Ray Parker is
Mr. Versatility

Born in Wednesfield, a small town in the British Midlands, Ray now lives in Victoria, B.C., Canada.

"Here he is: Mr. Versatility".

This introduction by television producer Philip Garston-Jones on BBC Manchester Studios opening night, indicates that even at the age of twenty-five Ray Parker was already a noted entertainer. Having performed on his first show at the age of eleven as a puppeteer, Ray soon began to expand his skills, gaining a reputation as a stand-up comedian. He wrote and directed shows in his teens, later adding acting, clowning, mime, dance and ventriloquism to his repertoire. At the age of eighteen, while in the armed forces, Ray began performing in army entertainment, first in England and later touring in East Africa. During this time, he developed an impersonation act which led to engagements on theaters, BBC television and radio.

In his early twenties, Ray completed his training as an operatic tenor and often appeared both as a comedian and a vocalist, on the same bill.

Just before he emigrated to Canada in 1965, Ray added lip sync to his act, a hilarious, blend of stand up comedy and mime that is always in demand. In the 80's Ray took up magic, building a solid reputation in this new field.

Recognized for his ability to create characters for specific themes, Ray was asked to create a Mad Hatter to perform strolling magic at a convention at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver. The resulting character is the most requested of his entire repertoire.

Ray performed frequently at Expo 86 in numerous roles, including a side-splitting characterization of Esso's oldest gas pump jockey for their Corporate Day. Around this time, Ray began to tour Canada's fairs and exhibition circuit, with great success, from British Columbia to Ontario.

Add to Rays credits performances as an actor on numerous TV series; sharing the screen with Jack Lemon, Sheena Easton, Hal Linden, and many other stars. He entertained on pleasure cruises, at Redken International Convention in Beverly Hills Ca., as an opening act for headliners such as the Osmond Boys, became the first Canadian strolling host at the Western Fairs Association Convention in San Jose and performed as guest singer with the Michelle Wright band.

In 1989, Ray was asked to act as a town crier for a special function. In the years since, he has appeared as town crier at numerous events, including greeting Queen Elizabeth the Second on her Jubilee Year visit to Victoria. Now an official town crier and member of the Pacific Northwest Company of Town Criers, Ray is in great demand, has competed in world championships, appeared in TV programs, and is one of the top rated town criers around the world.