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Sinatra: Raw
20 April 2024 @ 7.30pm to 9.10pm
About Sinatra: Raw
The critically acclaimed, multi-award-winning show ‘Sinatra: RAW’ stars actor and singer Richard Shelton, accompanied on piano.
Wolverhampton-born and fondly remembered from TV’s ‘Emmerdale’, Shelton is internationally acclaimed as one of the world’s best interpreters of Frank Sinatra’s music. ‘Sinatra: RAW’ brings to life the man who defined an era and whose musical legacy will never die.
Palm Springs, 1971 – Frank Sinatra prepares for his last pre-retirement intimate show. But his blue eyes are red-rimmed with memories and regret. He drinks ‘One For My Baby’ too many when things take an unexpected twist. This is the 2.00am Sinatra you dream of meeting – dangerous, unpredictable, brilliant.
Regrets? He’s had a few. Sinatra gathers a few friends together in the Purple Room at Palm Springs to sing a few songs around the piano, smoke a few cigarettes and reminisce. As the Jack Daniels goes down, the memories surface. He rails against the iniquities of Mafia allegations, a trail of broken love affairs, a life as the leader of the Rat Pack and a life in Hollywood littered with indiscretions and even a suicide attempt.
At the heart of it is the great love of his life, Ava Gardner – arguably the most beautiful actress in Hollywood and known as ‘The Body’. She’s no pushover and meets him drink for drink and punch for punch as he recalls the heartbreak of their doomed love affair and marriage.
Despite it all, Sinatra emerges triumphant in a belting rendition of ‘That’s Life!’, summing up the substance of the man, and we see what made him such an enduring icon.
Richard Shelton’s masterful take on Ol’ Blue Eyes is a must-see. Pitched somewhere between concert and confessional, this modest show has greatness in it. Shelton’s vocals are remarkable, manifesting not only Sinatra’s sliding rhythms and nuanced phrasing but also the timbre of that famous instrument.
Reviews
“His voice wraps you up. It helps that the Sinatra songbook contains pure gold. But, again, the veracity of Shelton’s flinty performance adds a fillip to his interpretations of the music.”
The Times
“This show packs a surprising emotional punch and Shelton delivers terrific versions of Sinatra’s greatest hits. No wonder the production sells out all over the world.”
The Spectator
Tickets
Please see important booking information below.
Booking information
Ticket prices include a £1.00 Restoration Levy, a £1.25 Booking Fee and a 25p Community Fund Levy.
Duration:
110 munites, including an interval.
About Kenton Theatre
Situated in the centre of Henley-on-Thames, the Kenton Theatre is the fourth-oldest working theatre in the UK and a registered charity. Seating 240, the theatre today offers a varied programme of comedy, drama, music, talks and more – as well as being available for hire.
The theatre is home to annual performances from Henley Amateur Operatic and Drama Society (HAODS), Henley Children’s Theatre, Henley Drama Festival, Henley Literary Festival, Henley Players, Henley Youth Festival, Mike Hurst, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO), Woodley Light Operatic Society, amongst others. High-profile performers at the Kenton in recent years include Michael McIntyre, Georgie Fame, Haley Mills, Chris Barber, Dara O’Briain, Diana Rigg, Russell Brand, PP Arnold and Marti Webb.
The theatre’s first production, the farce The School of Reform took place on 07 November 1805. Celebrated performers who have graced the Kenton stage over the last five decades include Celia Johnson, John Mortimer, Anthony Newley, Kate Winslet, Tom Baker, Joe Brown, Diana Dors, David Essex, Roy Hudd and Jeremy Irons.
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