friend of his, the former singer Patti Gold.

The bash was hosted at Patti’s local golf club in Wakefield called Higher Lane Golf Club.

Patti and Jimmy go back a long way and although Patti has now left the business, her husband is still heavily involved and is an excellent musical director called Stuart Gold, who used to be the main musical director at the legendary Batley Variety Club and has worked with some of the most famous singers and entertainers in the country.

Patti actually featured in Jimmy’s first television series on ITV of “And There’s More” way back in the mid 1980s as one of the supporting cast members. Alongside Patti was impressionist Rory Bremner. This was Rory’s first break on television before he launched himself on a bigger platform.

Jimmy said: “I really enjoyed myself at Patti’s party and am thrilled I have been able to keep in touch with her for all these years.

“Although Patti left the business a number of years ago to work in IT, interestingly enough she has recently taken a job working in a dance and drama school, so she is re-introducing herself slowly back into the world of arts and entertainment!”

Jimmy Cricket and Friends 150 150 mhamer

Jimmy Cricket and Friends

Join Jimmy and his wife May for another great night of comedy and music on Wednesday, October 5, at St Vincent’s RC Parish Centre, off Caldershaw Road in Norden.

Admission and refreshments (tea, coffee, juice and biscuits) are free, though it is appreciated if you make a contribution to a charity which is chosen on the night.

Full details under October in the Tour Dates section

Jimmy and The Krankies to appear in Francis House fundraiser 150 150 mhamer

Jimmy and The Krankies to appear in Francis House fundraiser
Story from The Oldham Advertiser about the charity show

Story from The Oldham Advertiser about the charity show

Jimmy Cricket will be teaming up with other stars from the world of showbusiness in October to raise money for charity.

The legendary Irish comedian will be performing in the “Stars Come Out” show at the Oldham Coliseum as a fundraiser for the Francis House Hospice.

Also appearing will be The Krankies – very good friends of Jimmy’s – and 1960s Merseybeat band Swinging Blue Jeans.

The show will now be on October 10 and 11 after the originally-planned one-day performance was sold out.

Jimmy says: “It will be a very special show as it is not often that you find The Krankies, myself and the Swinging Blue Jeans in town and all on the same bill.

“The Francis House Children’s Hospice is a wonderful place where a lot of support and care is provided.”

Tickets are £15, with concessions £12, and are available from the box office on 0161 624 2829 or by going to the Coliseum’s website

Starring in a charity gala 150 150 mhamer

Starring in a charity gala

Carnival of Dreams posterJimmy Cricket is among the entertainers appearing in a charity gala in support of Donna’s Dream House at the Grand Theatre in Blackpool.

Carnival of Dreams will also feature Gareth Gates, Denise Nolan, Irish international singing star Rose-Marie, JK as Robbie Williams, International comedy entertainer Kenny Cantor, Aimi MacDonald, Sue Devaney (BBC’s Dinnerladies), International female impersonator Ceri Dupree, Scott Wright (Coronation Street) and the cast of Blackpool’s rock and roller coaster musical Booze Birds & Blackpool Rock, Top UK & World Elvis impersonator Martin Fox, Jamie Pugh from Britain’s Got Talent, Comical singing ventriloquist Kieran Powell, Shani Cantor, Leo Jones Star of TV’s Airline, Scottish Champions Craig Paton on the accordion and Andy Kain on the fiddle, Fylde Scottish Country Dancers, Barry Haywood, Iain Matley, and Blackpool’s very own Funny Girls, Langley Dance Centre, Mary Whelan School of Irish Dancing, Blackpool Circus School and Greater Manchester Pipe Band.

It takes place on Sunday, August 7 – full details in Jimmy’s events calendar and view the full gala poster here.