Person Open DS/UK/6867 Reader; Ralph (1903-1982); CBE; British actor, director, producer Reader Ralph 1903-1982 British actor, director, producer Male (cisgender) William Henry Ralph Reader Crewkerne, Somerset, England, United Kingdom (born)

British White William Henry Ralph Reader CBE (25 May 1903-18 May 1982), known as Ralph Reader, was a British actor, author, theatrical producer and songwriter, best known forcreating and producing the original Gang Show for 42 years, a variety entertainment presented by members of the Scouting Movement, and for many years leading the community singing at FA Cup Finals. After leaving school, Reader went to America in 1919 and became a chorus boy on Broadway, then a dancer, dance producer and director. Reader produced 19 shows on Broadway, 33 West End musicals and directed 143 productions and pageants at the Royal Albert Hall including the annual Festival of Remembrance. He appeared in films, wrte and acted in his own play, prodcued pantomimes and instituted a light opera company in 1950. Reader retired from the Gang Show in 1974 and would publish Gang Show music and sketches, books on scouting and an auto-biography 'It's Been Terrific.' The Daily Telegraph (14 May 1982) International Standard Archival Authority Record for Corporate Bodies, Persons and Families - ISAAR(CPF) 2nd edition - ICA 2004 ISBN 2-9521932-2-3 National Council on Archives, Rules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names, 1997 Yes RAHhbaulcombe 8/15/2013 RAHeharper 6/8/2022 56e9d823-3b6a-49d7-b1d3-33dd5cfdef4f