The Tractor Shed to host comedy/tribute act show

A venue which has been a successful home to a local amateur theatre group is to stage an iconic television entertainer and one of the area’s finest tribute bands – all on the same evening!

The Tractor Shed in Latchingdon, Essex, is a small auditorium which has proudly hosted the Latchingdon Arts and Drama Society (LADS) for a number of years.

However, for one night only – on Saturday 25 June – this small rural venue will be the scene of a visit from the much-loved Irish comedian Jimmy Cricket, of 1980s television fame, and local Essex band Rich Clifford and the Young Once.

The show, headlined Rock with Laughter, has been made possible because Jimmy is in nearby East Anglia the night before and was intending to pass through the Essex region the next day.

As he has never been to the Maldon area before, it seemed the perfect fit when Julian May – who fronts up the band – contacted him and asked whether he wanted to participate in a show at The Tractor Shed.

Julian said: “The show has come together perfectly, as the idea of having an event with both music and laughter is, I think, really appealing.

“When I was looking at a local venue to host the show, I thought The Tractor Shed might work. So both the band and Jimmy’s office explored the idea further and we all think this will be a special night for the venue and for those who are able to join us for the show.”

Jimmy said: “It is great to be teaming up with Julian and the rest of the lads from Rich Clifford and the Young Once to create this presentation of popular classic tunes and popular classic jokes from yours truly!

“On a serious note, when I was told about the venue I thought it sounds really interesting. I pride myself on being a performer who visits as many locations as possible and is not deterred from trying out new performance spaces.

“So come along and Rock with Laughter Essex-style with me and a great 60s musical outfit!”

* Rock with Laughter featuring Jimmy Cricket and Rich Clifford and the Young Once is on at The Tractor Shed in Latchingdon on Saturday 25 June. Performance time is 8pm.

Tickets are on sale at the Maldon District Tourist Information Centre, Wenlock Way, High Street, Maldon. CM9 5AD. Tel: 01621 – 856503 : TIC@maldon.gov.uk