Ryan Davies 1937 -
Ryan Davies I remember with great fondness, as he was instrumental in my first memory of the Grand Theatre’s magic appeal. It was during 1972 and my father took me to see Cinderella starring Ryan Davies and Ronnie Williams, From the opening bars by the orchestra through all the comedy slapstick and musical Interludes I was spellbound and left the theatre elated and happier than I had been for a long time. I vividly remember trying to recreate some of the scenes in my front room and pretending I was Ryan Davies, telling jokes and singing. One joke I remember from the show still makes me laugh now, even though today it may be regarded as a little corny to say the least, but that’s pantomime for you. It featured Ryan dressed I think, as Shirley Bassey talking to Ronnie.
Ryan "I went to the Top Rank the other night and the Doorman asked me for my ticket,
I said my face is my ticket"
Ronnie "what happened next”?
Ryan "he punched it".
Not exactly side-
Ryan was born in Mountain View, Glanamman in the Black Mountains on 22nd January 1937 and was educated in Llangadog and Llanfyllin. He did two years national service in the R.A.F. after which he went to Bangor College followed by enrolment in London’s Central School of speech and Drama. In 1960 Ryan got a job as a primary school teacher in Croydon.
He developed his craft performing in clubs as a cabaret singer and comedian. Then
In 1965 he began his association with BBC Wales, and was offered a full-ed on two men, one a happy drunk, the other a God-
Ryan’s first Pantomime at the Grand was ‘Cinderella’ in December of 1972, with his
comedy partner Ronnie Williams. It was hugely successful and they were immediately
booked for the following years offering ‘Dick Whittington’ Their stage performance
ticked every box in terms of what a pantomime star needed to offer. They had almost
a psychic understanding of each other and their comedy timing was impeccable, they
were indeed a welsh version of Morecambe and Wise, and the Grand Theatre Swansea’s
audience took them to their hearts and claimed them as their own. At a time when
the social climate was grim to say the least, they provided light relief to a public
used to the daily news bringing more doom and gloom into their lives. This could
all be forgotten, for a few hours anyway, as grandparents, parents and children alike
were taken on a magical journey into a world where there was always a happy ending
with good conquering evil. Then in May of 1974 Ryan and Ronnie went their separate
ways, and Ryan appeared in the next three Pantomimes at the Grand on his own. Ryan
certainly came to regard Swansea as his home and moved into a house in Mumbles. It
was a brave move to go it alone as his right hand man was missing, but Ryan had more
than enough talent, charm and charisma to carry it off with ease. He appeared in
‘Mother Goose’ in 1974/75 and on the 25th August 1975 he appeared for one night
in his one-
Mike Evans Co-
“Ryan was a genius. I use the word genius, as there is no other word that describes
him more aptly. Ryan was incredibly driven, with a determination to perfect every
thing he did, be it song writing, singing, comedy, mimicry or broadcasting. He was
blessed with equal talent in all of these areas. His work rate was at times astounding;
Even though I was 13 years his junior, his work rate was very hard to keep up with,
it was almost like he knew he wouldn’t have long left.”
Ryan’s appeal transcended all ages and he could easily switch from family entertainer
to cabaret performer, aimed at a more adult audience at the drop of a hat. Sometimes
he would hide behind his own creation, Phyllis who would open his cabaret shows and
break the audience before the “appearance” of Ryan. Mike went to every show that
Ryan did and would record each performance, which Ryan would then analyse in the
car journey home, fine-
Ryan Davies was a Welsh entertainer, the complete all-
His talent knew no bounds. He was a Comedian, in Welsh and English, a Singer, in Welsh and English,
a Songwriter, in Welsh and English, an accomplished Musician, an Actor on stage and screen,
a conductor, Broadcaster and a Cabaret Performer. Ryan had an unique ability as
he excelled in all he did, showing no weakness in any area. His appeal transcended all ages.
Sadly he died aged just 40 on April 22nd 1977. In 2008 a film was made about the relationship between Ryan and Ronnie entitled “Ryan a Ronnie”. It was filmed in a disused workingmen's club in Aberavon. The singing voice of Ryan was provided by his son Arwyn Davies. It aired on S4C on Xmas day 2009.
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Torchwood |
Swansea Grand Theatre History |
Swansea Pantomimes |
Swansea Grand Theatre Pantomime Archive |
only two can play |
Torchwood |
Swansea Grand Theatre History |
Swansea Pantomimes |
Swansea Grand Theatre Pantomime Archive |