JIMMY CRICKET: two little words that just seem to put a smile on everybody’s face. And last week in Torrevieja’s Lounge Bar was no exception as Jimmy had everyone rolling in the aisles during his non-stop, laugh a minute show. It’s all good clean fun and although there were not any children present on the night, Cricket never has to resort to blue language, he can always get a laugh, a smile or even bring a tear to the eye with one of his more poignant songs or poems, in his own inimitable style.
Born in Cookstown, Northern Ireland, he entered show business, as many did in the sixties, by signing up to be Butlin’s Redcoat in1966, at Ireland’s one and only Butlin’s, south of the border in Mosney, County Meath. Getting the feel for entertainment he then moved over to the mainland and spent the next two summers at Butlin’s Holiday Camp in Clacton. He then switched coats, to a blue one in 1972, working at Pontins holiday camps in Southport and Morecambe, all the time honing his trade,
Jimmy Cricket is probably best known for his TV appearances, reaching the finals of 'Search for a Star' and then appeared before HRH The Princess Margaret on the following night, live for ITV's Royal Gala Show 'A Night of Hundred Stars' from the National Theatre, almost 35-years ago!
The jokes may be old but the audience on Wednesday laughed away. Over the last 45 years Cricket has perfected his timing. It is the secret of good comedy and he is certainly a master of it. On stage, he not only told jokes but recited poetry, chatted with the audience, sang and even juggled! A true entertainer in every sense of the word and a joy for those that made up the packed house at the Lounge Bar, for what is becoming a regular, annual event. If you missed him this year, keep watching this space and if he’s in Torrevieja in 2011, get yourself along for an evening of good clean fun that is guaranteed to send you home with a smile on your face.
