On Monday evening the 25th April, the Thwaites Empire Theatre in Blackburn held a very special event as part of restoration fortnight, in which the theatre is hoping to raise much needed funds for urgent roof repairs. The Empire hosted the legendary comedian Jimmy Cricket who played to a packed audience in the mini theatre set up in the bar area. An audience of 70 were treated to a classic Jimmy Cricket performance with over an hour of hilarious quick fire comedy and song, in a wonderfully intimate setting.

During the interval, WBro David Lightbown PAGDC District Chairman, presented a cheque for £300 from the East Ribble District Charity Stewards Fund, to Michael Berry the Chief executive of the Empire Theatre towards the repairs. The cheque was gratefully received and complimented the audience collection and raffle held on the night.

Following the interval, Jimmy held a question and answer session in which he recounting some of the people and places that had influenced him over the years. He ended his session with his classic ‘letter from Mammy’ which left the audience in stitches.

The final question of the evening was posed by long time supporter of the Theatre John Anson, who asked Jimmy if he would consider becoming the Honorary Patron of the Empire Theatre, to which he was delighted to accept.

A wonderful evening which raised well needed funds to support an organisation that gives so much to the community.