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warner entertainments

Francis House benefits from Rochdale ‘jam’ night 150 150 mhamer

Francis House benefits from Rochdale ‘jam’ night

Warner Entertainments posted their thanks to Jimmy on Twitter

A children’s hospice in south Manchester benefited from Jimmy Cricket’s latest  ‘jam’ night in Rochdale.

The event, hosted by the famous Northern Irish entertainer and his wife May Marion every couple of months,  takes place in the lounge area of a local parish centre in his home town of Rochdale.

It started about a decade ago as an opportunity for Jimmy and other performers to try out new routines and is still going strong.

The famous entertainer has nicknamed those who come to regularly support these evenings as ‘Jimmy’s Jammers’.

At every event,  there is a raffle and the selling of refreshments, with all proceeds donated to a chosen charity.

Francis House Children’s Hospice, which is based in Didsbury, was the beneficiary of the December jam night, which was also attended by Brian and Maxine Warner of Warner Entertainments.

Warner hall in Harrogate is a ‘stunning location’ 150 150 mhamer

Warner hall in Harrogate is a ‘stunning location’
Jimmy Cricket pictured with friends at Nidd Hall in North Yorkshire

Comedian Jimmy Cricket pictured with friends at Nidd Hall in North Yorkshire

Jimmy Cricket recently appeared at the Warner Leisure Hotels heritage site of Nidd Hall, which is situated just outside the town of Harrogate in lovely North Yorkshire.

The famous entertainer, 70, was able to enjoy his visit to this “stunning location”, which is always not the case because when he appears at a venue as sometimes it can be quite hectic setting up beforehand and then getting away afterwards.

Nidd all in North Yorkshire

However, on this occasion he had to get everything ready for the evening’s show immediately on arrival.

This created a gap of several hours before his performance, allowing him and Mrs Cricket to have a look around this impressive site.

When Jimmy arrived for his evening show, the ballroom was packed and the audience gave him a very warm reception.

He and Mrs Cricket were able to stay overnight in the hotel, as his show the next day was an afternoon performance in Lincolnshire, making it more sense for him to drive there from North Yorkshire than to go back and forth from his Rochdale home.

Jimmy said: “A big thanks to Sue Coulbeck from Warners HQ for making this show happen and also to the Nidd Hall entertainments manager, Jonathan Ryley, for his very professional attitude and approach, which all contributed to making this a successful visit for me to a stunning location.”

Jimmy Cricket on stage at Nidd Hall

There’s more… Jimmy Cricket’s festive message 150 150 mhamer

There’s more… Jimmy Cricket’s festive message

Jimmy CricketDear Cricket Times readers,

Well, I cannot believe we have come to the end of another year!

When I look back over the last 12 months, I can safely say 2015 has been a special year for me. This is because not only did I turn 70 years old, but I was deeply humbled to receive the award of a papal knight from the Roman Catholic Church.

Over the course of the last year I have bumped into many of you at some of the wonderful shows I have appeared in, around a host of different locations and venues.

I should give special mention to the recent tour I have just finished with the Osmonds as part of the Andy Williams Christmas Spectacular. This was an amazing tour which visited venues that were incredibly well attended – many even sold out – and everywhere the show went the reception was warm and lively.

So thank you for coming along and seeing one of these shows, or keeping in touch through my website, Facebook pages or Twitter feed.

As we fast approach the New Year, I am pleased to say I have plenty to look forward to over the next 12 months, such as:

  • A 32-date spring season at the Lyndene Hotel in Blackpool
  • Participating in a seven-date tour of a great comedy show called You Must Be Joking around Northern Ireland in February
  • Embarking on a couple of trips to the Benidorm region of Spain to appear at some fantastic venues
  • Visiting the Warner holiday resorts and heritage hotel locations on the Isle of Wight and in Harrogate
  • The first significant moment is scheduled for Saturday 16 January when the Bishop of Salford will formally preside over a ceremony to present me with my papal honour.

So if I did not catch you during the last year, maybe I might get a chance to bump into you in 2016?

All that remains for me to do is to wish you and your family a very happy, peaceful and joyful Christmas season and a wonderful start to the New Year!

Jimmy Cricket (23 December 2015)

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