Ryan Davies supreme entertainer, died at the age of 40. Over 40 years have passed since Wales lost one of her favourite sons.
Ryan Davies Supreme Entertainer
Ryan Davies Biography
As an entertainer Ryan was the most outstanding performer of any era.
Ryan Davies was born in the Carmarthenshire village of Glanamman. Educated at Bangor Normal College and the London Central School of Speech and Drama.
It was at Bangor that his friendship with Rhydderch Jones developed.
They started appearing together in Concerts and the traditional ‘Noson Lawen.’
A working career started in 1960 as a primary school teacher in Croydon. His performing talents were soon noticed by BBC Wales producers. A full-time career in ‘show-business’ was underway.
Ryan soon became established as a regular face on our television screens. In shows such as the popular sitcom ‘Fo a Fe.’
Ryan Davies and Ronnie Williams
Also teaming up with Ronnie Williams was a rewarding venture. ‘Ryan and Ronnie’ became a successful long running television series.
Regular Pantomimes were also a box-office success at the Swansea Grand.
A Summer Season in Blackpool too.
Ryan insisted, of course, that laughter was the same in Welsh or English.
Ryan Davies Supreme Entertainer Goes Solo
At the same time, a simultaneous solo act meant that Ryan was never out of work.
Ryan was the proverbial show business ‘all-rounder.’
This most versatile of performers could mesmerise an audience with his abundant talents.
One Man Show
Moreover, it was a privilege to see his one-man show ‘Ryan’ at the Ruthin National Eisteddfod in 1973.
His small frame filling the stage with his infectious, humorous personality.
His singing of Myfanwy, Ar Hyd y Nos and Ar Lan y Mor to his own accompaniment was sensitive and touching.
A talented pianist playing ‘Happy Birthday.’
But in the style of Beethoven, Chopin, Wagner and others was enthralling.
A version of ‘Cerdd Dant’ to his Table Harp accompaniment
was both enchanting and humorous.
Ryan’s comedy style came to the fore when appearing in Drag as the irrepressible Phyllis.
Who could ever forget Phyllis? Jiw, Jiw, Never in Ewrop, good boy.
In essence, every inflection and inter-action with the audience a master-class in comedic timing. An unforgettable evening.
Ryan Davies Songwriting
Multi talented Ryan has many musical compositions. They are popular with solo performers as well as Male Voice Choirs. The Denbigh and District Male Voice Choir include ‘Pan Fo’r Nos yn Hir’ and ‘Ti a dy Ddoniau’ in its repertoire.
Likewise, every Christmas, Ryan’s ‘Nadolig? Pwy a Wyr?’ is always a firm favourite.
To sum up, you can read more about Ryan Davies. The excellent biography ‘Ryan’ penned by his friend Rhydderch Jones.
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