Ryan, Wilfred Ernest (1888-1950), cyclist

Person

Ryan, Wilfred Ernest (1888-1950), cyclist

1888-26 Jan 1950

Not a racing man like Ernie and Harry Ryan, but was a born entertainer, full of good humour and vitality, who was the finest actor in the PCC Pantomimes. He came to the pantomimes by accident. Shortly before the 1929-1930 Pantomime "Bluebeard", Vic Andrews who had rehearsed as one of the bailiffs, skidded on his bicycle and broke his arm. Will offered to step in and when straight on stage, gagged through the performance and stole the show. The following year he was cast as one of the Robbers in "Babes in the Wood" and then we really saw how a Panto bad man should be played. He had a fine robust performance and a good voice and played his parts with whole-hearted enthusiasm.
Will and Taffy DAVIES were execellent foils to each other and it was their work together which set the standard for later shows.

Five brothers, four of whom definitely members of the PCC: Thomas RYAN (Fitter Staff-Sergt. R.F.A.), H. E. "Harry" RYAN (12th London), R.A "Dick" RYAN (Fitter Staff-Sergt., Service No. 90271, 3/12th London. 400th Battery RFA, 14th Brigade, RHA, BEF), and E. F. "Ernie" RYAN. Sister, Mary, married fellow PCC member, W T Dunn. The Dunn family had a car showroom opposite the Buck and Ryan engineering and tool business.