Richard Shelton's portrayal of Frank Sinatra has earned him a host of awards including the prestigious Hollywood Fringe Award. Winning such recognition for his performance in a play he wrote himself has special meaning to the actor. The multi award-winning production is more than just a performance; it's a mesmerizing journey into the heart and soul of an iconic figure. Set against the backdrop of a small Palm Springs club in the early hours of the morning, the play paints a poignant portrait of Frank Sinatra as an "every man" grappling with the complexities of middle age. 

Richard Shelton, the British-born performer based in Los Angeles, has captivated audiences all over the world with his extraordinary portrayal of the legendary Frank Sinatra in Sinatra: RAW. ​Shelton takes on the role with breathtaking authenticity, allowing the audience to witness Sinatra in his most vulnerable moments, accompanied only by a bottle of Jack Daniels and a piano. As the hourglass of bourbon empties, memories surface, revealing the tumultuous life of Sinatra, including his three failed marriages, his passionate love affair with Ava Gardner, and the relentless scrutiny of the world's press. However, it's the music that truly reigns supreme – timeless recordings that leave an indelible mark. Sinatra: RAW invites us to rediscover a man we thought we knew but never truly understood.

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As he explains, "The research is the long part, trying to mine a world of information where so much is known about the subject, trying to find the nuggets people don’t know. Then bringing it to life, performing the work which is its own reward, so an award really is the icing, not the cake. People truly connect with the vulnerability of Sinatra, a man often misunderstood. It's a privilege to be acknowledged for capturing that essence."

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Sinatra: RAW was born out of Shelton's deep connection with Frank Sinatra's music and persona. He first portrayed him in ‘Rat Pack Confidential’ at the Nottingham Playhouse, which subsequently transferred to London’s West End. Shelton explains, “I’ve always had a great affinity with Sinatra, right down to learning that I’m the exact same dimensions as him.  Technically, my voice sits in the same register as Frank Sinatra’s, which helps when re-creating the physical sound. But emotionally is where it really matters. 

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His profound emotional connection with Sinatra's music is not the only unique aspect of his performance – Shelton actually wears Sinatra's own tuxedo on stage. The tuxedo, crafted by London's renowned tailor Cyril Castle, holds a unique connection to Sinatra. Shelton stumbled upon this piece of history by chance, recounting, "I recorded my album, ‘An Englishman in Love in LA’ at Capitol Studios in LA where Sinatra made many of his seminal recordings. We had some of Sinatra’s living bandmates with us in the band, which was a real thrill. As a result, I was invited to a music industry party where I met a TV producer who was making a reality show about her friend’s Beachwood Canyon antique store. She said, 'We just got Frank Sinatra’s tuxedo, and we’re looking for a home for it!' I couldn’t believe my ears! I went to the store, tried on the tuxedo, only to find it was an identical fit to me. It's quite a thrill to think the tuxedo might enjoy hearing the music again and bounce along to the beat."

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Richard Shelton has a diverse and impressive career in the world of entertainment. But he came late to acting, having had a successful job in hospitality.  He says, “I was raised in Wolverhampton, the son of a builder’s merchant, so have absolutely no show-business in my blood. My father was a fan of jazz and big-band music, but he forbade me to go into the theatre, so the hotel industry became a temporary career step while I found my feet, although it turned into a 14-year stint! 

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Having made the decision to pursue acting, roles in theatre followed, including a West End debut alongside British movie stars Richard Todd and Barbara Murray in Agatha Christie's 'A Murder is Announced.'  He also landed a life-changing job in 'Emmerdale,' where he played the murderous Dr Adam Forsythe. 

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Richard can’t wait to bring Sinatra: RAW to British audiences. “It’s wonderful to be back home and visiting some of my favourite cities. As they say in a very famous Hollywood movie, ‘There’s no place like home’ and it’s always a joy to meet old friends and make some new ones along the road while bringing some real-life tales of Hollywood with me.”

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What’s next? “I’m in discussions to bring the screenplay version of Sinatra: RAW to the screen. It would be my dream come true to be able to share the story on screen, but it’s a long journey ahead to make it a reality. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in life, it’s to never give up. After all, if you never have a dream, you can never have a dream come true!”

FIVE STARS "Sinatra: RAW” stars Richard Shelton, one of the world’s finest Sinatra interpreters. Shelton performed as Frank Sinatra in “Rat Pack Confidential,” a stunning performance that saw him nominated Best Actor in a leading role.”

Los Angeles Times

"Richard Shelton’s masterful take on Ol’ Blue Eyes is a must see. Pitched somewhere between concert and confessional, this modest show has greatness in it. Shelton’s vocals are remarkable, manifesting not only Sinatra’s sliding rhythms and nuanced phrasing, but also the timbre of that famous instrument.

His voice wraps you up. It helps that the Sinatra songbook contains pure gold. But, again, the veracity of Shelton’s flinty performance adds a fillip to his interpretations of the music."

The Times