Richard Shelton

Richard Shelton is a British actor and singer. He has performed in television and film, most notably in the television series Emmerdale. His theater credits include playing Frank Sinatra in Rat Pack Confidential where he was recognized as 'Best Actor in a Leading Role.' As a jazz singer he has released numerous albums, including An Englishman In Love In L.A. which was recorded with surviving members of Sinatra's band.

Early life and education Shelton is from Wolverhampton, England. He has said he became interested in performing as a young boy after watching The Sound of Music and Oliver!, and that his first public performance was at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre with a local dance school. At age 16, he enrolled at what is now University College Birmingham. He graduated in 1981 with an OND in Hotel and Catering Management. During his studies, he appeared in a production of Cabaret at the Crescent Theatre.

Beginning in 2005, Shelton became a series regular as Dr. Adam Forsythe in Emmerdale. He later moved to Los Angeles, and in 2020 recorded An Englishman in Love in LA with members of Sinatra's surviving band, including bassist Chuck Berghofer, drummer Gregg Field and pianist Mike Lang.

Partial filmography

Film

Theatre Year Title Role Venue Notes Ref A Murder is Announced Edmund Sweetenham UK tour Produced by Bill Kenwright; professional debut 2002 Rat Pack Confidential Frank Sinatra Nottingham Playhouse Manchester Evening News Theatre Awards nomination, Best Actor in a Leading Role; based on the book by Shawn Levy, adapted by Paul Sirett 2016 Sinatra and Me Frank Sinatra Edinburgh Festival Fringe Written by Shelton 2017 Sinatra and Me (Again) Frank Sinatra Frankenstein Pub, Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2018-2019 Sinatra: RAW Frank Sinatra Edinburgh Festival Fringe Written by Shelton; The Offies 2020 nomination, Best Male Performance in a Musical