MASTER OF THE HOUSE

Leading man Stephen Triffitt of ‘The Definitive Rat Pack’ fame on the thrill of playing Frank Sinatra for the last 16 years. By Emmilyn Yeoh.

More than sixty years ago in Las Vegas, five men—Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Joey Bishop, and Peter Lawford—ruled supreme as The Rat Pack, with charismatic performances where they sang, boozed, and bantered from show to show, gaining notoriety everywhere they went. From the original London’s West End cast of 2003, Stephen Triffitt, with his perfectly sculpted hair, dazzling blue eyes, and black patent leather shoes, personifies cool cat Frank Sinatra to a T. Here, he talks about the late icon, personal musical favourites, and walking in the footsteps of The Rat Pack for the past 16 years. What is the most exciting part of your job as Frank Sinatra? Each night and performance is different. We [Mark Adams and George Daniel Long] have been working with each other for over 15 years, and we like to catch each other off-guard— just like Frank, Dean, and Sammy did. This show was created by us so we have the freedom to switch things up a little from time to time. The best ones are spontaneous, without telling each other. What are the three songs that encapsulate the spirit of The Rat Pack? “Side by Side”—it is the first time we are all on stage and each of us has our piece that is very much Frank’s, Dean’s, or Sammy’s; “The Lady Is a Tramp”, a song that is misunderstood by the public. It was actually written for a female artist. It talks about a woman’s independence, being held back in a male dominated world, and how society perceived women in the 1960s. But because she rebels, she is called or seen as a “tramp” by others; and “New York, New York” is definitely a Rat Pack classic. Need I say more? How is Frank Sinatra an icon to you? I admire his perseverance. In a time when everyone sang the same way, he worked hard to get his new method of delivering a song into the mainstream. The way he looked at his songs as a piece of poetry, and then putting that poetry across to the audience using timing, breathing, and intonation. When racism was rife in America, he stood up for his rights, and wasn’t afraid to speak his mind. He was truly a man who used his popularity to drive change. Do you relate to your role as Frank Sinatra? I can’t read music and nor could Frank. This career has its ups and downs. Often, you look at your diary and worry about paying the bills. Frank was the same, but when it all gets tough, I think of how Frank clawed his way out of those situations and it gives me the push I need to do the same. How does this translate into your Frank Sinatra persona when you’re on stage? As Frank, I can’t be seen working too hard. I have to be cool and calm no matter how hard the song or how high the note. Frank once gave this piece of advice to Sammy: “Always look as if you have more to give.” In order to achieve that it takes hard work. You must be “show fit”! What is the chemistry like between you and your co-stars, Mark Adams and George Daniel Long? We have known and worked with each other for over 15 years. We are practically family, which means like most families, we have shouted, screamed, sulked, and slammed doors at each other. I’m sure Frank, Dean, and Sammy all went through the same, but what’s important is the love, respect, and understanding that we have as brothers. Like all relationships with that sense of “chemistry”, it takes work, but pays off on stage. Any pre-show rituals? I love to drink a glass of Licor 43, a Spanish liquor made from honey, brandy, and citrus fruits. If not, then a couple of swigs of Jameson Irish Whiskey will do the trick. I have a pair of my grandfather’s cufflinks that I always wear. He was never a Sinatra fan but he loved what I do. What is your favourite musical? I’m not a fan of musicals but I do love the film Into the Woods. It’s funny, has a great story, and a brilliant cast that doesn’t take things too seriously. Does that count? I don’t see what we do as a musical performance at all. We bring the party on stage. What has been the highlight of your career? There have been so many firsts that it’s difficult to say for sure. On a bigger picture, the fact that I only ever got into this business for a bit of spare money, but now I get to perform solo or with The Definitive Rat Pack all over the world in theatres and arenas is a highlight in itself. www.thedefinitiveratpack.com