British singer Richard Shelton is coming to SA

The 'Bring Me Sunshine' singer will be joined by Adam Howard’s 17-piece Johannesburg Big Band.

The tour will kick off with four shows in Durban at the Rockwood Theatre on 12 March before heading to Pretoria and Johannesburg from 21 March. The other shows will be staged in East London, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town.

"I’m very excited to be making my first visit to South Africa and being in the position to combine my passions: travel and the music of Frank Sinatra and a big band," Shelton said. “It is the perfect way to make what I hope will be the first of many visits.

"The show focuses on the wonderful music of Sinatra with hits including ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’, ‘Fly Me to the Moon’, ‘It Was a Very Good Year’ and ‘One For My Baby’, as well as lesser known hits, including a very intimate rendition of ‘My Foolish Heart’.

"The show is brought together with a narrative that looks at my time starring as Sinatra in London’s West End to the synchronicity between our lives, borne out by many incredible coincidences in Los Angeles including how his tuxedo literally walked into my life, a fact which was verified by Sir Roger Moore [James Bond] on live TV."

Shelton said Sinatra’s music played a pivotal role in his career. “Naturally, my biggest influence is the music of Frank Sinatra but also vocal stylings from singers including Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Tony Bennett. Musically, I’m influenced by the greats including Oscar Peterson, Count Basie but also by a lot of classical music.”

Shelton has also received the Best Actor in a Leading Role Award at the Manchester Evening News Theatre Awards for his performance as Frank Sinatra in Rat Pack Confidential. Now South African audiences will get an opportunity to see him recreate the many magical moments in Sinatra’s musical career.

Shelton has performed for Prince Charles at Windsor Castle and for Sir Elton John at his White Tie and Tiara Ball event with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. He has also sung with the BBC Concert Orchestra, the BBC Big Band, at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London and on countless international TV and radio shows.

Richard Shelton SA tour dates:

• Rockwood Theatre, Durban – 12 to 17 March
• Atterbury Theatre, Pretoria – 20 March
• Johannesburg Theatre – 21 to 24 March
• Guild Theatre, East London – 27 March
• Boardwalk Casino, Port Elizabeth – 29 March
• Paul Cluver, Cape Town – 30 March

Tickets to the above shows can be purchased via Webtickets.