A COMEDIAN who starred in a number of pantomimes at the Lichfield Garrick has died.
Jimmy Cricket's family confirmed his death aged 80 following a short illness.
The funnyman became a household name in the 1970s and 1980s.
He later appeared in a number of pantomimes at the Lichfield Garrick, as well as starring alongside the Lichfield Gospel Choir in a charity performance in 2016.
Speaking to Lichfield Live prior to that show, Jimmy said the Garrick was "in his DNA".
He explained:
"We performed the very first panto there after it had opened.
"I went on to do a few years of panto at the Garrick, including Aladdin where my son also appeared."
In a statement following his death, the comedian's family said:
"Jimmy brought so much laughter and happiness to countless audiences in his career over the years – whether on stage, screen or radio, or if you met him in person as well.
"But that was nothing to the happiness he gave to his family.
"Forever our clown, he was cracking jokes to the wonderful NHS staff and to us all, right until the end.
"His courage, dignity and positivity through all he endured was inspirational. A force for joy, we are just all very sad that the world is a far less silly place today."
