Richard Shelton is a renowned actor, widely regarded as the world's leading dramatic interpreter of Frank Sinatra. His impressive repertoire includes numerous awards and nominations, with accolades such as "Best Actor in a Leading Role" for his performances in "Frank Sinatra", "Rat Pack Confidential", and "Sinatra: RAW" on the London West End and internationally.
Critics have praised Shelton's masterful portrayal of Sinatra, noting that his vocals are remarkable, capturing the essence of Sinatra's sliding rhythms, nuanced phrasing, and distinctive timbre. His performance is likened to a "must-see", with the Sinatra songbook providing a rich backdrop for his interpretations.
The Times, UK, praises Shelton's performance, stating: "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. His voice wraps you up."
The BBC's Mike Young adds: "Shelton as Sinatra is quite simply phenomenal."
In a review for The American, 2021, Shelton's performance is described as an "extraordinary contribution to our understanding of a colossus of 20th-century culture", likening his portrayal to those of Cate Blanchett as Queen Elizabeth I or Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles. The critic notes that Shelton's performance is not a cheap reproduction, but rather an imaginative and original contribution to our understanding of heroes and their humanity.
In addition to his work as a Sinatra interpreter, Shelton is also a talented singer, having won the 2021 LIT International Talent award for his album "An Englishman in Love in LA", recorded at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles. The album features five original songs, standards, and pop classics in jazz.
Throughout his career, Shelton has held regular roles in TV shows such as "Jane the Virgin", "House of Lies", and "Emmerdale", where he played the series regular character Dr. Adam Forsythe.
