This Is Your Life: Ralph Reader

Ralph READER CBE (1903-1982)

THIS IS YOUR LIFE - Ralph Reader, actor, producer and songwriter, was surprised by Eamonn Andrews after the car taking him to a dinner date 'crashed' through a false wall into the BBC Television Theatre.

Ralph, who was born in Crewkerne, Somerset, and grew up in Newhaven, began his performing career with the Scout Movement, having joined at the age of eleven. In 1920, he moved to America, where, by the age of 21, he was linked with seven Broadway productions simultaneously.

Returning to the UK in 1927, he produced and choreographed several West End productions before giving up a career in commercial theatre to stage, in 1932, his first all-Scout variety show entitled The Gang's All Here. The show became an annual institution, featuring hundreds of scouts performing sketches, songs, and dance numbers written and staged by Ralph, with all proceeds going to charity.

"I'm a little out of breath!"

programme details...

Edition No: 234
Subject No: 235
Broadcast date: Thu 21 Nov 1963
Broadcast time: 9.10-9.40pm
Recorded: Mon 11 Nov 1963 8.00pm
Venue: BBC Television Theatre
Series: 9
Edition: 8

on the guest list...

Dick Emery
Arthur Bailley
Virginia Bedford
Len Smith
Olive Gilbert
Eileen Barrett
Lady Baden-Powell
Jack Beet - in audience
former members of Holborn Rovers
Fred Hurll
Bob Corp-Reader - adopted son
Georgina Frost - aunt
Sir Charles McLean
Peter Sellers

production team...

Researchers: John Dalzell, Gale Pedrick
Writers: John Dalzell, Gale Pedrick
Director: Michael Goodwin
Producer: Vere Lorrimer
Executive Producer: T Leslie Jackson

related page...

Backstage Life

raising the curtain

Photographs of Ralph Reader This Is Your Life

Series 9 subjects