George Formby Snr

George Formby Senior, father of George Formby Junior, was a major music-hall comedian and singer billed as the Wigan Nightingale. His career ended with a sad connection to Newcastle.

While appearing in the pantomime Jack and Jill at the Newcastle Empire in 1921, he became seriously ill during the engagement. He returned home to Warrington and died on 8 February, several days after falling ill in Newcastle.