Tim Jonze

Daniel McVey’s interactive comedy casts the audience as participants, puppeteers, actors and suspects in the mystery of a severed foot discovered in a village fete tombola. The cosy-crime setup gradually develops into cosmic horror, combining singalongs, flag-waving and faux democracy with gentle satire of Little England and wealthy political elites. The review praises the show’s charm, audience engagement, twists and finale, but finds that McVey’s frequent reading from a clipboard-script slightly undermines the performance.

Jimmy Cricket, the Northern Irish comedian born James Joseph Mulgrew, has died aged 80 after a short illness. A household name on British television during the 1980s, he was known for his family-friendly style, distinctive costume and “And there’s more!” catchphrase. He later worked in radio and remained active in charity fundraising, particularly for Manchester’s Francis House Children’s Hospice. Pope Francis awarded him a papal knighthood in 2015 for his charitable work. Cricket’s family remembered him as a devoted husband, father and grandfather who brought laughter to audiences and continued joking with loved ones and NHS staff until the end.