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Critchlow, Cyril, 1923 - 2008

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1923 - 2008

Biography

Cyril Critchlow was born in Staffordshire in 1923 and moved to Blackpool with his family as a teenager in the late 1930s.

Cyril developed an interest in magic from an early age and became known as a magician during the Second World War under the stage name of Reval.

Throughout his life in Blackpool, Critchlow became an avid collector of ephemera relating to Blackpool’s entertainment heritage from the 1860s to the present day and wrote several books on the subject. He was also a passionate heritage campaigner and in 1977 he fulfilled a lifelong dream when he opened The Museum of Entertainment on Coronation Street, where he displayed his personal collection of entertainment ephemera.

Critchlow presented magic shows and gave talks on Blackpool history of entertainment at the ‘Witches Café’ which he also ran. In 1980 he became the proprietor of a small theatre of variety and he even worked as a spotlight operator at the Winter Gardens Theatre for a while. In the mid-sixties he was elected town Councillor. Additionally, he was a founder member of the Blackpool Magicians’ club, becoming at one point President and Honorary Life Member. He was a member of Equity, The Magic Circle, Blackpool Heritage Forum and he was President of the North West Music Hall and Variety Friendship Society.

He was still entertaining with his magic act in his 80s performing as Wizardo, Harry Potter's grandfather and took part in Sheffield University’s Cabinet of Curiosities held at Blackpool in 2008.

Cyril Critchlow died after a short illness in 2008.

Found in 42 Collections and/or Records:

Arcadia (The Victory Theatre) Programme, c1900 - 1950

 Item
Reference code: 178K27.89
Scope and Contents

Colwyn Bay. Catlin’s Royal Pierrots. Also at Scarborough, Llandudno and Touring Company. Mr Jackson Brown comedian, Mr Percy R. Willing pianist & accompanist, Mr James Carson comedian, Mr Louis Fredericks, Miss May A. Willis comedienne & dancer, Mr Sidney Frere, Mr Scott Richards basso, Miss Rita Hope soprano, Miss Ethel Beech soubrette. Contains handwritten notes. Printed by WH Smith & Son, Printers, St Nicholas Street, Scarborough, 8p.p.

Dates: c1900 - 1950

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, Week commencing 10 November 1890

 Item
Reference code: 178R27.3
Scope and Contents Birkenhead. Miss Maud Distin Lady Baritone, Mr Ben Fielding, Miss Nellie Gertine Double-voiced Vocalist, Mad’lle Desirie in ‘Mystia’ a series of charming illusions, Brothers Bondolas The Monarchs of the Air, Mr Andy Rhyne Eccentric Knockabout Vocalist, Acrobat & Grotesque, Miss Julia Hanson Burlesque Actress, Mr George Ripon Comedian, Miss Eva Johnson Serio-Ballad Vocalist, Mr Joe Fredricks 'negro' Comedian and Dancer, Mons. Dusoni’s Great and Unequalled Troupe of Trained Performing Dogs...
Dates: Week commencing 10 November 1890

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, Week commencing Monday 14 January 1895

 Item
Reference code: 178R27.5
Scope and Contents Birkenhead. Sergt. Simms’ Columbian Cadets, Twelve Genuine 'Negro' Boys from the Bahama Islands in ‘Le Bivouac’, Miss Nellie Gertine Character Baritone Vocalist, The Durhams Incomparable Dancers, The Minting Troupe in New Pantomimic Absurdity ‘Fun On the, Road’ introducing AH Minting, the World’s Greatest Trick, Cyclist’, Walter Pussord Premier Prestidigitateur, Illusionist and Humorist, Nassau Piccaninnies Moonlight Shadow dance, May Morton Serio-Comedienne and Characteristic Vocalist, Miss...
Dates: Week commencing Monday 14 January 1895

Cabaret Time Card, c1970 - 1979

 Item
Reference code: 178Z28.72
Scope and Contents

Time card for the Savoy restaurant, featuring The Ian Stewart Quartet and Ted Rogers’ Star Entertainer’, The Wychwoods and the Savoy Dancers.

Dates: c1970 - 1979

Chelsea Palace Theatre Poster, Week commencing Monday 31 August 1931

 Item
Reference code: 178R27.163
Scope and Contents

Shaun Glenville Irish Comedian, Florrie Forde chorus singer, Archie Glen Ben Said the funjuror, The Hearnes, Pauline Crothers and her violin, The London six-Harmony, burlesque, Dancing. Blue and red type on white background. Printed by John Waddington ltd., 108 Albion Road, Stoke Newington.

Dates: Week commencing Monday 31 August 1931

Church of the Holy Spirit Poster, 9 July 1927

 Item
Reference code: 178R27.19
Scope and Contents

Harlescot Shrewsbury. Grand Dance. Special Engagement of Professor Dan Leano’s No. II Famous Novelty dance Orchestra. Contains photographs. Printed by Edwin Jones & Son, Printers, 5 Argyle Street, Wrexham.

Dates: 9 July 1927

Civic Theatre Poster, Thursday 1 December 1983

 Item
Reference code: 178R27.164
Scope and Contents

Barnsley. Matt Monroe and Syd Lawrence and his orchestra. Yellow and blue type on white background. Printed by Walkers Printers, Barnsley.

Dates: Thursday 1 December 1983

Civic Theatre Poster, Thursday 17 July 1980

 Item
Reference code: 178R27.166
Scope and Contents

Barnsley. Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen. Purple type with photograph.

Dates: Thursday 17 July 1980

County Borough Of Southport Pier Head Poster, c1940 - 1949

 Item
Reference code: 178R27.241
Scope and Contents

Fred E. Rayne presents The Tonics, Joe Hodson comedian, Rene Rayne soubrette, Helen Allayne musical comedy soprano, Arthur Dixon Pianist Entertainer, Frank Elans entertainer, Mamie Benson The Versatility Girl, Teddie Stanton comedian, Doris Foskett a smile and a song. Red and black type on white background. Printed by ‘Visiter’. Printing Works, Tulketh Street.

Dates: c1940 - 1949

Cyril Critchlow Collection

 Fonds
Reference code: NFA0089
Scope and Contents The Cyril Critchlow collection contains programmes, posters, handbills, books and magic journals, many of which relate to shows in Blackpool where Cyril resided and includes material on entertainment venues such as Blackpool’s North Pier, Central Pier, South Pier, Tower Circus and a small collection of programmes from other national venues. Additionally, it contains circus photographs and postcards mainly of the Ohmy Circus and Sanger Circus including individual circus troupes and performers...
Dates: c1837 - 2008

De La Warr Pavilion Poster, c1930 - 1949

 Item
Reference code: 178R27.17
Scope and Contents

Bexhill. Tissington and Craig Productions present Edgar Sawyer in the scintillating Summer Show ‘Moonshine’, Edgar Sawyer comedian, Linda Love soprano comedienne, Bobby Bent Comedian, Yvonne Ford Speciality dancer, Jean Ward Acrobatic dancer, Robert King Baritone, Leo Conriche at the grand piano, Marjorie Yardley piano, Derek Pilcher drums, Doreen Brebner speciality dancer, The Izna Roselli Dancers. Black type on yellow background. Printed by Willsons, Printers, Leicester.

Dates: c1930 - 1949

Grand Theatre Programme, Wednesday 26 December 1894 and 9 following nights

 Item
Reference code: 178K27.88
Scope and Contents

Nottingham. Leopolds and their specially selected company of comedians in musical absurdity Frivolity. Three fold programme. Printed by Shumach Hyson Green Printing Works, Nottingham.

Dates: Wednesday 26 December 1894 and 9 following nights

Handbills, c1900 - 1999

 Series
Reference code: 178T27
Scope and Contents

Hanbills for variety, magic and illusion shows mainly in locations in Blackpool in cluding the North Pier, the Hippodrome and various theatres.

Dates: c1900 - 1999

Heysham Head Children’s Playground Corner Poster, c1940 - 1959

 Item
Reference code: 178R27.12(i)
Scope and Contents

Shipmates Concert Pary, Joe Hodson Comedian, Tom Douglas Baritone, De Randel’s Famous Marionettes, Audrey Dockrill Soprano, George and Carol Musical Gems, Renee Rayne Soubrette Dancer. Red, green and black type on white background. Printed by Arthurs, Woodchester.

Dates: c1940 - 1959

Heysham Head Children’s Playground Corner Poster, c1940 - 1959

 Item
Reference code: 178R27.12(ii)
Scope and Contents

Shipmates Concert Pary, Joe Hodson Comedian, Tom Douglas Baritone, De Randel’s Famous Marionettes, Audrey Dockrill Soprano, George and Carol Musical Gems, Renee Rayne Soubrette Dancer. Red, green and black type on white background. Printed by Arthurs, Woodchester.

Dates: c1940 - 1959

Hippodrome Handbill, Week commencing 6 June 1955

 Item
Reference code: 178T27.20
Scope and Contents

Chesterfield. Jack North and Pat Stoyle comedy duo, Mary Miller singer, Bud Richie comedian, Sylvania and Sonia musical act, Keith Brand, Gwen Macklyn singing accordionist, Frank Baumforth and Company illusionist. Red and blue print. Printed by George Allen (printers) ltd., Heywood Street, Brimington, Chesterfield.

Dates: Week commencing 6 June 1955

Hippodrome Poster, Week commencing Monday 24 December 1928

 Item
Reference code: 178R27.24
Scope and Contents

Yarmouth. Billy Dale Presents the Comedy Musicality C.O.D.-Cheerio Old Dear, Joe Hodson & Syd Vance, Gaye Gordon. Red type on white background. Printed by Jarrold & Sons Ltd, 182 King Street Great Yarmouth.

Dates: Week commencing Monday 24 December 1928

Hippodrome Poster, Week commencing 24 December 1928

 Item
Reference code: 178R27.221
Scope and Contents

Yarmouth. Billy Dale presents the comedy musicality C.O.D. Joe Hodson & Syd Vance, Tom Crook, Vera May, Victor Brooker and his violin, Billy Dale, The Elsas, The C.O.D. Parcelles, Gertie Holden, Jack Kelly, Geo. And Fay, Staples, Gaye Gordon. Red type on white background. Printed by Jarrold & Sons, Ltd, 182 King Street, Great Yarmouth.

Dates: Week commencing 24 December 1928

Leas Cliff Hall Poster, c1980 - 1989

 Item
Reference code: 178R27.69
Scope and Contents

Folkstone. A Night at the Music Hall featuring Ken Platt, Supported by Stuart Barham and the Leas Cliff Music Makers, Gerrie Raymonde comedienne, Gwynne Sullivan Opera's Golden Voice, Mary Stevenson singer, Paul Harris comedy host and compare, Llewellyn Williams xylophone virtuoso. Red and blue type on white background. Printed by Wilsons Printers (Leicester) limited.

Dates: c1980 - 1989

List of Songs, c1960 - 1969

 Item
Reference code: 178Z28.23
Scope and Contents

Lawrence Wright Music Co. Ltd. 12p.p.

Dates: c1960 - 1969

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