The Stage

Johnny Dallas

Published Tuesday 8 December 2009 at 11:50 by Mark Ritchie

Singer, comic, pantomime dame and agent, Johnny Dallas, who has died, aged 80, was one of the most highly regarded figures in light entertainment.

He never retired and continued to work almost until the end of his life. He had only recently finished in the touring production show Bless ‘em All, in which he starred alongside the show’s producer, the well known Welsh comedian and impresario Stan Stennett.

Born Derek King in Leicester on May 18, 1929, Dallas was the only member of his family involved in showbusiness and he worked hard on the variety theatre scene, making a name as a noted all-round entertainer.

His career in variety started when Dallas became known as a handsome leading man-style singer, using the early stage name John Ross, and he enjoyed early television success, as well as making several recordings, which sold briskly during the early fifties.

Early career prominence came as he toured in the long-running Don Ross show Thanks For the Memory.

During the sixties and seventies boom years for light entertainment, Dallas appeared in ten consecutive summer season shows in North Wales theatres, where he soon became known as Mr Rhyl.

During this period he also developed the style of comedy and impersonations which would become so valuable during his work in pantomime, initially in Buttons/Silly Billy characters, later becoming a noted and much admired pantomime dame.

His last pantomime appearance was at the Civic Theatre Grantham, where he appeared in the role of Dame Durden in Jack and the Beanstalk during the 2007/8 season.

His friend Stennett said of him: “Johnny was one of the great traditional pantomime dames and he was noted for being first into the theatre and first out, as he was so quick with the make-up.”

Dallas launched his own agency business, the JD Agency, in 1978 and he operated mainly in casting and variety. He was closely associated as a casting associate for pantomime company Extravaganza Productions. Its principal Richard Chandler said: “He was a very loyal man and he loved encouraging young people. He was actively involved at the Leicester College of Performing Arts.”

Dallas died peacefully at his home in Leicester on November 11.

The funeral service took place on November 20 at Gilrose Crematorium in Leicester and a large congregation of friends and former co-stars attended.

Although he never married, his niece Jodie Branson noted: “He was a true gentlemen and much loved by everyone in the business.”