Ian Crawford (friend of Jimmy Frinton)

Curveball Comedy Talent Competition Night, Curve Theatre, Leicester

2012-02-05T11:49:00.000-08:00

Curveball Comedy Talent Night, Leicester Comedy Festival: : Feb 3rd 2012

Following an initial round of posting our Youtube videos on to the Curveball comedy Facebook page, four hopefuls (including me!) were chosen for this first round. I didn't know what to expect but this is a very impressive venue and although we were in the bar/foyer area it was all well set up with excellent sound and a warm and appreciative audience as well as a very impressive backdrop.

The other acts were all very supportive and although I was off-stage pacing up and down waiting for my slot everyone seemed to perform well. Local lad Bruce Edhouse, East Midlander Carl Jones and South Westerner (from Bath) Eddie Brown all did their stuff and were warmly received by the locals of Leicester. I was on last of the four and after a slow and slightly shaky first 30 seconds (it must have been the thought of the judging panel!) I relaxed and really enjoyed my 5-7 minutes of cutlery related nonsense and even better the audience seemed to enjoy it too. It's fair to say that it takes a few minutes for the crowd to "get it" but by the end everyone seemed to be taking part in "Spoon-Sense" and laughing along to the final poem. I really enjoyed it and although this is only Ian Crawford's gig number....errr 6?? (I will check exact number) this felt like the best one so far.

The compere was perfect - I enjoyed the evening so much I missed his name but will research and update later. His mix of banter and surrealism was just the job and I loved his grand finale when he matched random couples to dance on stage to Vera Lynn's "We'll meet again" (I think - or was I dreaming!?)

After such a good night, including being well looked after by the friendly Curve staff and crew it was an added bonus and the icing on the cake to be chosen as one of the winners on the night. This means that myself and Carl will be appearing on 17th Feb in a couple of weeks; back at the same venue with 2 more acts chosen from the gig on the 10th....if it's as good as this first experience then it will be one to look forward to.

Scores on the doors:
Venue 9/10
My performance 8/10
Kebab on the way home: 7/10

..there's always room for improvement!

Feb 1st: The Station King's Heath

2012-02-02T13:33:00.000-08:00

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Brilliantly compered by Aaron Twitchen a real interesting night with some surreal moments.
First time I've performed in front of a real fire!

Venue = 7/10 My Act = 7/10
full review to follow!

The Lamp Tavern -12th Jan

2012-01-13T12:13:00.000-08:00

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This was my first gig at the Lamp Tavern in Dudley and I was impressed. This is a great venue, good sound and well organised by local comedian, compere and all-round promoter Phil McCullogh (Hilarious Comedy). He runs a good night and apart from being a confident and competent MC I was especially impressed with his time-management; he kept the evening running well and made sure nobody ate up too much time on stage. The joke competition was a welcome bit of light-relief and all-in-all the audience got great value for money and good variety.

With just a strict 10 minutes I did a condensed set and provided some of the "edited highlights" although this meant I missed out some of the narrative (recurring Dave's carpets gags & website & email stuff) it still worked and I was pleased with the response. There were seven ladies on the front row who seemed to have trouble keeping up and didn't seem to get it! My suspicions were confirmed when I heard that afterwards one of them had thought I was a real Health & Safety officer - I will take this as a compliment and assume my acting skills are improving.

I'd give the room and venue 8.5/10 and my own performance 7/10 - not bad at all and one I'd be happy to do again.

edited highlights

Who am I to Argue?

2012-01-10T13:51:00.000-08:00

A review of my recent gig courtesy of SiChadwick:

"How do you follow Johnny Sorrow? You don’t – you have a break and let everyone get their breath back. Then, when they have, you hit them with the genius of Jimmy Frinton’s new character Ian Crawford. This is another one that loses so much in translation to the written word. When you think of the premise, or try to describe it to someone who hasn’t seen the act, you suddenly realise just how bloody clever Mr Frinton’s creation is. Ian Crawford is a passing cutlery salesman who’s taking the time to educate the general public in cutlery safety. Hilarious huh? Well, yes it is actually. Proper laugh-out-loud hilarious. How someone can wrangle 15 minutes of gut busting comedy out of knife and fork safety defies belief, let alone description but Ian Crawford does just that. If I try to describe it it won’t appear to be funny and may put you off seeing him so just take my word for it and judge for yourself."

.....who am I to argue ;)

See original review here:
West Midlands Comedy Forum

The Hollybush, Cradley Christmas Special - 27th December

2011-12-30T02:22:00.000-08:00

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I was squeezed in after the great Johnny Sorrow, a tough act to follow but I was very grateful for such elevated billing. I had a cracking time, went down well with the packed house and managed to add a few new extra bits of material, although I forgot to use the "fickle fairy of fate" (next time maybe!). There was a small kefuffle during the last 2 minutes of my act as somebody collapsed at the back (...from laughing too much I should think!) but this didn't spoil my set too much and judging from the reaction my new act is developing well, thank you.

A cracking line up compered by local cheeky chappy Simon Chadwick, the ever so funny and Magic-Al Rudge, Stephen Doddy "How many Reps?" Dodd, the supersonic award winning "Don't talk to mea.." Johnny Sorrow all topped off with a dollop of the comedian's comedian Mr David "Dinzzy" Dinsdale looking battered and bruised after failing to follow the Drinkaware.co.uk advice recently. At the end some p***ed up bloke calling himself Bruised Foursides stumbled onto the stage and monopolised the microphone for what seemed like about 3 hours as he turned over some cards; annoyingly the landlord (Mr Dave Francis) was nowhere to be seen (probably polishing his pipes), oh well at least we had some sausages to keep us entertained. I saw Bruised outside and after the torture he had inflicted I couldn't resist kicking him in the knees, but my mate kicked him somewhere a lot more painful, and to be honest - he was right to go higher!

For any experienced comedian there'd be a problem if you didn't do well at this friendly, welcoming and comedy savvy unique venue. I love it and hope to return very soon, if only for the complimentary sausages and bread!

Think Once, Think Twice, Think Fork, Spoon and Bush!

Comedy Genius - it's Official!

2011-12-22T13:31:00.000-08:00

Many thanks and much appreciated! - It's not every day I get a rave review from the comedian's comedian and star of the Stourbridge News! They say it takes one to know one, so Mr Dave Dinsdale I bow to your comedic talent, judgement & insight!

"There are no gags and you will have a hard job explaining why it is funny the next day. But, it is incredibly funny. In my opinion this man is a genius".

http://wmcf.phpbbhosts.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=51&t=924

Charity Night - Comedy Hut, The Mitre Stourbridge

2011-12-22T08:14:00.000-08:00

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Oh what a night. It was a privilige to be part of this fantastic charity night organised by Frankie Peoples; with 23 comedians on the bill it was sure to be a comedy marathon. The separate room upsatirs is a joy, a lovely little stage with its own separate entrance for acts means this is one of my favourite comedy venues so far. There were some excellent acts (too many to mention!) and I was on about half-way through the evening. I was grateful for a 10 minute slot and was even more grateful to be well received by the friendly crowd, I managed to squeeze in a little banter to wind up a young chap using his phone and also accused soemone returning from the loo of coming back from "polishing his spoon" which went down well. I was aware of having to keep an eye on the time so I cut the act short but with plenty of laughs and a rip-roaring round of applause it was well worth doing and helped to confirm that I really did have something to offer and that this Ian Crawford character is worth developing even further. Personally for me I would say another 7 out of 10 BUT 10 out of 10 for a great night for a great cause.

see Comedy Hut

Red Box Comedy Club @ The Crown, Nuneaton 7th December

2011-12-22T07:58:00.000-08:00

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The Crown is a big friendly pub by the station, near to Asda and pretty close to the centre of Nuneaton. The room upstairs is an excellent venue with plenty of seating and a good stage area. The only slight moan would be it was a little chilly at first (am I getting a bit old!?)although it did warm up later. It was a good night all round and this being the first night in a new location it was well attended, by a warm and receptive crowd. I wish I could remember everyone who was on that night - but I can't! The evening was managed and cajoled along by the warm, funny and very professional Colin "nice suit" Harris! Top of the Bill was Lozi Lee, this is the first time I have seen Lozi and although you would be hard pushed to find a nicer bloke off-stage I am not sure if his act and material were up to the billing.

I was on (as Ian Crawford) just before Lozi, and it was worth the wait, after a gentle start I was soon sharing the joy of Cutlery with the Nuneaton crowd. They seemed to buy into the Health & Safety angle pretty quickly but this may have been because we had the local fire service, the H & S department from Network Rail and the local stewards from Nuneaton Football club all present. I deliberatley rejigged my act to help it flow a little better and got some really good laughs throughout. With the compere and the organiser (Tim) both laughing in the wings and a really good reception overall, I felt like I was back on form and back where I belong. A big relief and overall I'd rate this one 7 out of 10.

Thanks to Tim at http://www.red-box-entertainment.co.uk/ for his support and for organising a cracking gig

See here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Red-Box-Entertainment/216332345055689 and here http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002391564401

Teknicolour Smoof, The Crown Inn, Telford

2011-11-20T04:28:00.000-08:00

Teknicolour Smoof, The Crown Inn, Telford Sat 19th November

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This was only my second gig with the new Ian Crawford character and material and after such a great start and fantastic reception at the Holly Bush last month what could go wrong!?

The Crown is a down-to-earth friendly and warm real-ale pub, the gig took place in a small, cosy (max audience 25?) room at the back. The gig was free to get in (whoops!?) it was in a room open to the rest of the pub, and it was on a Saturday night. I must resist the tempataion to blame the audience, that would be unfair and a bit of a cop-out, the only thing to say is that they were a kind and quite mature bunch of locals, some even older than me. They proved that they could laugh and the experienced and talented compere Paul Savage, the new but going places with some great material Doddy, the hilarious pun-meister Masai Graham and the extremely accomplished, octane-fuelled "don't talk to me-a" Johnny Sorrow proved that there were laughs to be had. Unfortunately the audience weren't as tickled by the joy of cutlery!

Did I get any laughs? Ans: a few but not enough! What went wrong? Ans: nothing! For a second airing I was happy enough, it was a good solid performance and I enjoyed it. Of course "storming" it and being carried aloft on the audience shoulders as the new king of comedy is nice (see last month at the Holly Bush) but just because my crown slipped for a night that doesn't mean this gig wasn't worth doing. The humour in my act comes from the lack of jokes and the fact that cutlery isn't interesting, but I know I can still find more opportunities and triggers for the audience to laugh, and I need to work on that and let the material evolve even further, it's still early days.

In hindsight (Heinz Sight?!) I might have cut some of the waffle, I might have reduced the tedium and I might have moved on to the case histories sooner. BUT (never start a sentence with but) I have a feeling it was just not Ian's night. I actually have a feeling that the night didn't need me, and my material was a step too far beyond this crowd's expectations. However it was great to see some old comedy pals and meet some new ones and I was grateful to Mr Swift who stormed off stage to the funniest line of the night "they're not getting it, it's not working".

I was also encouraged by the chap on the table who leaned over after I rejoined the audience who said he had really enjoyed it and would be using "spoon sense" from now on! So maybe laughing out loud (LOL) isn't everything? If it is then Ian is finished, but cutlery fans don't panic, because this really is just the beginning.

Ian Crawford

2011-11-12T00:18:00.000-08:00

Jimmy Frinton's latest incarnation "Ian Crawford" is now available to deliver his deadly serious presentation raising the profile of the Steel & Cutlery Manufacturers Association and promoting the safe use of cutlery. Ian says "If I can prevent just one horrific cutlery related fatality then my work will have been worthwhile - think once, think twice think fork spoon & knife"

Information for Editors

On average there are 4 or 5 cutlery related deaths in the UK each year
The spoon is the only cutlery item with two letter "O"s in it
The ancient Greeks usedthe fork as a serving utensil, and it is also mentioned in the Hebrew Bible
Ian Crawford does not hold an enhanced CRB check so is not recommended for use in schools or where close contact with children and the vulnerable is likely.

please contact jimmyfrinton@gmail.com or spoonsense@gmail.com

Meet Up

2011-09-25T04:02:00.000-07:00

Please follow the link below for the latest Jimmy Frinton Comedy Cabaret Meet Up information:

http://www.meetup.com/The-Birmingham-Comedy-Cabaret-Variety-Meetup/

Variety & Comedy Cabaret Gameshow THURSDAY 24th March @ The Bear

2011-03-06T00:58:00.000-08:00

Comedy, Music, Poetry, Sweet tasting, Games, Singa-Longa-Bingo, Prizes from the prize table (creaking and groaning with goodness) and even more cling-film!!

Another night of merriment and mirth is on the bill at the Bear Tavern, Bearwood Birmingham B66 4BX on Thursday the 24th March. Doors open 8:15 for a prompt 9pm start. Tickets £5 (£4 concs.) on the door. See official ENTS24 Listing

Comedy Acts Confirmed: Jimmy Frinton, Stephen "Jumping Jackson, Johnny Sorrow, Stephen Dodd, Lovdev Barpaga, Mr David "Dinzzy" Dinsdale.

Special Guest Stars:

Folk Singer & Guitarist - Marcus Zodiac
Local Poet - Simon Pitt

Performers: Some open spots still available contact jimmyfrinton@gmail.com

Oh what a night! Comedy Cabaret at The Bear Tavern (Review)

2011-02-25T06:25:00.000-08:00

The first Jimmy Frinton "Loyal Variety & Comedy Cabaret Gameshow" was a big hit and went very well. Thanks to all involved especially the acts and the staff at The Bear.

A great night had by all!! It seemed to go very well and we had lots of positive feedback. The crisp tasting challenge, "Celebrity Heights" and "Darts for Tarts" went down well. Top local acts included Al Rudge (Magician), Johnny Sorrow (comedian), Stephen "Doddy" Dodd (comedian), Tony Blair (lookalike comedian) Phil Pagett (comedian). Also music from Linda & Mark, Musical Accompaniment from Brian Nicholson, DJ "ROB-stir" and hilarious comedy and games courtesy of Jimmy & Steve. Thanks also to Heather & Jo for there invaluable help. There were approx 45 in the audience.
It went so well we are already organising the next gig for Thursday 24th March at The BEAR (same venue).

Variety & Cabaret Show - Thursday 24th Feb 2010

2011-01-29T04:24:00.000-08:00

See official ENTS24 Listing

Jimmy Frinton's
"Loyal Variety and International Comedy Cabaret"
- Live!

The Bear Tavern, Bearwood, Birmingham B66 4BX
Doors open at 8:15pm show starts at 9pm
£5 (£4 concessions) map

Great News! Jimmy Frinton & Friends are back with their brand new
comedy, cabaret and all-round entertainment show

Comedy - Games - Music - Poetry - Magic - Bingo

Singa-a-long-a-song-time - VIP Guests - Darts for Tarts - Top of the Tins

Open Mic Spots- Sweet tasting - Celebrity Heights - Dictionary Corner - Crisps

Gag competition - Jokieyoke - Duelling Demons of Laughter - Judge for Yourself
Prizes from Prize Table ("it’s creaking with quality & goodness")

Includes the bonus Grand Finale: "The Shrink Wrap Tomb of doom"
All performers and audience members will be entered in the "You’re going to Hollywood" draw

"This is a show like no other....
an hilarious eclectic mix of comedy cabaret genius!"

Got a Talent?
Got something to sing, say or demonstrate?

3 – 5 minute open spots available

1 minute open quickie spots also available for first-timers
contact jimmyfrinton@gmail.com

This show will not be be broadcast Live on Ustream TV
and recorded for future online broadcast.

Another Hilarious Barmy Bingo Night

2010-12-09T06:28:00.000-08:00

Jimmy demonstrates his legendary "Thumbs-Up" movement

Jimmy looks concerned as he realises that the latest contestant may not be fully insured
for the "Shrink-Wrap Tomb of Doom"(TM) grand finale!

Jimmy Frinton's Barmy Bingo, Games, Quiz & Fun night is coming to a pub near you -
check local press for details!

"hilarious"

The Edinburgh Review

2010-08-18T08:50:00.000-07:00

This was my first time performing (full-time) at the Edinburgh Fringe and I had a hoot. I met some great people, including the staff at the very friendly Phoenix bar (venue 286, Broughton Street). There were plenty of ups and downs; some days were tough with only a small audience, some days the bar was packed, but every day was different and every day was full of fun. Like true professionals myself and my sidekick Stephen "Jumping" Jackson, did our best to put on a great show every time, and we made sure that everyone "laughed their socks off" and "A hilarious madcap hour of games and comedy daftness delivered by a true comedy genius". Don't just take my word for it check out our 4 star review here....

I think appearing in the Fringe at Edinburgh is like childbirth; it's exhilarating, painful at times but incredibly rewarding and life-affirming. Also before you know it you've forgotten all the pain and labour involved and you're planning for another one! :) ....it's just a good job it's only once a year.

When the dust settles and I have fully recovered I will try to write a much fuller report of my experience...but I must thank Peter Buckley-Hill for organising the fantastic PBH Free Fringe, being a small part of this amazing phenomenon was a great experience - so full credit and thanks to Buckers. See here for more info. about the Free Fringe

Edinburgh Free Fringe Dates Announced

2010-07-26T12:26:00.000-07:00

Great news! Jimmy Frinton's Barmy Bingo Show will be performing live at the Edinburgh Festival Free Fringe. Catch us everday at the Phoenix (venue 286) August 8th - 15th at 16:50pm. Also live at the fantastically swanky converted boat the "Cruz" bar & Restaurant on the Shore at Leith (various times & dates - see below).

Keep up to date at www.chuckletown.com

2010-06-28T15:26:00.000-07:00

Don't miss Jimmy Frinton's latest gig information here:
jimmyfrinton.blogspot.com

Weds July 15th @ 9pm
The Official Edinburgh Preview of Barmy Bingo
@ The Kitchen Garden Cafe, Kings Heath, Birmingham

Hope to see you there :)

2009-06-21T14:56:00.000-07:00

Newsflash, new Barmy Bingo dates added

2009-06-09T14:28:00.000-07:00

Newsflash, new dates added:

(1) (a) Coffee Break Barmy Bingo @ Starbucks. Jimmy Frinton & Pals will be appearing as part of the Sutton Coldfield Arts Festival on Saturday July 11th 1:30pm to 2:15pm. Join Jimmy and friends for Family Friendly Barmy Bingo upstairs @ Starbucks Sutton Coldfield - Free Entry, guaranteed fun and laughter for all the family.

(b) Books @ Starbucks. The bingo show will be followed by a rare opportunity to meet local author Stephen Jackson who will be talking about his latest book "Mirrorworld" 2:15pm to 3pm (upstairs @ Starbucks). Mirrorworld is an optical illusion adventure for kids aged 7-12. Your challenge is to help Seymour rescue his friends and send the Muddlemob back to Mirrorworld!

(2) Don't miss Barmy Bingo at the Kitchen Garden Cafe in Kings Heath, Birmingham on July 15th - details to be confirmed.

(3) Barmy Bingo with Jimmy Frinton and Stephen "Wacko" Jackson will be appearing at the Edinburgh Free Fringe 2009 August 8th to August 15th at Venue 286 (The Phoenix) and on selected times and dates on the swanky converted boat Cruz bar and restaurant in Leith - hope you can make it! :)

The Station - Oh what a night!

2009-06-06T08:17:00.000-07:00

What a great evening! The show was very well supported with a packed room roaring "House" & "Barmy Bingo"; it proved so popular that we had to turn some unlucky punters away, but we promise to book some more nights or a bigger venue next time! Thanks especially to the Sutton Coldfield College posse who proved to be very enthusiastic bingo players, thanks especially to Dave Richmond for rallying the troops.

The Station pub is a great pub (nice pint of Timothy Taylor's Landlord) , friendly landlord (cheers Keith!) and a wonderful technician and barman (cheers Matt!). The function room is upstairs and provided the ideal venue for the official launch of "Barmy Bingo".

Whilst of course yours truly, Jimmy Frinton, had a heck of a show culminating in being carried aloft on fans shoulders - this report would not be complete without mentioning Britain's only dyslexic and semi-dyscalculic bingo callers assistant. Mr Stephen "wacko" Jackson who went down very well with the crowd. The climax of the show came with SWJ's hilarious delivery of B*stard Bingo which along with International Topless Bingo kept the crowd entertained well past last-orders!

During "Pub Pop Bingo" (aka "Bongo Bingo") Quentin "five fingers" Pond kept the crowd guessing with his genius on the keyboard and electric guitar, he had a few tuning problems but hit most of the notes and manged to get one or two of them in the right order!

.......after a great night the Barmy Bingo fun wagon was packed up and ready for the next night of Barmy Bingo (details coming soon).

Newsflash:
(1) Don't miss Barmy Bingo at the Kitchen Garden Cafe in Kings Heath, Birmingham on July 15th - details to be confirmed.

(2) Barmy Bingo with Jimmy Frinton and Stephen "Wacko" Jackson will be appearing at the Edinburgh Free Fringe August 8th to August 15th at Venue 286 (Broughton) and on selected times and dates on the swanky converted boat Cruz bar and restaurant in Leith - hope you can make it! :)

Barmy Bingo

2009-05-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

Barmy Bingo @ The Station Pub
Station Street, Sutton Coldfield, B73 6AT
Thursday June 4th - Doors open at 8:30pm, eyes down for Bingo at 9pm.

An evening of comedy prize bingo presented by comedian Jimmy Frinton
ably assisted by sidekick Stephen “Wacko” Jackson.

FREE entry – play on your own or as a team. Bingo £1 a game– win cash – win prizes – win fun & laughter!

Bingo games include:

Pub Pop Bingo (Spot the tune and win)
B*stard Bingo (Warning: Britain’s filthiest Bingo)

Boring Bingo (Regular Bingo – Over 3 million players can’t be wrong)

Bus Bingo (Reducing our CO2 footprint by promoting Public Transport)

MPs Expenses Bingo (No fiddling of prize money guaranteed)

International Topless Bingo ™ (Exclusive to Barmy Bingo)

Free Bonus: Live musical accompaniment, on the keyboard, courtesy of Mr Quentin “Five Fingers” Pond.

For more information contact: jimmyfrinton@blueyonder.co.uk