It’s been a meteoric career rise for Bramhall’s Richard Fleeshman since the winner of Soapstar Superstar entered the world of musical theatre. Now the 22-year old actor turned singer/songwriter is a musical star on Broadway where he’s the leading man in Ghost The Musical, based on the Oscar-winning film which starred Demi Moore and the late Patrick Swayze.
Richard’s proud parents were also in the audience and mum, actress Sue Jenkins, best known for major roles in Coronation Street and Brookside, looked glamorous in a dusky pink Eliza Cavaletti outfit from Angela Beer.
Dad, award-winning actor David Fleeshman, just made the first night as he’s been appearing in the musical Gypsy in Leicester. Richard’s sisters will catch up with him later as Emily is running the family business, The Actors Lab Theatre School in Manchester and Rosie is training at the Rose Bruford College.
Sue related that it nearly didn’t happen. ‘Not many people know that six weeks before the show opened in London, Richard was knocked down by a car and broke his foot. Although he had an operation, two days later he was back in rehearsals on crutches for four weeks before he could walk properly.
Once Richard had run the gamut of film cameras and interviews at the glitzy after-show party we had time for a proper chat. ‘It’s been a roller-coaster ride for the last 12 months since I got this role after auditioning nine times. First there was the world premiere in Manchester and I was really nervous because I was playing on homeground in front of my friends and family as well as the fans.
Among the celebrities who turned out in style were Ivanka Trump, Jerry Zucker who directed the Oscar-winning movie and Lisa Niemi, widow of Patrick Swayze who all loved the show. But some critics who attended a preview night when the scenery broke down were less enthusiastic.
According to David they were half expecting their response.
Prior to Ghost, Richard had made a mark as a recording artist, touring with Sir Elton John and appearing in the Olivier award-winning hit Legally Blonde. ‘I enjoyed that although I wasn’t creating a role from scratch. Even when I was in Coronation Street I always said I’d love to create a role in a brand new musical.
In 2006, Richard won Soapstar-Superstar with a £200 thousand prize which he donated to the Kirsty Appeal and a record deal. ‘The only thing I’d won before was Celebrity Stars In Your Eyes when I was little and I’d sung at my parents’ anniversaries and now I was being offered work in America. My parents always give good advice.
Whatever the exciting future holds for Richard, with his parents’ support, he’ll remain firmly grounded.