Start spreading the news… fresh from an acclaimed residency at the Broadwater Theatre in Hollywood, actor Richard Shelton is making a bee-line for Barnard Castle to perform Sinatra: Raw on Tuesday, October 31 at 7.30pm.
The British actor and singer, whose international career spans theatre, music, television and movies, was nominated for best actor for his portrayal of the Rat Pack star, Frank Sinatra.
In the show we meet Sinatra as he prepares to retire for the first time in 1971 in Palm Springs. Gathered among friends he sings a few songs around the piano, smokes a few cigarettes and reminisces.
He rails against the iniquities of Mafia allegations, a trail of broken love affairs, a life as leader of the Rat Pack and a life littered with indiscretions and even a suicide attempt.
At the heart of it all is his great love, Ava Gardner. He recalls the heartbreak of their doomed love affair and marriage, but despite it all, he emerges triumphant in a belting rendition of That’s Life!
Richard’s lifelong affinity with Sinatra, has seen him tour the world extensively, performing by Royal Command for both British and European royalty, at the world-famous Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London, with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the BBC Concert Orchestra and BBC Big Band.
There is still time to book tickets, which cost £25, to see Sinatra: Raw by contacting The Witham box office on 01833 631107 or visiting the website: thewitham.org.
