Richard Fleeshman (Photo by Matt Crockett)
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Richard Fleeshman On ... Ghost

Richard Fleeshman was born to perform as his parents David Fleeshman and Sue Jenkins both have many TV and stage credits between them. Richard is probably best known for playing Craig in Coronation Street.

But since leaving the show, he has won the TV show Soapstar Superstar, released an album, toured with Elton John and starred alongside Whatsonstage.com Award winner Sheridan Smith in the West End hit Legally Blonde.

His next role is that of Sam in the hugely anticipated new musical Ghost which has a tryout in Manchester next month before opening at the Piccadilly Theatre in the West End.

What are your favourite songs in the show and why?
Apart from the one well known song all the others are new (by Dave Stewart, Glenn Ballard and Bruce Joel Rubin).  For me I love the music at the end of Act 1 which is very powerful and great to sing.

The film focused on the loss felt by Molly when Sam dies. How have you and Caissie Levy attempted to capture this chemistry on stage?  
Caissie and I are really enjoying working together.  Bruce Joel Rubin who wrote the film screenplay has adapted it for stage and is with us in rehearsals. Caissie and I are able to work closely with him on the characters and how to translate the films emotions onto the stage.  

Being a Mancunian, how thrilled are you that the show is receiving a tryout in Manchester first? 
Well, there is nothing like playing your home town. I can’t wait!

Is there going to be a recording of the soundtrack?
Yes, we’re not sure yet when it’s being recorded but definitely.
 
You have moved into musical theatre following Legally Blonde. How was that experience? 
Fantastic, the West End is such an amazing place to work. I loved every minute of it.

Would you like to do stage plays as well as musicals?
Yes of course but Ghost has a lot of play like qualities. The songs are wonderful but it feels more like a play with music rather than a conventional musical.
 
You toured with Elton John which must have been a huge thrill. How did you find it and are you returning to making music?
Working with Elton was an amazing experience. He is such a legend. I will definitely return to making music but Ghost is going to take up so much of my time for the next year that it may be while before I get back into the studio.
 
If you were to sum up why audiences should see Ghost in Manchester, what would you say?
Well it’s definitely going to be a fantastic show, one that will hopefully go all over the world. And those coming to Manchester to see it before London have the opportunity to see the world premier production. They will be the first to have an opinion of it.

Richard Fleeshman was speaking to Glenn Meads.

Ghost runs at the Manchester Opera House from 28 March to 14 May before opening at the Piccadily Theatre, London from 22 June. More details can be found at the official website.

- by Glenn Meads

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