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Jolson & Co - The Musical, Venue Cymru, Llandudno
WHEN he was asked to play the world's first superstar who became famous for "blacking up" Allan Johnson was prepared for controversy.
As Al Jolson he's been wowing audiences up and down the country in a musical based on the singer's life, which comes to Llandudno next week.
But even though he was willing to do so the producers ruled he shouldn't "black up" as Jolson did to sing the 1920s hit song Mammie.
"I think they were worried it might attract negative publicity, but in fact people have been asking why I don't black up so, you never know, it might be done in a future production," he said.
"Jolson was the greatest entertainer of his day and it's an honour and privilege to be able to tell his life story and to sing the songs he made famous," said Allan.
Jolson was the first recording artist to sell over one million records and he had 23 number one hits. He also became a Hollywood star. After The Jazz Singer released in 1929 he starred in a further 10 major films, and also led the cast of 11 Broadway shows.
And off-stage his rags-to-riches story and his stormy private life made sure he was constantly in the headlines.
Jolson & Co - The Musical takes the audience on a rollercoaster ride through his life and features his best known songs like I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, California Here I Come, You Made Me Love You, Sonny Boy, Swanee and Mammy.
The two hour show calls on all Allan's skills both as an actor and a singer.
"I'm on stage for the whole two hours so it's quite demanding but I'm loving every minute of it.
"Jolson was an entertainer who lived to be on stage and to be honest I'm a bit like that myself.
"The singing is the easiest part for me because I've been a singer all my life and the songs are so great it's a pleasure to sing them.
"The acting side is something I'm used to because I appeared in Jolson - The Musical in which I took over from Brian Conley at the Victoria Palace in London, and then in Toronto.
"It meant that when I took this part I already knew the character really well and that's been a great help," he explained.
In fact, Allan, who started his career at the age of 10 at Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow and then in pubs and clubs, has a wide range of experience to draw on.
When he was only 15 he recorded a single with legendary record producer George Martin at the Abbey Road Studios in London.
He then became a comedian appearing in several TV shows including Copy Cats, Live From The Palladium, and Night of 1000 Stars as well as hosting the quiz show Chain Letters.
He's also received the ultimate accolade of appearing in three Royal Variety Performances.
And more recently he's toured in the hit play Stones in his Pockets and played Roger de Bris in the Mel Brooks musical The Producers.
"But I can honestly say appearing in this show is giving me as much satisfaction as anything," he added.
Jolson & Co - The Musical, Venue Cymru from April 20- 25. Tickets can be booked on 01492 872000
