Ralph Reader

Ralph Reader
Born	Crewkerne, Somerset, England
Nationality	British
Occupation	Actor, theatrical producer, and songwriter
Known for	Staging the original Gang Show

William Henry Ralph Reader CBE (25 May 1903 – 18 May 1982), known as Ralph Reader, was a British actor, theatrical producer and songwriter, known for staging the original Gang Show, a variety entertainment presented by members of the Scouting movement, and for leading community singing at FA Cup Finals.

Reader was born in Crewkerne, Somerset, England, the son of a Salvation Army bandmaster. He was orphaned by the age of eight and brought up by aunts and uncles. Joining the Scout movement at 11, he put on Scout shows as a patrol leader in the 2nd Denton and South Heighton Troop in Newhaven, Sussex.

His first job was as delivery boy for a relative's greengrocer's shop in Seaford. His employer took Reader to Brighton to buy supplies and then visit the Hippodrome theatre, where he saw many music hall stars of the day. At 14 he became a telegram messenger and, at 15, an office boy at a cement works.

In 1920 he moved to the United States of America, working in various menial jobs, while acting in and directing off-Broadway shows. At 21 he choreographed his first Broadway show and the New York Times wrote: "Watch Ralph Reader". Returning to England, he produced and choreographed West End productions, notably variety performances at Drury Lane and at the Hippodrome.

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