30 years and counting

From dusty back rooms to some of the country’s leading theatres, one local entertainer has seen them all!

 

Alan Crowe, known on stage as Ala Cra, is celebrating his 30^th year in the entertainment industry with a look back over a career which has enjoyed its fair share of highs and lows.

 

Welshpool-based Alan has worked with a who’s who of stage performers who made their names in the 1980’s and are still working the circuit today. His work has brought him good friends in the industry including Irish comedian Jimmy Cricket, West Country chart toppers The Wurzels, 80s singing stars The Nolans, comedian Owen Money, actress Ruth Madoc, comedian Stan Boardman and TV star Jeremy Beadle.

 

He began as a mobile disc jockey and children’s entertainer and has used his contacts to develop the careers of other local artists.

 

“It has been great to help others get on in the business,” he said: “I once managed to secure a television audition for a local girl singer, and for a local singer to have his own seaside theatre show! Plus I have been a publicist for a number of other local entertainers over the years.”

 

One of the biggest areas he has been involved in is 1960s revival shows and has worked alongside Gerry & The Pacemakers, Dave Berry, The Merseybeats, Craig Douglas, Hermans Hermits and Mike Pender’s Searchers.

 

This has led to him being recognised by his peers as one of the pioneers of the recent revival in 60s music. More recently he has worked with such American rock n roll legends as The Crickets, Charlie Gracie, and Linda Gail Lewis – sister to the legendary Jerry Lee Lewis.

 

It promoted The Stage newspaper to describe him as “an acknowledged authority on 60s music”.

 

But he has kept to his roots and asked if he is still doing the local gigs he said:

 

“Definitely yes! I still get booked for weddings, parties and dinners as well as public dances. I also presents my popular revival nights including 1940s, 60s, 70s and 80s as required.

 

For further information on Alan’s interesting career, visit www.alacradisco.vpweb.co.uk or phone 07782 166342.