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soap opera

Hi ho hi ho, it’s off to work we go 150 150 mhamer

Hi ho hi ho, it’s off to work we go
Cast members of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs from 7 December to 5 January at the Forum Theatre in Billingham

Some cast members of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs from 7 December to 5 January at the Forum Theatre in Billingham. Photo credit: Northern Echo

Jimmy Cricket teamed up with some of his fellow cast members at a press launch for the forthcoming festive season pantomime he is headlining.

The Northern Irish entertainer will play the comedy role of Muddles in that old favourite, Snow White and the seven dwarfs, at the Forum Theatre in Billingham near Middlesbrough from 7 December to 5 January.

Alongside Jimmy in the picture above are a couple of the cast who will be playing two of the dwarves, plus Craig Ansell (who will be Sarah the Cook), local girl Victoria Holtom (Snow White), and Emmerdale‘s Kurtis Stacey (he plays Alex Moss in the soap) who will feature in the role of the Wicked Henchman.

On most days, there is planned a 2.30 afternoon matinee and an early evening show starting at around 6pm, but check with the theatre by phone or on its website (details below) as times vary on different days.

The panto will be produced by the hugely experience Duggie Chapman, who has been in charge of the Forum Theatre’s panto for the last 15 or so years.

For more information or to book a ticket, visit the Forum Theatre website or ring the Box Office on 01642 552663.

Jimmy Cricket and Victoria Holtom (Snow White)

Jimmy Cricket and Victoria Holtom (who plays Snow White).  Photograph credit: Northern Echo

Shrinking trousers and bumble bees 150 150 mhamer

Shrinking trousers and bumble bees

Jimmy Cricket featured in Rochdale StyleJimmy Cricket featured in Rochdale StyleFamous funnyman Jimmy Cricket has taken centre stage again – this time in a local magazine.

The summer edition of Rochdale Style has a special feature on Belfast-born Jimmy whom it describes as the “town’s adopted son”.

Style is a glossy magazine reporting on society and current affairs in the town of Rochdale.

It was set up by Rochdale-born and bred actor Colin Meredith, who has had several notable appearances in ITV’s Coronation Street over the years.

Colin wanted to project a positive image of the town and so started publishing Style Magazine.

Jimmy Cricket featured in Rochdale Style

It has been going for around 10 years and, because Jimmy is a local Rochdale-based celebrity, he has featured in the magazine previously.

In the recent interview, Jimmy reveals his favourite comedians and the inspiration behind his famous stand-up act.

He also talks about his Mammy shrinking his trousers, his daughter’s comedy genes and bumble bees.

The latest article about Jimmy was written by Colin’s daughter, Ruth Meredith.

Jimmy Cricket featured in Rochdale Style

Emmerdale star also in panto cast 150 150 mhamer

Emmerdale star also in panto cast

Jimmy Cricket will be headlining the 2013 Christmas panto at the Forum Theatre in BillinghamAn actor from Emmerdale will also be in the pantomime which Jimmy Cricket is headlining at Christmas.

More details have been released of the panto which runs at the Forum Theatre in Billingham, near Middlesbrough, from the afternoon of Saturday 7 December (commencing at 1.30pm) to Sunday 5 January.

Irish entertainer Jimmy plays the comedy role of Muddles in that old favourite, Snow White and the seven dwarfs, with Kurtis Stacey – who is Alex Moss in ITV’s ever-popular soap opera Emmerdale – the Wicked Queen’s Henchman.

Jimmy Cricket will be headlining the 2013 Christmas panto at the Forum Theatre in BillinghamThe panto will be produced by the hugely experience Duggie Chapman, who has been in charge of the Forum Theatre’s panto for the last 15 or so years.

Jimmy said: “Tickets are reasonably priced between £13.50 and £16.00 – this does not include school rates or group booking rates.

“Couple this affordable ticket rate with the easy accessibility of the evening performance times – they are all scheduled for between 5.30pm and 6.30pm – and this show is definitely a family-friendly, Christmas treat for all the generations!”

For more information or to book a ticket, visit the Forum Theatre website or ring the Box Office on 01642 552663.

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