Past King Rat Water Rat Number: 447 King Rat: 1967
Terry Cantor, affectionately known throughout the profession as “Toby-Jug” Cantor, was a comedian, actor, theatrical producer and manager whose career was firmly rooted in the traditions of British variety and pantomime.
Terry appeared extensively on variety bills throughout the country, often working alongside his wife, Adele Cantor. Adele was an accomplished acrobat, singer, dancer and comedy performer, and together they became well-known figures on the variety circuit. During the Second World War, they toured Europe with ENSA, entertaining members of the armed forces.
Following the war, Terry increasingly moved into theatrical management and production. From 1949, Terry and Adele appeared in and produced variety shows and touring revues at theatres around Britain. Terry became particularly associated with the traditional touring revue, combining comedy, music, speciality acts and glamorous production numbers.
During the 1950s, he managed and starred in his own travelling companies, including the revues All Shapes and Surprises and All Shapes and Sizes. A contemporary photographic study of one of these companies recorded the demanding life of a touring variety production, showing Terry working not only as its principal comedian but also as its producer and hands-on company manager.
He also presented productions under the name Terry “Toby-Jug” Cantor, including The Terry Cantor Show and A Strip of Show Business. His work took him to theatres and summer resorts across the country, where he became recognised as an experienced comedian and dependable producer who understood the tastes of popular audiences.
Terry had a particularly important association with the City Varieties Music Hall in Leeds. In 1968, he helped return traditional family pantomime to the theatre, beginning with a successful production of Cinderella. Under his direction, the City Varieties pantomimes featured leading variety performers, including Charlie Cairoli and the Patton Brothers.
The productions frequently included Terry and Adele’s son, Kenny Cantor, who followed his parents into show business and became a popular comedian, clown and pantomime performer in his own right. The Cantor family’s long association with the City Varieties became an important part of the theatre’s post-war history.
Away from the stage, Terry was a committed supporter of theatrical charities. He and Adele were active fundraisers for the Entertainment Artistes’ Benevolent Fund, and Terry continued to produce charitable performances in support of fellow members of the entertainment profession.
A devoted member of the Grand Order of Water Rats, Terry was initiated as Water Rat Number 447. He was crowned King Rat in 1967, serving as the head of the Order during a distinguished period in its history. At the conclusion of his year in office, he formally inducted Frankie Vaughan as his successor.
Terry Cantor died in 1979. He is remembered as a true man of the theatre, a colourful variety comedian, an experienced producer and a proud Water Rat who devoted his life to entertainment and the welfare of his fellow performers.
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