Jimmy Cricket named as new ambassador for Thwaites Empire Theatre after supporting Restoration Fortnight with a special fundraising show.
During a question and answer session with the audience, the Irish comedian was asked to become the theatre’s honorary patron.
A delighted Jimmy accepted immediately saying that it was a “great honour”. “I am proud to have been asked and of course I accept,” he said.
“This is such a great little theatre which means so much to the community. It has got a great reputation among the artists who have performed here because everyone is so friendly.
“I always enjoy coming here and it is a great honour to be asked to be a patron.”
Theatre chairman Michael Berry said: “Jimmy has been a great friend to the theatre over the years and was a natural choice to become our patron.”
Jimmy Cricket becomes the third patron of the theatre since the former Red Brick Cinema was transformed from a derelict site reopening in 2002 following Sir John Mills and actor Anthony Valentine who died in December.
Monday night’s show marked the start of Restoration Fortnight – a series of fundraising events at the theatre following the collapse of part of the ceiling. “Jimmy was one of the first people to get in touch to see how he could help us,” said Michael, “which shows how much he cares about the theatre.”