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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 9 Collections and/or Records:

Britain Today Film, c1930 - 1999

 Item
Reference code: 178D9.6
Scope and Contents

Black and white film about Britain showcasing various locations such as London, Manchester, Leeds and Blackpool. Cine Kodagraph. 16mm D-BETA.

Dates: c1930 - 1999

British Rail Timetable, 11 February 1946

 Item
Reference code: 178Z28.51
Scope and Contents

Day Walking Tour timetable, 2p.p.

Dates: 11 February 1946

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

Guide to Blackpool, c2000 - 2008

 Item
Reference code: 178Z28.1
Scope and Contents

What’s on Guide to Blackpool. Fold out map showing places of interest. Printed by Rowan Publishing.

Dates: c2000 - 2008

Guide to Blackpool, c2000 - 2008

 Item
Reference code: 178Z28.2
Scope and Contents

What’s on Guide to Blackpool. Fold out map showing places of interest. Printed by Rowan Publishing.

Dates: c2000 - 2008

Preston New Road to Dev. Square West Park Drive Film, c1930 - 1999

 Item
Reference code: 178D9.11
Scope and Contents

Black and white film, silent. Original negative. 9.5mm.

Dates: c1930 - 1999

Tram Ride Film, c1930 - 1999

 Item
Reference code: 178D9.9
Scope and Contents

Black and white film, silent. 9.5mm.

Dates: c1930 - 1999

Various Items Related to Variety, c1837 - 2008

 Series
Reference code: 178Z28
Scope and Contents

Various items related to variety theatre in Blackpool and other locations.

Dates: c1837 - 2008

Yatching Film, c1930 - 1999

 Item
Reference code: 178D9.8
Scope and Contents

Black and white film, silent. 16mm, DVD, 4 D-BETA.

Dates: c1930 - 1999

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  • Subject: Travel X

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