Ray Allen & Lord Charles

Often referred to as Britain's top ventriloquist, I thought it interesting to read that Ray Allen's "Lord Charles" character was inspired by the face of Stan Laurel..."just change the hair and put a monocle on it - that's the face I want", Allen is quoted. He toured with Laurel and Hardy during the early 1950s.

Allen appeared frequently on television variety shows for over 30 years (1950s-1980s). He died recently (May 24, 2010) at the age of 79.

I especially like his answer to the question as to his relationship with Lord Charles. Allen replied, "I'm not one of those ventriloquists who thinks he's real. When I finish my work I put it back into the tool box and I don't take it out again until the next job."