Jimmy Cricket first pro at the Riverside

Date article online: 10/01/2007

Local funny man and nationally acclaimed comedian Jimmy Cricket is making a huge journey to support the Riverside complex - Whitworth village's new community and civic facility - from his base in Shawclough a couple of miles down the road!

Although the centre was opened last November, Jimmy will be the first major professional performer to make an appearance at the Riverside when he brings his inimitable brand of humour to the venue on Friday 9 February.

The CLAW association who look after the management of the Civic Hall are pleased that Jimmy has committed to making an appearance at the venue. Chairperson Mr Frank Duffy said: "The Riverside is continuing to be launched as a new and modern venue whose profile is being raised by welcoming Jimmy.  We know through Jimmy's reputation that it will be a great show and that people will have a wonderful time. There is a licensed bar and this will add to the venue becoming a regular place for live entertainment. By having such an evening demonstrates the ambitions of the Riverside as multi-usage community venue."

Jimmy is thrilled to be going up the road to the Riverside, and added: "It is always nice to appear locally and give back to the community who have generously welcomed me over the years. I know Whitworth very well and I am always walking through Healey Dell Nature Reserve, so I only need to walk a couple of miles further for the gig! I actually helped CLAW raise money in their campaign to re-open the swimming pool a couple of years ago when I appeared in a fund raiser at the old hall before it suffered a horrible fate in the blaze. I donated a bucket of water!
 
But like a phoenix rising from the ashes the CLAW team have provided Whitworth with a wonderful venue, a real gem of a local entertainment complex; and there will be lots of giggles and fun on the evening when I will be there I can guarantee! And There's More; we have a special rate for children - less than half of the normal ticket price - to encourage families to come to the show and enjoy it."

Jimmy will be supported in the show by his wife May Marion who is a female vocalist, and his special guest is Frank Sinatra tribute Jonathan Swift - who doubles up in the daytime as Councillor Keith Swift! Jonathon Swift says: "This is the first of a couple of local shows we are doing together including the Shaw Playhouse in April and it's great to be working with Jimmy."