Posts Tagged :

stage

‘Larger-than-life and great attitude’ 150 150 mhamer

‘Larger-than-life and great attitude’

Jimmy Cricket with stage doorkeeper Robert at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton

Jimmy Cricket formed a great working partnership when he visited the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton at the Marine Promenade on the Wirral with his own show.

The famous Irish entertainer teamed up well with stage doorkeeper Robert (pictured above with Jimmy) for the performance.

“We got on really well. Robert is a larger-than-life character with a great attitude to working in the theatre industry,” said Jimmy.

“I really appreciated his help and support during my visit to the theatre and this helped to ensure the show ran smoothly.”

Jimmy is returning to the Floral Pavilion with a different show later in the year.

Joining bid to save local pavilion 150 150 mhamer

Joining bid to save local pavilion

Jimmy Cricket performed at the Ipswich Corn Exchange on May 8 as part of The Good Old Days of Music Hall and VarietyTop entertainer Jimmy Cricket has thrown his weight behind saving a local theatre.

The famous Irish comedian told Ipswich Star and East Anglian Daily Times journalist Wayne Savage he had sent an email in support of Felixstowe’s Spa Pavilion.

In an article which was published in both newspapers, Jimmy said: “I got an email saying there were two consortiums that wanted to take over but had been turned down by the council, but they were amalgamating and wanted to turn it into a community-type theatre to help young people develop their theatrical skills and for disabled people and would I get behind their pitch.

“I said with pleasure and emailed off an endorsement. It would be a crime to
demolish it.”

Jimmy was in the region last week when he performed at the Ipswich Corn
Exchange as part of The Good Old Days of Music Hall and Variety.

He was supported in the 8 May production by a company of singers and stars of TV and radio, including Shep’s Banjo Boys – who have played at the London Palladium – plus comedy and speciality acts.

Flying visit to appear on radio show 150 150 mhamer

Flying visit to appear on radio show
William Caulfield and Jimmy Cricket share a joke

Fellow Northern Irish comics William Caulfield & Jimmy Cricket share a joke at the radio show recording

Jimmy Cricket made a flying visit to Northern Ireland to appear on a show hosted by a fellow Northern Irish entertainer.

The Rochdale-based funnyman featured on the BBC Radio Ulster programme, It’s William Caulfield, So It Is, hosted by the eponymous impressionist and comedian.

Jimmy journeyed over on the day of the recording and flew back to Manchester the next day.

He said: “It was literally a flying visit to appear on the show. I wanted to accept the invite and had a great time with William.”

The programme was broadcast on Saturday 25 April, with the entire series available as a podcast on the BBC website. Each episode is recorded in front of a live studio audience at Blackstaff House.

Working to stop cruelty to animals 150 150 mhamer

Working to stop cruelty to animals

60s tribute band called the Beat Legends A 60s tribute band called the Beat Legends (above) and BBC Radio Merseyside presenter Frankie Connor were also on the bill when Jimmy Cricket appeared in a charity show on Merseyside.

Sue Lees

The event took place at the Huyton Suite in Knowsley and was organised by Jimmy’s good friends Bill and Sue Lees from Liverpool.

It was in aid of a very worthy cause close to Bill and Sue’s heart called Animal Defenders International (ADI).

ADI is the leading animal protection organisation working to stop cruelty to animals worldwide. It is a major international campaigning group, with offices in London and Los Angeles.

Sue Lees (right) is herself a very talented singer and also appeared on the show.

Top entertainer Jimmy said: “A good night was had by all and significant proceeds will be sent to the charity.”

Jimmy Cricket with one of the event's supporters

Comedian Jimmy with one of the charity event’s supporters

Easter shows on the border 150 150 mhamer

Easter shows on the border
Jimmy Cricket and Clive Abbot performing

Jimmy and Clive Abbot performing

The northern-most town in England was one of the latest destinations for top entertainer Jimmy Cricket.

Jimmy Cricket with Ted, a champion ballroom dancer and ex-Royal Navy officer

Jimmy with Ted, a champion ballroom dancer

He appeared in Berwick-upon-Tweed on the England-Scotland border for two shows over the Easter weekend.

First, the famous Irish comedian was at Berwick Bowling Club and the following night he performed at Tweedmouth Bowling Club.

Both featured Jimmy as the headline artist, supported by the gifted singer and guitar player Clive Abbot.

The two shows were put together by local businessman Albert Whyte.

Albert runs the excellently rated b&B establishment Whyteside House in the heart of Berwick-upon-Tweed.

Jimmy Cricket with two bowling committee members.at Tweedmouth

Jimmy with two bowling committee members at Tweedmouth

 

New heritage centre and tea rooms open 150 150 mhamer

New heritage centre and tea rooms open
The redecorated tea room at the visitor centre

The redecorated tea rooms at the visitor centre

Jimmy Cricket recently attended the press launch of the new Healey Dell Heritage centre and tea rooms near to where he lives in Rochdale.

The famous Irish entertainer was invited to the opening event by Janice Percy, who had teamed up with a friend to save the centre when she heard Rochdale Council no longer wanted to keep it open.

Jimmy with Lorraine, one of the centre’s volunteers

Jimmy with Lorraine, one of the centre’s volunteers

Jimmy did not need to think twice about going because when he is not working he often goes walking in Healey Dell, as he lives on the edge of this nature reserve.

Last December Janice and her partnership took on the lease of the building and set about raising around £25,000 for its refurbishment.

She also started to look for volunteers who would help the project get off the ground.

Janice and her team have now revived the old building and have created the following:

The exterior of the building - the fairy is there in preparation for the children’s Easter activities!

Outside the centre – the fairy is there in preparation for the children’s Easter activities!

  • A heritage room – An all-year-round exhibition dedicated to the rich heritage of the nature reserve
  • Dedicated gallery space to showcase the work of local artists and photographers
  • A vintage style tea room featuring a baby grand piano and six sparkling crystal chandeliers where visitors will enjoy traditional cream teas served from vintage bone china
  • Newly converted disabled facilities/wheelchair access and disabled toilet and washroom

The centre reopened on the Thursday before the Easter weekend and  the tea rooms will now open every Saturday and Sunday over the summer season. The centre is run entirely by unpaid volunteers.

Jimmy with the Rochdale-based actor Colin Meredith, who recently appeared on Coronation Street

Jimmy with the Rochdale-based actor Colin Meredith, who recently appeared on Coronation Street

‘Best Irish comedy act you will ever see’ 150 150 mhamer

‘Best Irish comedy act you will ever see’

Jimmy Cricket has been described as “Ken Dodd, Tommy Cooper and Les Dawson all rolled into one”.

Jimmy Cricket performs at Boothys in Mansfield on Friday 5 April

The famous comedian appears on a night of laughter and music at Boothys in Mansfield on Friday 5 April, with organiser Gerry Molumby insisting: “He is the best Irish comedy act you will ever see.”

Acushla will provide the music, while one or two local acts may also perform on the night.

The show begins at 8pm and tickets are £8, available from Boothys or, if there are any left, on the door on the night.

Boothys’ address is 2 West Hill Drive, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. Postcode is NG18 1PJ and telephone number 01623 623729.