LIVING the
DREAM
Natalie Anglesey chats with musician, actor and family friend, Richard Fleeshman about working with some of the greats, and the importance of family
“I
’m living the dream,” grins handsome young actor and talented musician, Richard Fleeshman, as he gives me a big hug. He’s just walked off stage at the Liverpool Playhouse, where I watched him play Gideon Fletcher, the leading role in Sting’s debut musical, The Last Ship. It’s a marathon role and, considering Richard’s on stage most of the time, he’s hardly
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broken a sweat. “Working with Sting, who happens to be one of my heroes, can hardly be called hard work,“ he beams. “I’m not just saying that because my Christmas present from my girlfriend was two tickets to see Sting on stage – and that was long before I knew this musical was going to happen.“ I’ve known Richard since he was a baby. Indeed many years ago I christened the Fleeshman family Bramhall’s answer to the Von Trapps! It’s no wonder, with his pedigree, he was destined for showbusiness. “Mum and dad, who are both actors and directors, have been in the business for over 40 years and although they can sing, musicals are a bit outside their comfort zone,” Richard smiles. “My sisters, Emily and Rosie, are also in the profession, so I suppose it may seem pre-destined. It’s certainly great for me that they try to be at every opening night. I really value their input.” Richard’s been making a mark since the age of 12, when he began his on-screen career in Coronation Street as goth, Craig Harris, where he stayed for four years. At 13, he was the youngest celebrity contestant to win Stars In Their Eyes. He also won Soapstar Superstar, in 2006, donating the prize of £200,000 for his chosen charity, The Kirsty Appeal. “That seems a lifetime ago now but following my mum into Corrie was a great learning curve as I was working in front of television cameras
RIGHT: RICHARD FLEESHMAN AS GIDEON FLETCHER
