Past King Rat Water Rat Number: 585 King Rat: 1991
Wyn Calvin was one of Wales’s best-loved entertainers, enjoying a remarkable career spanning more than 75 years across variety, theatre, pantomime, radio, television and after-dinner speaking.
Born Joseph Wyndham Calvin-Thomas in Narberth, Pembrokeshire, on 28 August 1925, he moved with his family to Cardiff as a young child. During the final years of the Second World War, Wyn joined ENSA and entertained Allied servicemen in Britain and across newly liberated areas of Europe. He later spent several years working in repertory theatre, developing the natural warmth, comic timing and easy rapport with audiences that would define his career.
Wyn became a familiar and popular figure on the variety circuit, appearing alongside many of the leading entertainers of his generation. He starred in summer seasons throughout Britain, including seven seasons in Llandudno and four in Blackpool, where he was affectionately billed as “Blackpool’s Favourite Welsh Comedian.” His wit, energy and unmistakable personality also earned him the enduring title “The Welsh Prince of Laughter.”
He established a successful broadcasting career and appeared regularly on BBC radio programmes including Welsh Rarebit, Workers’ Playtime and Midday Music Hall. He later became a television presenter and chat-show host and, for many years, wrote a popular column for the Western Mail.
It was in pantomime that Wyn became particularly celebrated. Appearing in more than 50 productions during his career, he was regarded as one of Britain’s finest traditional pantomime dames. His most famous role was Widow Twankey in Aladdin, a character he played with warmth, mischief and a deep understanding of the traditions of British pantomime.
His reputation as a master of the role was such that Sir Ian McKellen contacted him for advice before playing Widow Twankey at the Old Vic in 2004. Wyn’s generosity in sharing his knowledge reflected both his love of pantomime and his commitment to preserving its traditions for future performers.
Away from the theatre, Wyn became an acclaimed after-dinner speaker. His celebrated talk, “Laughter: The Antidote to Stress,” took him around the world, with appearances across the United States and in Malaysia, Jakarta and Vietnam. His ability to combine humour with warmth and thoughtful observation made him a popular speaker with audiences from every walk of life.
Wyn was also a tireless supporter of charitable causes. He served as Welsh Chairman of the Variety Club of Great Britain, was involved with the Royal Variety Charity and became one of the founders of the campaign that led to the creation of the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales. His charitable service was recognised with the award of an MBE in 1989, and he was appointed an Officer of the Order of St John in 1993.
A devoted member of the Grand Order of Water Rats, Wyn was Water Rat Number 585 and became one of the Order’s longest-serving Councillors. He also served as a Trustee of the Charities Fund and was crowned King Rat in 1991, becoming the first and, to date, only Welshman to hold the highest office in the Order.
Wyn Calvin died on 25 January 2022 at the age of 96. He is remembered not only as an exceptional comedian and one of pantomime’s greatest dames, but as a generous, gracious and much-loved gentleman whose life was dedicated to entertainment, friendship and helping others.
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