Blackpool pays respects to Cyril (From This Is Lancashire)

Blackpool pays respects to Cyril

4:13pm Tuesday 27th May 2008 in

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The final curtain fell one of the giants of Blackpool's showbiz community today at a funeral service at the Grand Theatre.

Cyril Critchlow, 85, who died earlier this month after a long illness, spent more than six decades performing.

He was most famous for his magician act and for running the museum of entertainment on Coronation Street, which opened in 1977.

He was an avid collector of memorabilia, which he displayed at the museum for many years and was a founder member of Blackpool Magician's Club, who still host large conventions at the Winter Gardens.

As late as last year Mr Critchlow was still performing magic tricks to the delight of all, taking part in a show at the Winter Gardens in full wizard regalia.

Mr Critchlow leaves wife, Shirley, daughter Pat, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

His funeral took place at the theatre this morning following a short procession along the Promenade.