Jimmy Tarbuck, often affectionately called ‘Tarby’, is a well-known figure with a long history in British entertainment. A prominent supporter of the Conservative Party, he was particularly aligned with Margaret Thatcher and even baked a cake to celebrate her 60th birthday in 1985. A keen golfer, Tarbuck made a name for himself as a regular participant in televised pro-celebrity golf matches. He is also a passionate supporter of Liverpool Football Club.
Tarbuck’s career began as a holiday camp entertainer, and he made his Blackpool debut in 1963, performing a week of cabaret at the Sands Club, Marton. He returned in 1964 for the North Pier summer show, where he shared the stage with several other stars. Over the years, he continued to perform in Blackpool, including Sunday shows at the Opera House during the 1970s and 80s, often alongside his golfing friend, Kenny Lynch. The duo returned in 1995 to perform the Christmas cabaret at the newly opened Pleasure Beach Paradise Room. Tarbuck also performed in Blackpool in 1967, when he co-headlined at the ABC Theatre’s Holiday Startime alongside Australian singer Frank Ifield and Tanya, the baby elephant, who stole the show by attempting to play the piano.
