Peter Pratt

Peter Pratt (21 March 1923 – 11 January 1995) was an English actor and singer who is best remembered for his comic roles in the Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas. Pratt started his career in the chorus of the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company in 1945, moving up to small roles and then understudying Martyn Green, the principal comedian. From 1951 to 1959, he was the company's principal comedian, earning critical praise in the famous "patter" roles. After... more

Peter Pratt (21 March 1923 – 11 January 1995) was an English actor and singer who is best remembered for his comic roles in the Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas. Pratt started his career in the chorus of the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company in 1945, moving up to small roles and then understudying Martyn Green, the principal comedian. From 1951 to 1959, he was the company's principal comedian, earning critical praise in the famous "patter" roles. After leaving the company, he moved on to a career in theatre, television, concert and radio, although he continued to perform the Gilbert and Sullivan roles throughout his career. One of his best-known television roles was the Master in the BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who. Pratt was born and grew up in Eastbourne, England, where he began to study singing as a child and was a soloist in his church choir. He was also involved in amateur theatrical societies. Peter Pratt joined the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company in the chorus in... less