United Kingdom’s oldest and most prestigious show business organisation, the Grand Order of Water Rats, has announced that after dinner entertainer and comedian, Bob “the Cat” Bevan MBE, has been appointed King Rat for 2026.
For the GOWR he will lead a team of performers who raise funds for others in the world of entertainment who find themselves in need.
Current high profile members include HM King Charles III and HRH Prince Michael of Kent (Royal Companion Rats) as well as Alfie Boe, Michael Crawford, Englebert, Sir Brian May, Neil Morrissey, Al Murray, “the Pub Landlord” and Jimmy Tarbuck.
Recent Past Kings include Rick Wakeman, Joe Pasquale, actor Melvyn Hayes, Roger de Courcey and the late Nicholas Parsons.
Founded in 1889 legendary past members have included Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy and Bob Hope while among other Past Kings are Les Dawson, Roy Hudd, Gorden Kaye, Frankie Vaughan, Paul Daniels, Danny la Rue, Sir Henry Cooper, Bert Weedon, Arthur Haynes, Ted Ray, Tommy Trinder and Bud Flanagan
Born and bred in Dulwich, South London, Bevan, who had a successful career in journalism and public relations, did his first after dinner spot as an amateur in 1967. He turned professional after performing at the 1980 Footballer of the Year Dinner.
Within a year he was working with such performers as Jimmy Tarbuck (a past Prince Rat) and Billy Connolly. He went on to appear across the world, including several tours of Australia, and continues to this day 46 years later.
He spoke at dinners for Eric Clapton and Sir Rod Stewart, among others, and worked with many of his show business and sporting heroes, politicians and members of the Royal family.
In 2004 he was made a MBE for his charity work especially with the Lord’s Taverners (who he joined at the request of Sir Harry Secombe, another Water Rat) and Variety.
He is a Past President of Kent County Cricket Club and the National Sporting Club and awards include Benedictine After Dinner Speaker of the Year, Jackie Blanchflower Memorial Trophy, Reuters Soccer Speaker of the Year and the After Dinner Speakers’ Hall of Fame.
He is married to actress and dancer, Laura Collins, and now lives in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
Further information and interviews contact: Anthony Bohan, 020 7278 3246 - info@gowr.net
Websites: www.gowr.co.uk