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west cliff theatre

Theatre’s new history display officially opens to public 150 150 mhamer

Theatre’s new history display officially opens to public

Jimmy Cricket helped to officially unveil a new history wall at a popular theatre in Essex.

Jimmy Cricket helped to officially unveil a new history wall at a popular theatre in Essex.

The Northern Irish comedian was at the West Cliff in Clacton-on-Sea at the weekend to perform in a variety show paying tribute to the late Roy Hudd OBE.

And while he was there, Jimmy took part in the theatre’s unveiling ceremony.

Roy, who died in 2020 at the age of 83 after a short illness, was an actor, comedian, radio host and author.

He was also an authority on the history of music hall entertainment.

The theatre said: “The West Cliff’s new permanent history display was officially unveiled yesterday by two of our patrons, Jimmy Cricket and Andrew Robley, along with Debbie Hudd and Don Maclean, all of whom have played a big part in the theatre’s history.
“The display was designed by our chairman and theatre historian, Norman Jacobs, along with graphic designer, Robert Gunthorpe.
‘What a variety show’
“It gives a complete overview of the theatre’s history from its foundation in 1894 to the present day, covering many of the major events and personalities that have made the West Cliff such a successful theatre, while at the same time, retaining its family friendly atmosphere.
“The display, in the foyer, will be open to the public from 10am to 4.30pm, Monday to Saturday and before and during shows.”

Jimmy was among a talented selection of performers who took to the stage on Sunday (2 June) to remember Roy.

What a variety show it was for our friend Roy Hudd @wctclacton with @DebHudd, co patron @andrewrobley, great singers @DarrenDOfficial @LynPaul6, comics @BobthecatBevan @DickyGauntlett, musicians Victoria Yellop, @tomcarradine, & Co alongside friends who came Don & Tony Maclean.

Hooray for Hudd celebrated Roy’s life and work.

Jimmy posted on social media: “What a variety show it was for our friend Roy Hudd @wctclacton with @DebHudd, co patron @andrewrobley, great singers @DarrenDOfficial @LynPaul6, comics @BobthecatBevan

@DickyGauntlett, musicians Victoria Yellop, @tomcarradine, & Co alongside friends who came Don & Tony Maclean.”

Roy Hudd

All proceeds from the show will contribute to a charity formed after Roy’s death.

Its aim is to have a statue erected in memory of the much-loved comedy legend.

As a patron, Roy had a long association with the West Cliff.

Roy’s widow, Debbie Hudd, and local singer Andrew Robley, organised Sunday’s show.

Oher performers included Steve Hewlett, one of Britain’s leading ventriloquists and a finalist in Britain’s Got Talent 2013.

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

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

From bingo caller to 50 Golden Years in showbiz! 150 150 mhamer

From bingo caller to 50 Golden Years in showbiz!

Jimmy Cricket is celebrating 50 years in showbiz

Jimmy Cricket has enjoyed a golden career in showbiz – but before that, the comedian was a labourer, waiter, salesman and bingo caller!

The famous funnyman talks about his 50-year career as a high-profile entertainer in his latest newspaper column.

He says that before he became a professional comedian, he worked in the holiday camps as a Redcoat (Butlins) and Bluecoat (Pontins).

However, from each September, Jimmy says he had to have a day job for the winter.

His wife May agreed to give up her singing career so Jimmy could rehearse.

And his showbiz career started to take off when he signed with a top agent.

He also recalls in his Lancashire Post column the problems he encountered for his first gigs.

These included not having his own transport to get to venues!

Jimmy is doing what he describes as a “little five theatres tour” in March as part of the celebrations for his golden anniversary.

They are venues where he has done one-nighters & summer seasons in the past.

Here are those March dates:

Middlesbrough Theatre (Saturday 4 March) – go here for tickets.

Bridlington Spa Theatre (Sunday 12 March) – go here for tickets.

West Cliff Theatre, Clacton-on-Sea (Sunday 19 March) – go here for tickets.

Lancaster Grand Theatre (Saturday 25 March) – go here for tickets. 

Plaza Theatre, Stockport (Sunday 26 March) – go here for tickets.

Jimmy has been making people laugh as a professional comedian for 50 years – and usually raising money for worthy causes at the same time.

Instantly recognisable for wearing a funny hat and green wellies marked L and R on the wrong feet, he proudly keeps his comedy clean – increasingly rare these days –  which makes him a perfect family entertainer.

His best-known catchphrases include ‘And there’s more!’ and ‘Come closer!’

He is also famed for reading out Letters from his Mammy, which have provided the material for two published books.

Read more about Jimmy’s life and career here.

All his tour bookings and other events can be found here.

Jimmy Cricket has been in showbusiness for 50 years

50 Golden Years tour returns with Suffolk show 150 150 mhamer

50 Golden Years tour returns with Suffolk show

Jimmy Cricket has been in showbusiness for 50 years

Jimmy Cricket is relishing his first show of 2023 as he resumes his 50 Golden Years tour.

The performance at Haverhill Arts Centre in Suffolk on Friday (27 January) is the first of many in the coming months as the evergreen Northern Irish comic celebrates his amazing milestone.

It is his first gig since 10 December when he eased off for the Christmas and New Year break.

Jimmy posted on social media: “A big thank-you to everyone who’s already bought a ticket for my ’50th Anniversary’ show @HaverhillArts  High Street, Suffolk, CB9 8AR for next Friday 27th January.

“I’m thrilled beyond words and I look forward to seeing you all on the night.”

The famous funnyman will again be travelling the length and breadth of the country to entertain audiences with his unique brand of clean comedy.

His destinations during the next few months also include Bridlington, Clacton-on-Sea and Stockport.

Here are some of his forthcoming dates:

Haverhill Arts Centre in Suffolk (Friday 27 January) – go here for tickets.

Middlesbrough Theatre (Saturday 4 March) – go here for tickets.

Bridlington Spa Theatre (Sunday 12 March) – go here for tickets.

West Cliff Theatre, Clacton-on-Sea (Sunday 19 March) – go here for tickets.

Lancaster Grand Theatre (Saturday 25 March) – go here for tickets. 

Plaza Theatre, Stockport (Sunday 26 March) – go here for tickets.

Royal Hippodrome Theatre, Eastbourne (Saturday 1 April) – go here for tickets.

Jimmy has been making people laugh as a professional comedian for 50 years – and usually raising money for worthy causes at the same time.

Instantly recognisable for wearing a funny hat and green wellies marked L and R on the wrong feet, he proudly keeps his comedy clean – increasingly rare these days –  which makes him a perfect family entertainer.

His best-known catchphrases include ‘And there’s more!’ and ‘Come closer!’

He is also famed for reading out Letters from his Mammy, which have provided the material for two published books.

Read more about Jimmy’s life and career here.

All his tour bookings and other events can be found here.

More shows to mark 50 years as an entertainer 150 150 mhamer

More shows to mark 50 years as an entertainer

Jimmy Cricket has been in showbusiness for 50 years

Jimmy Cricket is celebrating 50 Golden Years in showbusiness with more tour dates in 2023.

The famous funnyman will again be travelling the length and breadth of the country to entertain audiences with his unique brand of clean comedy.

His destinations during the next few months include Middlesbrough, Lancaster and Eastbourne.

Here are some of his forthcoming dates:

Haverhill Arts Centre in Suffolk (Friday 27 January) – go here for tickets.

Middlesbrough Theatre (Saturday 4 March) – go here for tickets.

Bridlington Spa Theatre (Sunday 12 March) – go here for tickets.

West Cliff Theatre (Sunday 19 March) – go here for tickets.

Lancaster Grand Theatre (Saturday 25 March) – go here for tickets. 

Plaza Theatre, Stockport (Sunday 26 March) – go here for tickets.

Royal Hippodrome Theatre, Eastbourne (Saturday 1 April) – go here for tickets.

Jimmy has been making people laugh as a professional comedian for 50 years – and usually raising money for worthy causes at the same time.

Instantly recognisable for wearing a funny hat and green wellies marked L and R on the wrong feet, he proudly keeps his comedy clean – increasingly rare these days –  which makes him a perfect family entertainer.

His best-known catchphrases include ‘And there’s more!’ and ‘Come closer!’

He is also famed for reading out Letters from his Mammy, which have provided the material for two published books.

Read more about Jimmy’s life and career here.

All his tour bookings and other events can be found here.

 

Don Maclean: Good things like my old pal are timeless 150 150 mhamer

Don Maclean: Good things like my old pal are timeless

Don Maclean made his latest appearnace at the West Cliff Theatre in August

Jimmy Cricket has paid tribute to his fellow funnyman and great friend Don Maclean who is still going strong at the age of 75.

Don is an English actor and comedian who appeared on the BBC television series Crackerjack with the likes of Michael Aspel in the 1970s.

He has appeared regularly at the West Cliff Theatre in Clacton-on-Sea over the years and headlined the summer show there last month.

Jimmy, 73, said: “While a Butlin Redcoat in Clacton in 1967, I went to the West Cliff Theatre to see the summer show. The star comedian was Don Maclean.

“In 2019 the Westcliff is still going strong and guess who the star comedian of their summer show is?.. Don Maclean. Good things are timeless.”

The Clacton and Frinton gazette said on 9 August: “Clacton’s West Cliff Theatre Summer Show has got off to a flying start in its 125th anniversary year.

Golden age of variety

“The theatre’s summer variety is the longest running continuous show in the country and this year the West Cliff pulled out all the stops to celebrate the anniversary, including pulling in variety star Don Maclean to headline.

“The comic, who shot to fame in the BBC’s Crackerjack in the 1970s, was clearly at home on the West Cliff stage, where he first topped the bill in 1967.

“His quick wit and humour are reminiscent of a golden age of variety, but his routines are still laugh out loud funny for all ages.

“Don has been a regular visitor to the West Cliff and he also went down a storm in the fabulous one-off 125 Show celebration earlier this year.”

Don had travelled up for the service from his home in Solihull when Jimmy was invested as a Knight of the Pontifical Order of St Gregory the Great several years ago.

The service took place at St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Rochdale in 2016. Don is himself a papal knight.

Story from the archives: Jimmy Cricket is appointed a papal knight

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