MP3 Various Artists - Among Friends

An 'award winning' compilation of new songs written by the 'award winning' composer for cabaret and for his musicals, sung by stars of musical theatre and british television.

14 MP3 Songs in this album (51:54) !
Related styles: EASY LISTENING: Musicals, EASY LISTENING: Cabaret



Details:
RICHARD KATESâ professional career has taken him through almost every avenue of the profession
Starting as an actor at Oldham rep, he played a wide variety of parts before being cast in the leading role of David in the BBCs rock opera ORION. In the years that followed, Richard found himself dividing his time between musicals and straight theatre. He was the first person in England to play Jesus in both GODSPELL and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and other major musical roles have included Joseph in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, John Emery in TALLULAH WHO? (opposite Suzi Quatro), Cliff in CABARET, Charlie Brown in YOUâRE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN, Hero in A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, (opposite Frankie Howerd), Phileas Fogg in AROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY DAYS, Dâarcy in PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, and Frank N.Furter in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW.
Non musical roles have included Sackville in the Richard Burton film ABSOLUTION, Simon Spelling in FLUFF,
Joey in IN PRAISE OF LOVE, (opposite Richard Todd), Rob in ROBIN REDBREAST and Donal Davoren in THE SHADOW OF A GUNMAN.

In 1984 Richard wrote a show called WICKED LIPS which was due to play the Donmar Warehouse, in London, but due to copyright problems was banned only hours before it was due to open. However a private performance did take place, and created such a huge response, Richard was determined it would return

It took five years, but in 1988 WICKED LIPS opened at the Donmar to rave reviews and public acclaim. Jack Tinker wrote, âI offer my thanks for one of the slickest pieces of impertinence it has been my pleasure to enjoy.â It was an immense achievement for Richard, as not only did he write it and produce it, but also directed and appeared in it.

He swiftly followed this by writing and directing a one woman show for Su Pollard called A SONG, A FROCK AND A TINKLE, which also played the Donmar, before embarking on a âsell outâ national tour. He also wrote the original songs for a musical version of THE GOOD SEX GUIDE which toured New Zealand also starring Su Pollard.

Richardâs writing for television has included COPY CATS (for which he also wrote the title song), THE LAURENCE OLIVIER AWARDS (where Diane Langton opened the ceremony with his song TO WIN AN AWARD), THE RUSS ABOTT SHOW, THE LAUGHTER SHOW, TAKE THE PLUNGE and BOBBY DAVRO ON THE BOX. At the prestigious South Pacific Song Contest in Australia he won three major awards for his song STREISAND GOT THERE FIRST!

In 1998 he was the first and only composer and lyricist to have had two new musicals in the final of the prestigious VIVIAN ELLIS AWARD. Sheridan Morley hailed him as "the find of the contest", and suggested that "someone should have the courage and foresight to get his work staged immediately."

He has also written original material for many stars, who have performed his work all over the world.

Future projects include the production of four new musicals, for which he has written the book, music and lyrics. SNAKES AND LADDERS (a sung through piece about a man living and coping with AIDS), MAE I? ( a musical comedy about Mae West), TALLULAH DARLING! (about a man who gets knocked over the head, causing him to believe he is Tallulah Bankhead.) and a new musical version of DICK WHITTINGTON. Songs from these are featured on his first CD, AMONG FRIENDS - THE WORDS AND MUSIC OF RICHARD KATES and his follow up recording, DARE TO BE GREAT!
Richard has just started work on his third CD, which has the working title THE KING IS STILL ALIVE!