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steve hewlett

‘Please share your memories of Jimmy Cricket’ 150 150 mhamer

‘Please share your memories of Jimmy Cricket’
Ventriloquist Steve Hewlett has been sharing his fond memories of fellow entertainer Jimmy Cricket on social media.
Ventriloquist Steve Hewlett has been sharing his fond memories of fellow entertainer Jimmy Cricket on social media.
Steve is currently highlighting a “comedy legend of the day” series on his profile and just a couple of days before St Patrick’s Day, he choose Northern Irish funnyman Jimmy.
A finalist in the seventh series of Britain’s Got Talent, Steve posted over the weekend: “I first worked with Jimmy on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
“I was already an admirer of his growing up watching variety in the 80s. He was all over television.
“He made my parents laugh so much and when they laughed my siblings and I took notice and laughed too.
“On the cruise in 1999, I introduced myself shy as I was but he could not have been more welcoming, kind and generous with his time and advice.
“He came to my shows and we chatted and laughed and after that contact we would constantly bump into each other through the years.
“I think we worked together 2/3 times just in 2024 and it is always great being in his and May’s company. They are adorable people.
“The last time we gigged together with Mark Shortland, my daughter Lola roadied for me and Jimmy made her so welcome it made it so memorable for me and her!
“Thanks Jimmy 💙.
So kind and generous
Steve added: “Please share your memories of Jimmy Cricket.”
Colin Mills was among numerous people to comment on his post.
He said about Jimmy: “Many years ago after a Talent show I did in Corton, (Lowestoft), I wrote him a letter.
“It was like winning the lottery when he said come and do 4 minutes at his show in Leiston.
“So kind and generous for a “star” to give you stage time.
“If Jimmy reads this THANK YOU, never thought I would have own theatre show back then, but those moments really helped.”
You can leave your own happy memory of Jimmy by putting a comment at the bottom of this page (in the box under “Leave a reply”).
Jimmy Cricket has wished everybody a happy St Patrick's Day
Hooray for Hudd: Jimmy promotes tribute show on BBC radio 150 150 mhamer

Hooray for Hudd: Jimmy promotes tribute show on BBC radio

Jimmy Cricket appeared on BBC Radio Essex to promote a special show taking place at the weekend.Jimmy Cricket  appeared on BBC Radio Essex to promote a special show taking place at the weekend.

Comedian Jimmy is among a talented array of performers taking to the stage on Sunday (2 June) in memory of the late Roy Hudd OBE.

The famous Northern Irish entertainer spoke to presenter Sadie Nine about the show during her morning programme on 25 May.

Listen to Jimmy and Sadie here (their chat begins around 37 minutes into the show). [Note: You may have to sign in or register to hear the clip.]

Roy was an actor, comedian radio host, author and authority on the history of music hall entertainment.

He died in 2020 at the age of 83 after a short illness.

Hooray for Hudd is an evening of top-class variety entertainment to celebrate his life and work.

It takes place at the West Cliff Theatre in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.

All proceeds go towards a charity formed after Roy’s death.

The Clacton Gazette website says: “A fundraising appeal was made to put up a statue in memory of the much-loved comedy legend.

“Roy was a good friend of the West Cliff and, in 2010, he became patron of the theatre.

“Due to his long association with the West Cliff, the theatre decided to put on a variety show in his memory.

“Organised by Roy’s widow, Debbie Hudd, and local singer Andrew Robley, plenty of artists have agreed to appear on stage.

“Andrew will be performing a selection of songs.

‘Well-rounded cast’

“Jimmy Cricket, one of Ireland’s best-known comedians, is also taking part.

“Steve Hewlett, one of Britain’s leading ventriloquists and finalist in Britain’s Got Talent 2013, will be taking part in the celebratory performance.

“Comedian and actor Richard Gauntlett, who has twice starred in the West Cliff’s Summer Season, will also be performing.

“Lyn Paul, a former member of the New Seekers before starting her solo career and becoming a TV personality, is also attending.

“Ticket prices are £23, concessions £21.50.

“Hudd broke into television in the mid-1960s in sketch series such as The Illustrated Weekly Hudd and The Roy Hudd Show.

“His acting roles included the Dennis Potter series Lipstick on Your Collar, for which he received critical praise and a part in Karaoke.

“He also was the long-standing President of the British Music Hall Society and appeared in many pantomimes and variety performances.

“For more information go to westcliffclacton.co.uk/famousfaces/hooray-for-hudd.”

Also read: Roy Hudd: One of the great performers, writers and comics

Hi folks looking forward to this great ‘Variety Show’ @wctclacton on Sun 2nd June @7pm in memory of our great friend the comic/actor Roy Hudd, on the show is @andrewrobley @BobthecatBevan @LynPaul6 @DarrenDOfficial @DickyGauntlett , Steve Hewlett @tomcarradine & Victoria Yellop

 

 

Tribute show in memory of the late, great Roy Hudd 150 150 mhamer

Tribute show in memory of the late, great Roy Hudd

Roy Hudd

Jimmy Cricket is among the performers taking to the stage in memory of the late Roy Hudd OBE.

Roy was an actor, comedian radio host, author and authority on the history of music hall entertainment.

He died in 2020 at the age of 83 after a short illness.

Hooray for Hudd, on Sunday 2 June, will be an evening of top-class variety entertainment to celebrate his life and work.

It takes place at the West Cliff Theatre in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.

All proceeds go towards a charity formed after Roy’s death.

The Clacton Gazette website says: “A fundraising appeal was made to put up a statue in memory of the much-loved comedy legend.

“Roy was a good friend of the West Cliff and, in 2010, he became patron of the theatre.

“Due to his long association with the West Cliff, the theatre decided to put on a variety show in his memory.

“Organised by Roy’s widow, Debbie Hudd, and local singer Andrew Robley, plenty of artists have agreed to appear on stage.

“Andrew will be performing a selection of songs.

‘Well-rounded cast’

“Jimmy Cricket, one of Ireland’s best-known comedians, is also taking part.

“Steve Hewlett, one of Britain’s leading ventriloquists and finalist in Britain’s Got Talent 2013, will be taking part in the celebratory performance.

“Comedian and actor Richard Gauntlett, who has twice starred in the West Cliff’s Summer Season, will also be performing.

“Lyn Paul, a former member of the New Seekers before starting her solo career and becoming a TV personality, is also attending.

“Other names are yet to be added to form a well-rounded cast.

“Ticket prices are £23, concessions £21.50.

“Hudd broke into television in the mid-1960s in sketch series such as The Illustrated Weekly Hudd and The Roy Hudd Show.

We’d love to see you there!

“His acting roles included the Dennis Potter series Lipstick on Your Collar, for which he received critical praise and a part in Karaoke.

“He also was the long-standing President of the British Music Hall Society and appeared in many pantomimes and variety performances.

“For more information go to westcliffclacton.co.uk/famousfaces/hooray-for-hudd.”

Jimmy commented on social media: “We’d love to see you there!”

Also read: Roy Hudd: One of the great performers, writers and comics

A magician, a ventriloquist and ‘hard-working volunteers’ 150 150 mhamer

A magician, a ventriloquist and ‘hard-working volunteers’

My thanks to organiser the Rev Nathan Ward for tonight’s show @StMargaretsChurch & caught up with two great acts and friends BGT/ventriloquist/Eyes&TeethPodcasts Steve Hewlett with his lovely daughter Lola, & magician Mark Shortland & thanks to the hard-working volunteers too!

A magician and a ventriloquist helped to make it a night of real variety at a show staged in a church in Kent.

Steve Hewlett and Mark Shortland performed at St Margaret’s Church of England in Rainham, along with famous funnyman Jimmy Cricket.My thanks to organiser the Rev Nathan Ward for tonight’s show @StMargaretsChurch & caught up with two great acts and friends BGT/ventriloquist/Eyes&TeethPodcasts Steve Hewlett with his lovely daughter Lola, & magician Mark Shortland & thanks to the hard-working volunteers too!

Steve, a ventriloquist from Basingstoke in Hampshire, was a finalist on the seventh series of Britain’s Got Talent.

Watch his performance in the 2013 final here.

Mark is a comedic magician who auditioned for both Series 10 and 14 of Britain’s Got Talent.

He was 51 years old at the time of his second audition, which was televised.

Watch Mark playing musical musical chairs with the BGT judges!

My thanks to organiser the Rev Nathan Ward for tonight’s show @StMargaretsChurch & caught up with two great acts and friends BGT/ventriloquist/Eyes&TeethPodcasts Steve Hewlett with his lovely daughter Lola, & magician Mark Shortland & thanks to the hard-working volunteers too!St Margaret’s is a diverse and inclusive church which has served the community of Rainham for more than 800 years.

Jimmy said after the show on Friday 26 April: “My thanks to organiser the Rev Nathan Ward for tonight’s show @StMargaretsChurch.

“Caught up with two great BGT/ventriloquist/Eyes&T acts and friendseethPodcasts Steve Hewlett, with his lovely daughter Lola, & magician Mark Shortland.

“And thanks to the hard-working volunteers too!”

All Jimmy’s tour dates are on his website here.

My thanks to organiser the Rev Nathan Ward for tonight’s show @StMargaretsChurch & caught up with two great acts and friends BGT/ventriloquist/Eyes&TeethPodcasts Steve Hewlett with his lovely daughter Lola, & magician Mark Shortland & thanks to the hard-working volunteers too!

Buy Jimmy’s autobiography!

Don’t forget that Jimmy’s official autobiography is on sale.

Memoirs Of An Irish Comedian tells the heart-warming story of Jimmy’s illustrious life and 50-year career.

The paperback version costs £11.99 at online retailer Amazon. It is also available via eBook and audio.

Jimmy Cricket with his autobiography

Signed copies (£15.99 including postage and packing) can be purchased on this website here.

Additionally, it is available at Jimmy’s live gigs for £10, where Jimmy will also sign it.

One pound from the sale of every book goes to Mary’s Meals.

The charity supports feeding projects in some of the world’s poorest communities.

Also read: Jimmy Cricket’s signed autobiographies now available by post!

Featuring in podcast and being spoilt on my birthday! 150 150 mhamer

Featuring in podcast and being spoilt on my birthday!

The Conclusion of Season One is here with my “Eyes & Teeth” facing the Legendary @jimmy__cricket  Free to download, enjoy and review at your leisure I hope these bring you joy and fun into your ears https://buzzsprout.com/1358848

Jimmy Cricket featured with his friend and fellow entertainer Steve Hewlett in the final episode of the first season of the Eyes & Teeth podcast.
Steve, who is a ventriloquist and was a finalist in the seventh series of Britain’s Got Talent, produces the podcast.
He posted the past photos above and said: “The Conclusion of Season One is here with my “Eyes & Teeth” facing the Legendary @jimmy__cricket.”
Steve added: “My New Podcast Eyes and Teeth, free to download, enjoy and review at your leisure.
“I hope these bring you joy and fun into your ears buzzsprout.com/1358848.”

He had previously said he was proud to launch his own podcast in 2020.

“Every incredible guest has a story & shares much laughter & happiness! The first has me talking to myself,” he commented.

A big thank you to everyone @LoungeComedy as they celebrated my birthday with me tonight, my thanks to that great fellow comic @mikemcclean5 and to Paul and Bev who own this wonderful comedy venue, I was throughly spoilt with a fabulous cake and cards and presents!Performing arts#SaveTheArts

Jimmy recently celebrated his 75th birthday by appearing at The Comedy Lounge in Hull.

He said afterwards: “A big thank you to everyone @LoungeComedy as they celebrated my birthday with me tonight.

“My thanks to that great fellow comic @mikemcclean5 and to Paul and Bev who own this wonderful comedy venue.

“I was throughly spoilt with a fabulous cake and cards and presents! #SaveTheArts.”

The photos above were taken at the event.

Jimmy also received lots of happy birthday messages via social media.

“Can I say a big, ‘Thank You’, to all those who took the time today to send me, Birthday Greetings,” he added.

“Sending Love and Best Wishes from me and Mrs C. xx”

Can I say a big, “Thank You”, to all those who took the time today to send me, “Birthday Greetings”, sending Love and Best Wishes from me and Mrs C. xx

Also read: Mammy’s letters are handy reading for the garden!

Miming The Yellow Rose of Texas on the Andy Ford show! 150 150 mhamer

Miming The Yellow Rose of Texas on the Andy Ford show!

Hi folks this premiered last night on the #AndyFord Variety Show, Andy has some great acts on, so try and catch his show on Sunday nights!

Jimmy Cricket took part in the first of Andy Ford’s Sunday variety shows on Facebook.

The Northern Irish funnyman was among a host of entertainers who performed.

He mimed The Yellow Rose of Texas, which prompted a lot of positive comments on social media (see below).

Among the other acts were ventriloquist Steve Hewlett and magician/comedian Mark James.

The show is the brainwave of comedian Andy Ford, who introduced Jimmy as a “comedy legend”.

Andy Ford described Jimmy as a "comedy legend"

He posted the full show on Facebook and it attracted more than 3,000 views.

In addition, 280 comments were posted.

He said: “Just under 50,000 people watched my live stand up comedy shows on Sunday Nights on Facebook!!

“Well now I’m back…. every Sunday night… same time same place with an online Variety Show.

“Join me at 8.30pm for great entertainment with a host of stars performing direct to you!!”

‘Terrific. Brilliant. What timing!!’

Jimmy said: “Hi folks this premiered last night on the #AndyFord Variety Show.

“Andy has some great acts on, so try and catch his show on Sunday nights!” ????

Jimmy posted a video of his own performance on his Facebook page.

Here were some of the comments about his act:

Steve Ace Luff
Your timing is spot on
Well done loved it
Julie Corcoran
Amazing Jimmy you make me smile, that’s infectious & I can pass it on safely ????
Lawrence Cody
I think the band may be a bunch of cowboys..trying to get in on the act..at least you kept your cool..great Jimmy..it made me laugh..
Stephen Windle
Fabulous ????
Mike Mendoza
Brilliant well done.
Ken Smith
Really Enjoyed that Jimmy
Johnny Cleveland
Absolutely love that record and your interpretation was brilliant with impeccable timing!
Anne Goddard
Terrific. Brilliant. What timing !!

Watch Jimmy’s performance (the post is on 8 June)

Visit Andy Ford’s Facebook page (and watch the full show)

Also read: New Twitter profile photo is ‘Laurel and Hardy combined!’

Mammy’s letters are handy reading for the garden! 150 150 mhamer

Mammy’s letters are handy reading for the garden!

Steve Hewlett @ventriloquist29 @jimmy__cricket I might read these this weekend in the garden Red heart ???????? Glowing star

Popular ventriloquist Steve Hewlett has the perfect answer to what to read during the coronavirus lockdown – two Jimmy Cricket books!

Steve, who was a finalist in the seventh series of Britain’s Got Talent, posted a photo of the books on Twitter.

He tagged Jimmy in it and said: “I might read these this weekend in the garden.”

The books are the first and second editions of Come ‘ere There’s More! Letters from Me Mammy.

Jimmy is particularly well-known for the letters he reads on stage from his Mammy back in Northern Ireland.

They helped him to become a household name back in the 1980s.

Top-class performers

Steve has also performed at the Royal Albert Hall and guested as a ventriloquist on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.

He has headlined summer seasons and comedy clubs as well as devising, producing & appearing in countless variety shows.

Over the years, he has worked with many top-class performers, including the Osmonds, the Stylistics, the late Sir Ken Dodd, the late Roy Hudd, Ricky Tomlinson, Tom O’Connor, Bobby Davro and many more.

And Jimmy himself of course!

They both performed in a fund-raising show in September 2018 in memory of the late Keith Harris.

The event, called Eyes & Teeth, took place at the Viva Blackpool in the west Lancashire seaside resort.

All the money raised went towards The Keith Harris & Orville Statue Fund as part of a campaign to erect a memorial in the town for the late ventriloquist.

Keith was best known for his television show The Keith Harris Show (from 1982 to 1990) and for his appearances with his puppets Orville the Duck and Cuddles the Monkey.

Also read: Message of hope: ‘After the storm comes the rainbow…’

Blackpool bonanza in aid of statue for Keith Harris

Steve Hewlett's Twitter profile

Steve Hewlett’s profile on social media channel Twitter

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