There are some things that you simply must do during the festive season and one of them is to watch White Christmas.

It’s a film that’s as much a part of the seasonal celebrations as presents, mince pies and turkey and this year the stage version will set out to weave its magic over audiences at the Lowry.

Playing the role of Bob Wallace, immortalised on the big screen by the late, great Bing Crosby, is Aled Jones, the Welsh singer who achieved fame as a teenager with his version of that spine tingling song, Walking In The Air.

Aled insists that he won’t be trying to impersonate Crosby when he steps on to the stage.

“I’m going to try and put my own stamp on it - it’s a film that I’ve grown up with and I’ve watched millions of times but I don’t think I’ve been given the part to sound like Bing Crosby. This is such a great feel good Christmas story so hopefully everyone will leave on a high and with a bit of warmth in their hearts,” he says.

Bob and his army buddy Phil Davis (Danny Kaye in the film) have become a successful song and dance act and they become involved with two showbiz sisters, Betty and Judy Haynes, as they try to do a good deed for their former commanding officer. Aled promises a show that’ll banish those recession blues and, even though he was barely into rehearsals when we met, he’d evidently fallen under its spell.

“I get to sing White Christmas twice and there are some fantastic pieces of music in it. For me, Irving Berlin is one of the best composers for this sort of music,” he says.

When Aled performed in Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat in the mid-90s it all ended happily ever in more ways than one. It was while starring in the show that he met his future wife, Claire. He says there are differences between performing in a musical and performing more classical pieces, but these differences are minor ones.

“I’m used to standing on stage on my own or with an orchestra, but with something like this I can relax a bit with the voice and I don’t have to belt out the songs because there are microphones. For me the biggest challenge is having to dance because I don’t normally do that when I’m on tour,” he says.

Aled is certainly a versatile artist who is equally at home on stage, in front of a TV camera or in the radio studio. He’s proved a hit with the early risers on Sundays, taking over the Good Morning Sunday programme from Don McLean on BBC Radio 2. He’s one of a number of music artists who has found a niche in radio in recent years and admits he’d like to do more of this particular type of broadcasting in the future.

“I love it - I love the idea that you can turn up to a studio without a script and you just get on with it. I love playing good music - so it’s ideal. It’s the best scenario if you like,” he says.

Unfortunately, he’ll be working on Christmas morning, presenting the afore mentioned radio show. For him though, the season of goodwill is a family time, a private time.

“I’ll be spending time with the family, behind closed doors,” he says.

A new album is also on the way. For someone with such a busy schedule, I’d love to know how Aled Jones remains so laid back. Just what is his secret:?

* White Christmas is at the Lowry from November 27 to January 9. The box office is on 0870 111 2000.

Source: Messenger

Article posted by: xcept
Friday, October 09, 2009 @ 00:18:57 BST