Critchlow, Cyril, 1923 - 2008
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
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.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, Week commencing 10 November 1890
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, Week commencing Monday 14 January 1895
Cabaret Time Card, c1970 - 1979
Time card for the Savoy restaurant, featuring The Ian Stewart Quartet and Ted Rogers’ Star Entertainer’, The Wychwoods and the Savoy Dancers.
Chelsea Palace Theatre Poster, Week commencing Monday 31 August 1931
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.
Church of the Holy Spirit Poster, 9 July 1927
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.
Civic Theatre Poster, Thursday 1 December 1983
Barnsley. Matt Monroe and Syd Lawrence and his orchestra. Yellow and blue type on white background. Printed by Walkers Printers, Barnsley.
Civic Theatre Poster, Thursday 17 July 1980
Barnsley. Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen. Purple type with photograph.
County Borough Of Southport Pier Head Poster, c1940 - 1949
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.
Cyril Critchlow Collection
De La Warr Pavilion Poster, c1930 - 1949
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.
Grand Theatre Programme, Wednesday 26 December 1894 and 9 following nights
Nottingham. Leopolds and their specially selected company of comedians in musical absurdity Frivolity. Three fold programme. Printed by Shumach Hyson Green Printing Works, Nottingham.
Handbills, c1900 - 1999
Hanbills for variety, magic and illusion shows mainly in locations in Blackpool in cluding the North Pier, the Hippodrome and various theatres.
Heysham Head Children’s Playground Corner Poster, c1940 - 1959
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.
Heysham Head Children’s Playground Corner Poster, c1940 - 1959
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.
Hippodrome Handbill, Week commencing 6 June 1955
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.
Hippodrome Poster, Week commencing Monday 24 December 1928
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.
Hippodrome Poster, Week commencing 24 December 1928
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.
Leas Cliff Hall Poster, c1980 - 1989
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.
List of Songs, c1960 - 1969
Lawrence Wright Music Co. Ltd. 12p.p.
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