Interview: Jimmy Cricket

2:52pm Friday 11th July 2008

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DIG OUT your L and R wellies and rose-tinted spectacles ready for a trip down memory lane — because comedy legend Jimmy Cricket is coming to Blackpool, as part of the Best Of British Variety Tour 2008.

The comedian, known for his distinctive outfit of cut-off trousers, tuxedo jacket, hat and wellies (on the wrong feet), is joining the likes of Cannon and Ball, Paul Daniels, Frank Carson and The Krankies for the ultimate ’80s show.

"It’s a bit like a Royal Variety tour. We’ll each do our 20 minute slots,” said Jimmy.

“We all know each other so I’m really looking forward to it.

"It’s the sort of thing where you leave your ego at the door.

"I just know it’s going to be full every night because of the sheer value of the acts — I mean, what an ensemble.”

Jimmy came to prominence in 1981 after reaching the finals of ITV’s Search For A Star competition.

He perfected his own take on the “thick Irishman” stereotype, including his catchphrases “c’mere” and “ . . . and there’s more”.

In 1986, he landed his own TV series on Central Television called And There’s More, which ran for three years.

He also had his own series for Radio 2, Jimmy’s Cricket Team, from 1991 to 1995.

He is a stalwart on the pantomime circuit, having performed in over 17 so far.

Jimmy believes one of the reasons he has been so enduringly popular over the years is because his act is family orientated.

“I’ve always loved doing family shows like pantos and summer seasons,” he said.

“And I’ve always tried make sure I never developed an ego. I play the thick character so people don’t expect anything else of me, but I’ve always kept my feet on the ground because you never know what’s around the corner. When you get an audience that doesn’t respond well, it’s a great leveller — you’re only as good as your last gig.”

Jimmy is passionate about the future of our theatres and believes children should be encouraged as the audiences of tomorrow.

“Whenever I do summer seasons I’ve got a big thing about letting children in for free,” he said.

“Theatres need to be accessible to children, like galleries. If you have a big family it can be pretty expensive to pay for everyone to go to the theatre.”

Jimmy and his wife May are based in Rochdale. They moved there after meeting whilst Jimmy worked as a Blue Coat for Pontins in the ‘70s. May was also a performer, singing as one half of an act called the Tweedie Sisters.

“She spilled soup on me, would you believe it?” said Jimmy.

“I don’t know what our first words were. It’s hard to remember when you were 6ft in the air and screaming!”

They married in 1974 and have two sons and a daughter.

“This time Buttons got the girl,” said Jimmy.

Although his TV days look to be over, Jimmy still tours theatres across the UK with his act and even plays the odd comedy club.

“Observational humour is very big right now but I was always inspired by showing people there was a market for one-liners,” said Jimmy.

“I do get work at comedy clubs though because my stuff is different to everyone’s. I’ve found a niche.

"I find if they put me in the middle it’s a nice change for the audience.

"I remind them of when they were growing up.

"They get a warm feeling when they remember watching my shows sitting with their mum and dad and I go along with that.”

• See Jimmy Cricket in the Best Of British Variety Tour 2008 at Blackpool Opera House on August 22 and 29. For tickets call 01253 292029. Visit www.jimmycricket.co.uk