Jimmy Tarbuck: “Laughter is the only drug I’ve ever needed”

Jimmy Tarbuck OBE, one of the most popular household names from the golden era of British stand up, will be celebrating his 85^th birthday – and an astonishing 67 years in showbusiness – with a tour across the UK 23 April - 25 June 2025.

Jimmy returned to the stage last year with a run of 14 sold out nights at the London Palladium opening for Barry Manilow, as well as his own UK tour. Now, the 85-year-old entertainer, who boasts The Longest Running Career in Showbiz, is excited to be back on the road performing in some of his favourite towns and venues in the UK.

Jimmy said: "We’re going to have laughter, songs and I’m going to talk about my career in showbusiness. I’m going to tell you about the people I’ve met: Sinatra, Elvis, Cilla Black, Tom Jones, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope. The shows with Barry Manilow at the London Palladium last year were fantastic – what a performer he is. But now I am really looking forward to visiting the towns and cities where I learned my craft and built my fanbase. I have played at The Wolverhampton Grand so many times over the years and it is one of my absolute favourite places to perform. The crowds are always on great form and always ready to laugh. And laughter is the only drug I’ve ever needed!” 

‘An Evening with Jimmy Tarbuck’ will see the acclaimed comedian and raconteur reflecting on a remarkable life in showbusiness, the seeds of which were sown in childhood where he was classmates – and good mates - with John Lennon.

Jimmy will present a hugely entertaining mix of anecdotes and jokes from a rich and varied life, including recollections of his many years presenting Sunday Night at the London Palladium which shot him to fame in 1963. There will also be stories from Jimmy’s childhood, growing up in Liverpool and of course his golfing life, which has proved to be a rich source of entertainment and celebrity both on and off the course.

The evening will be divided in to two sets and will include an audience Q&A.

Jimmy’s incredible career has taken him around the world, mixing with and befriending the biggest stars in entertainment: he’s played golf with Bing Crosby, sang with Tom Jones, partied with Parky, drank with Frank (Sinatra) and sipped champagne (never larger!) with Cilla. Fans will be treated to all these anecdotes and more by one of our true national treasures.

Tarby: 85 and still loving life. Come and see him.

An Evening with Jimmy Tarbuck runs UK 23^rd April - 25^th June 2025’. Tickets, dates and info: jimmytarbuck.com