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stockport town centre

Banjo duo, dancers and the three-tenner sketch at Stockport’s The Plaza 150 150 mhamer

Banjo duo, dancers and the three-tenner sketch at Stockport’s The Plaza

Stockport's Plaza Theatre

Jimmy Cricket returned to The Plaza variety theatre in Stockport at the weekend to do his fourth show there.

Other acts included Shep’s Banjo Duo and dancers from the Stockport-based Debut Arts academy.

The famous comedian, 72, had last performed there in January 2016 and was clearly delighted to be back.

Afterwards he tweeted: “Wonderful Sunday afternoon performing alongside Howard and Steve, Shep’s Banjo Duo, Debut Arts Academy, with Ted Doan Manager and actor who took the lead in the, “The 3 Tenner Sketch”, my thanks goes to Stage, Sound and Lighting, Lawerence, Ben and Pam.”

Back in Stockport with Sunday afternoon show 150 150 mhamer

Back in Stockport with Sunday afternoon show

Jimmy CricketEver-popular comedian Jimmy Cricket returns to Stockport’s Plaza Theatre later this month with a show designed for all the family – it starts just after Sunday lunch!

Veteran entertainer Jimmy will bring his Value for a Tenner show to the Greater Manchester town on 25 January with the performance due to start at 3pm.

All adults tickets are just £10, with under 16s priced at £5 (as long as they are accompanied by an adult).

Jimmy said: “I always enjoy visiting the beautiful Plaza Theatre in Stockport – it is without doubt one of the most stunning and atmospheric auditoriums in the country.

“I hope for my visit this time that 3pm on a Sunday afternoon will allow for the shopping to be completed the day before and for the family to all come after their lunchtime get-together. This will mean a chance to laugh off the calories for what will be a lot less than your typical family trip to the cinema.

“After all, there is no better experience than live theatre, so come along and support your local one in Stockport.”

This is a special year for Jimmy as in October he will turn 70 and plans to celebrate the big occasion include a charity fun run near to where he lives in his adopted hometown of Rochdale.

Teaming up with ‘Demis Roussos’! 150 150 mhamer

Teaming up with ‘Demis Roussos’!

 Jimmy Cricket with fan Susan Barnes at the Jimmy & Alfie ShowA Demis Roussos impersonation was part of the entertainment when Jimmy Cricket joined up with fellow comedian Alfie Joey.

The Jimmy & Alfie Show took place at the Customs House Theatre in South Shields  last month.

Alfie has a real Tyneside connection as not only was he born in the region, he is also the current presenter of BBC Radio Newcastle’s breakfast show.

The show was well-received and Alfie even did an impersonation of Artemios ‘Demis’ Ventouris Roussos, a Greek singer who had a string of international hit records as a solo performer in the 1970s. His most famous single was Forever And Ever which topped the charts in several countries.

Jimmy said: “I was happy to spend some time after the show meeting and greeting those who were in attendance and was thrilled to have a chat with Susan Barnes.” (pictured above right).

Presenting… the Jimmy & Alfie Show 150 150 mhamer

Presenting… the Jimmy & Alfie Show

Jimmy Cricket is set to join forces with BBC Radio Newcastle’s Alfie Joey for a comedy show to be reckoned with at South Shield’s The Customs House

The legendary Jimmy Cricket is set to join forces with BBC Radio Newcastle’s Alfie Joey for a comedy extravaganza at The Customs House Theatre in South Shields.

For one night only, two of the finest exponents of the art of comedy will bring their contrasting styles to a show that will be bursting with one-liners, gags, stories and the odd punchline or two!

The Jimmy and Alfie Show is on Saturday 10 May.  Tickets have been kept affordable, with the top price capped at £14.

Alfie said: “It is a sheer delight to be sharing the stage with a comedy great like Jimmy Cricket.

“By teaming up with Jimmy, we not only complement one another, but we’ll bring different gag-telling approaches to the evening. This means those who can come along will have a real taste of comedy throughout our show at The Customs House.”

Jimmy said: “I’ve worked with Alfie on a number of occasions in the past, including teaming up together a couple of years ago for a show at the ARC arts centre in Stockton-on-Tees. So I was thrilled to be offered this chance to work with him again in South Shields because he is just great fun to be around.

“Why not come along and indulge in a few chuckles in what will be a splendid evening of laughter and frivolity!”

Lemon Tree, jam night & soap stars 150 150 mhamer

Lemon Tree, jam night & soap stars

Brian and Maxine from the renowned band caked Lemon Tree

A renowned band called Lemon Tree were among the artists at a recent jam night organised and hosted by famous comedian Jimmy Cricket.

Local, national and sometimes international entertainers perform for nothing at the monthly event which takes place at St Vincents RC Parish Centre in Norden, Rochdale.

Among the musicians at the jam evening in March was Lemon Tree which features Brian and Maxine.

Jimmy said: “The pair have been in the business of performing for a number of years and Lemon Tree developed a reputation of being one of the best corporate live musical bands in the country.

“As a result they were never out of work and travelled the length and breadth of the country performing at major corporate events and company parties.”

Out of the success of the band, Brian also developed an entertainment agency called the Lemon Tree Agency.

It initially specialised in arranging musical acts and bands,  but of late Brian has developed the personal appearance side of the business through links he has made with a number of soap stars. His new website can be found here. 

Brian and Maxine are seen above performing at the St Vincents jam night in March and, below, they are pictured with Jimmy.

Both photographs were taken by St Vincent’s photographer John Kay.

Jimmy Cricket with Brian and Maxine from the renowned band caked Lemon Tree
Walkabout with the Lamplighters 150 150 mhamer

Walkabout with the Lamplighters

Jimmy Cricket and the Lamplighters

Jimmy Cricket teamed up with a musician he has known for more than  40 years when he promoted a show in Stockport earlier this year.

The famous entertainer thought a walkabout would be a good way of publicising his forthcoming visit to Stockport’s Plaza Theatre at the end of January.

Jimmy Cricket and the Lamplighters

Armed with his much-loved saxophone, he decided he would join his friends, the busking outfit called the Lamplighters, and walk from the pub called The Swan With Two Necks in central Stockport.

They went along Mersey Square in front of the main entrance to the Merseyway Shopping Centre, and then on to the theatre itself.

The Lamplighters are in fact the Walker brothers – Cyril (on the accordion) and Ivor, commonly known as Mack (on the drum).
Jimmy has known Cyril for a very long time – it was he who helped the Northern Irish comedian to get established on the North of England club circuit when he first set out on the road to showbusiness back in the early 1970s.
At that time Cyril was part of a double act called Clayton and Walker who were already touring around the entertainment venues in the North.
Jimmy said: “The parade through Stockport was a nice bit of fun. It also certainly made an impact, as when I returned to the Plaza I had a very healthy crowd in attendance who all had a great time watching my stand-up show!”
Warm welcome on a cold afternoon 150 150 mhamer

Warm welcome on a cold afternoon
Jimmy Cricket with Annette Logan

Jimmy with Annette during his walkabout in Stockport

Jimmy Cricket received a warm welcome on a cold January day when he went for a  walkabout in Stockport town centre a few weeks ago.

Jimmy Cricket with Martin Logan

Jimmy with Martin

The well-known entertainer thought it would be a good way of promoting his forthcoming visit to Stockport’s Plaza Theatre.

Armed with his much-loved saxophone, he decided he would join his friends, the busking outfit called the Lamplighters, and walk from the pub called The Swan With Two Necks in central Stockport.

They went along Mersey Square in front of the main entrance to the Merseyway Shopping Centre, and then on to the theatre itself.

jimmy_cricket_darrenDuring the journey Jimmy bumped into lots of different faces, who greeted him with not only great surprise, but full of warmth as well.

This was really welcomed by Jimmy as it was, after all, a cold January afternoon!

Among the many pleasant people he met during the walk included Martin and Annette Logan (photos above and right) and Darren Healey (left).