At the age of four young Kenny started learning circus skills and by the time he was 15 he was an accomplished acrobat, juggler and clown. Following his father into life in variety, Kenny’s extraordinary showbiz journey took him all over the globe. Australia, New Zealand and the former Rhodesia, known these days as Zimbabwe were all on Kenny’s route, as a comedian, television quiz show host and all-round entertainer.

An active member of the Grand Order of Water Rats recently elected Prince Rat, Kenny’s mind is absorbed in show business every single day. From taking touring variety and music hall style shows into theatres, community halls and even schools.

Recently Kenny was asked if he could possibly single out one of the highlights from his career. Kenny said;’ While on stage at The Theatre Royal in Windsor, in front of an audience which included HRH Princess Margaret, there was a power cut and all the lights went out.’ Kenny’s response was to carry on telling gags and ab-libbing for over an hour, until the lights came back on. The result was a thoroughly deserved standing ovation.

Too more Royal Command shows followed, with the second being staged at the greatest variety theatre in the world, the London Palladium. Kenny Cantor has seen it, done it and earned the proverbial tee-shirt.

Under the banner of ‘That's entertainment associates' variety stalwart entertainer Kenny Cantor presented his own tribute show THIS IS THE SHOW.

Offering an unforgettable afternoon or evening of pure nostalgia at its best.

Remembering THE CRAZY GANG, FLANAGAN & ALLEN, MAX WALL, TOMMY COOPER, TED RAY, MAX BYEGRAVES, GEORGE FORMBY, MAX MILLER, ROB WILTON and many more with first hand recollections stories and personal anecdotes from someone who was actually there at the time that man is Kenny Cantor the last of the all round entertainers of the variety stage.

Kenny Cantor is an authority of variety entertainment and when interviewed recently Kenny remarked ‘not every entertainer enjoys his own television series, although I have had my own Play Your Cards Right TV show on Television in New Zealand. Kenny has been around the world nine times and starred on the maiden world cruise of the QE2. In addition starred at the Sydney Opera House, worked with the very best of entertainers: Sir Harry Secombe, Frankie Vaughan, Val Doonican, Howard Keel, plus many more, not just once but on many occasions.

Tributes were paid to an entertainer, fundraiser and comedian who performed around the world and hosted his own TV quiz show Play Your Cards Right. He stood out as one of the great characters of the entertainment world and will be greatly missed.

A past Prince Rat, and an active member of the showbiz charitable organisation the Grand Order of Water Rats, as well as being a former president of the Lowestoft Rotary Club, Kenny Cantor died, aged 81.

Born in Leicester in November 1938, Mr Cantor was the fifth generation of comedy performers. The son of entertainers Adele and Terry Cantor, he first appeared in a circus ring when he was just four. In his teens Mr Cantor was an accomplished acrobat, juggler and clown - but he followed his father Terry into a life in variety.

His lifetime in show business saw him hit the stage at the London Palladium, host Play Your Cards Right in New Zealand and work with entertainers including Frankie Vaughan, Val Doonican and Sir Harry Secombe. During a distinguished show business career Kenny also performed in more than 50 pantomimes and appeared in numerous Royal shows.

His wife Caron, who was a dancer, accompanied Kenny and choreographed many cruise ship productions around the world.

They were asked to take over a Kessingland holiday centre for two weeks - and such was their impact that they went on to remain in the area living near Lowestoft ever since.

The Cantor family has successfully run theatre schools for thousands of young people across Waveney since 1981. Heartfelt tributes were paid by friend, former councillor and fellow former Rotary president Brian Hunter. Mr Hunter - who had visited Mr Cantor in hospital the week Kenny passed away - said: "It is such sad news. "Kenny was a very dear friend of ours and this is a real shock. "What Kenny Cantor gave to Rotary was a spirit of entertainment, a spirit of charity. "He promoted Rotary wherever he could and was true to the core value of providing service above self - certainly Kenny did that, and more. He added: "The world of entertainment will be a lot duller and a sadder place."

This website is maintained by Water Rat Steve Barclay in memory of his great friend Past Prince Water Rat Kenny Cantor.

Email: info@stevebarclay.com