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variety

Topping the bill at a memorial concert 150 150 mhamer

Topping the bill at a memorial concert
Jimmy and Kelvin (who is pictured far left) singers Big D and Micky Diamond and host Ryan Dollard

Jimmy and Kelvin (who is pictured far left) with singers Big D and Mickey Diamond and host Ryan Dollard

Jimmy Cricket, who has been spending two days a week during the summer performing in Eastbourne, was at the other end of the country at the weekend.

The Rochdale-based entertainer topped the bill in the third annual LW Rock 4 Macmillan concert at The Shepherds Inn & Auctioneer in Carlisle.

All proceeds raised at the event, held in memory of Lance Wood who died in 2009 from liver cancer, were donated to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Lance’s son, Kelvin J Wood, organises the show and also appeared as he is the lead singer of an indie rock band from Carlisle called The Mass.

Gretna Social Club hosted the first two annual events but its popularity has grown so much that Kelvin was forced to switch to a larger venue.

Other acts appearing alongside Jimmy and Kelvin’s band included singers Big D and Mickey Diamond.

The  evening was hosted by local ITV reporter Ryan Dollard.

Jimmy said: “The show raised hundreds of pounds and everyone had a fabulous time!”

Jimmy starred in the third annual LW Rock 4 Macmillan concert at The Shepherds Inn & Auctioneer in Carlisle

Jimmy starred in the annual LW Rock 4 Macmillan concert at The Shepherds Inn & Auctioneer in Carlisle

Jimmy in comedy marathon on BBC 150 150 mhamer

Jimmy in comedy marathon on BBC
Jimmy Cricket and Mick Miller with a couple of fans before their show in Edinburgh

Jimmy and Mick with a couple of fans before their show in Edinburgh

Jimmy Cricket has taken part in a televised comedy marathon spectacular.

The Northern Irish funnyman was among 40 comedians to perform in the eight-hour overnight show (9pm-5am) at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2012 on Friday 17 August.

And Jimmy did not take to the stage until 2.50am!

The show was broadcast throughout the night on the BBC digital channel and BBC3 has edited the event down to a one-hour highlights package which it will screen three times, the first at 9pm tomorrow (Friday 31 August).

Jimmy Cricket and Mick Miller get ready for their show at the Ace Dome

Jimmy and Mick get ready for their show at the Ace Dome

Watch a preview trailer of the programme here, though it is accompanied by a warning about strong language (none from Jimmy, we hasten to add!).

See the line-up of comedians and Jimmy’s profile.

Jimmy was also at the world-famous Edinburgh Festival to team up with one of his contemporaries, Mick Miller, as part of their short tour around the UK which also includes Darlington, Preston, Chester, Sheffield and Manchester.

The ‘Jimmy & Mick 2012 UK Tour’ show in Edinburgh was at a venue called the Ace Dome, which is among several Fringe venues run by the Pleasance company – one of the Fringe’s key venue organisers.

Jimmy said: “I really enjoy working with Mick and feel we complement each other’s style of comedy.

“The show was a sell-out and was well received by spectators and critics alike. The show indeed got this year’s festival talking and I think both of us made an impact!”

During his visit to the Fringe, Jimmy also took part in a podcast with Mick Miller, which was hosted by the young comedy double act Peacock and Gamble.

And after his Ace Dome show with Mick, Jimmy travelled over to the main Pleasance complex to take part in that evening’s version of the Horne Section – hosted by the comedian Alex Horne.

Jimmy ended his set on this show with a rendition of ‘Tequila’, which he played on his saxophone with Alex and his band providing the accompaniment.

Jimmy and Mick get ready to record a podcast with Peacock and Gamble

Jimmy and Mick get ready to record a podcast with Peacock and Gamble

Crowning the Carnival Queen 150 150 mhamer

Crowning the Carnival Queen

Jimmy performed at the pier theatre in Cromer

Jimmy Cricket had a dual role when he visited Cromer, a coastal resort in north Norfolk.

In addition to appearing in the theatre on the seaside town’s pier, the Irish comedian was also asked to crown the Carnival Queen!

Jimmy said: “I have always enjoyed visiting Cromer. I really love the theatre which has become a bit of a bastion of the ‘end-of-pier summer season revue’.

“This type of variety format has been maintained in the resort for years. Cromer’s shows have a fine reputation and are not only supported by day trippers, but also by locals from the north Norfolk region.

“With so many resorts not opting to present a summer season family production any more, Cromer continues to buck the national trend.

“This really proves that an audience can be developed for such a show and that people will come back every year to support the theatre.”

Watch a video slideshow on the homepage of this website or at Jimmy’s YouTube channel

Photos here provided by Steve Medler and the remainder on the video slideshow courtesy of Dave Roberts

Jimmy Cricket has a ride in a blue cadillac in Cromer

Jimmy talks to seaside visitors while taking a ride in a blue cadillac in Cromer

It’s Showtime! 150 150 mhamer

It’s Showtime!
A train forms the backdrop for all the performers in Sentimental Journey

A train forms the backdrop for all the performers in Sentimental Journey at the Royal Hippodrome Theatre

A railway station is the nostalgic setting for a variety summer show starring comedian Jimmy Cricket.

The Belfast-born funnyman has since May been appearing in Sentimental Journey to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year at the Royal Hippodrome Theatre in Eastbourne, East Sussex.

Entertainers Mike Lee and Barry Moon

Entertainers Mike Lee and Barry Moon

The story goes that a train has broken down at the Royal Hippodrome station  so, while everyone waits for it to be repaired, the station master and “the man from head office” arrange some entertainment to keep people amused.

It transports the audience back to an era when a small company of talented individuals would sing, dance and tell jokes.

For a video slideshow of the performers from the show, visit Jimmy’s homepage here or go to the Wellie Boot channel on YouTube.

The host for the evening is the singer Mike Lee, who plays the train’s inspector, and at the start of the show he bumps into the train’s conductor – none other than the talented impressionist Barry Moon.

Barry Moon sings at the Hippodrome

Barry Moon sings at the Royal Hippodrome

Jimmy Cricket said: “Both Barry and Mike are also the show’s producers and they have done a great job at putting this show together.”

The Showtime Dancers in Sentimental Journey are Nick, Jo, Lauren and Janine.

Also appearing are world-renowned tribute acts Colin Gold and Tracy Lea.

Colin, who starred on ITV’s Stars in Their Eyes, has gone on to become one of the most experienced and acclaimed Billy Fury acts in the world. Halfway to Paradise was one of Fury’s best-known songs.

Tracy Lee and dancers Nick, Jo, Lauren and Janine

Tracy Lee & dancers Nick, Jo, Lauren & Janine

Connie Francis’ greatest hits included Who’s Sorry Now, Lipstick on Your Collar and Stupid Cupid. Tracy also appeared on Stars in Their Eyes, a British television talent show screened on Saturday nights from 21 July 1990 to 23 December 2006 in which contestants impersonated showbiz stars.

Jimmy, Colin and Tracy recently appeared live in Eastbourne on ITV’s breakfast show, Daybreak.

* Performances for Sentimental Journey are at 8.15 each Tuesday and Wednesday night throughout the summer. Tickets cost £12 and £17 – go here for more information.

Catching up on old times 150 150 mhamer

Catching up on old times

Old friends Jimmy Cricket and Jacqui Ridler meet up again

Jimmy Cricket met up with an old friend while appearing in his summer show on the south coast.

The famous comedian is currently starring in Sentimental Journey, the family extravaganza running at the Royal Hippodrome Theatre in Eastbourne, East Sussex, every Tuesday and Wednesday evening until 26 September.

Jimmy Cricket and Jacqui Ridler

And it was there he caught up with Jacqui Ridler (formerly Jacqui Munroe) whom Jimmy has known since the 1970s.

They first met when Jimmy worked the holiday park circuit in Torbay where Jacqui was a Bluecoat.

Jacqui herself is from Torquay and her mum ran a hotel in the resort for a long time. In fact, Jimmy stayed at the hotel in 1994 when he was appearing at the Festival Theatre in Paignton.

She now lives in Eastbourne with her husband and thought she should pop along and catch up with Jimmy.

Whatever happened to…? 150 150 mhamer

Whatever happened to…?

Jimmy Cricket feature in the Daily Express

Famous Irish comedian Jimmy Cricket relived his successful showbiz career in a recent article in a British national newspaper.

The feature, written by Tony Padman, appeared in the magazine section of last Saturday’s Daily Express.

Jimmy meets campaigning grocer 150 150 mhamer

Jimmy meets campaigning grocer
Jimmy Cricket and Robin Blair with some of the plants Robin donated to Darlington Civic Theatre

Greengrocer Robin Blair shows Jimmy Cricket some of the plants he donated to Darlington Civic Theatre

Jimmy Cricket met a campaigning greengrocer on a recent visit to Darlington where he will be appearing in a stand-up show.

The famous Irish comedian had a walk around the town and chatted to local celebrity Robin Blair, who was recently awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Robin has donated plants to brighten up the Conservatory Bar plaza at the Darlington Civic Theatre and also regularly provides baskets of fruit in the dressing rooms for visiting entertainers.Jimmy and Robin have a chat during a walk around Darlington

The 67-year-old, who has been a grocer for more than 50 years, received the British Empire Medal for his services to the community of Darlington.

Over the years, he has campaigned to keep markets alive and against too many supermarkets taking away their trade.

Robin, who joined his father John Joseph’s stall officially at the age of 15 but had helped out on it since he was seven, said one of the highlights of his job was putting free fruit baskets in the dressing rooms and receiving messages of thanks – including from Ken Dodd.

Jimmy Cricket is returning to the Civic Theatre in Darlington just months after appearing on the same stage as Baron Hardup in a pantomime version of Cinderella.

This time, he will be doing his usual stand-up and is teaming up with fellow comedy legend Mick Miller.

In addition to the Darlington appearance on Wednesday 11 July, the Jimmy and Mick Show tour also includes Preston, Chester, Sheffield, Manchester and Edinburgh.