Storms ahead!
Richard Fleeshman stars in Sting’s passionate hit musical, The Last Ship
Q: How did you get involved in the musical and what’s your role?
A: I got a phone call from my agent about The Last Ship and knew immediately what it was as knew the original Broadway production and had friends who were involved in it.
So I was desperate to be involved because I’m a huge fan of Sting’s work and thought the music was amazing. So I went along to the audition and the process eventually led to me meeting Sting, and singing for him, and then I got the role of Gideon.
Q: What’s it been like working with Sting?
A: It’s amazing because I’ve been a huge fan of Sting for years and it turns out that not only is he the most incredible musician, but he’s also one of the most humble and generous men I’ve ever worked with and it’s been an absolute pleasure.
Q: What’s the main difference working on a big new musical like this and performing in a stage classic?
A: The main difference is when
you’re performing in something that’s a classic there’s very little room for any changes - compared to the freedom you get when you’re working on something that’s brand new. It was incredibly exciting and exhilarating as a performer being in the rehearsal rooms for The Last Ship, with director Lorne Campbell and Sting, and working with them and being able to change things on a minute by minute basis as needed.
Of course, you do have a safety net when working on something that’s been a success before, whereas with new work you don’t really know until you get it in front of an audience if it works but thankfully people really seem to like The Last Ship which is great!
Q: Why should I buy a ticket to see this and what can I expect?
A: You should expect a really incredible score, and I’m sure people would expect nothing less as it’s Tony-nominated by one of the greatest writers of the past 50 years. And a really passionate cast that really care about this story and a story that’s heartbreaking, full of humour and galvanises you to want to make a change – you walk out of the theatre a little taller than you walked in.
It’s a very special two hours of theatre.
Q: How do you cope with touring?
A: You get to see some amazing places but, of course, you miss your home and your family. I miss my girlfriend and our little cat but I try to get home as often as I can.
Q: What are your plans when you’re in Cardiff?
A: When you do eight shows a week it can be difficult to fit much else in. But I’ve only been to Cardiff once before so I am hoping to see some of the sights – especially if the sun is shining!
Q: Do you ever see yourself returning to Coronation Street and do you still watch the soap?
A: I left 12 years ago so I doubt it very much that I would go back. I do have a lot of friends there and keep in touch with them. I don’t watch it as I watch very little TV anyway - so that’s no reflection on Corrie!
Q: What’s your favourite musical and why?
A: I don’t have a particular favourite as I like certain things for different reasons.