Annual Ball Programme

• Grand Order of Water Rats Annual Ball Programme
• Illustrated by Roy Ullyett
• Grosvenor House
• 29 November 1964
• 8½ x 11in (216 x 280mm)
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Originated in 1889 the Grand Order of Water Rats is a very exclusive fraternity of show-business performers and companions who meet regularly in the spirit of comradeship and raise money for deserving causes.

The programme's front cover shows Ted Ray, King Rat in 1964, standing atop the Olympic podium wearing the revered collar over an athlete's running gear. The illustration makes reference to the 1964 Summer Olympics held in Tokyo, Japan from 10 - 24 October 1964.

Ted Ray(1905-1977) was a popular English comedian who began his career in music hall and usually played violin badly as part of his act. He also performed comedy roles in several British films and was best remembered for the Sunday lunchtime radio show Ray's a Laugh a domestic comedy which ran from 1949 until 1961.