Richard Loring’s 50 Years in ShowBiz
50 years ago, 1962, was a good year for showbiz as several stars and groups, amongst them the Rolling Stones and the Beatles are celebrating a half century in the business.
Richard Loring, ex-West End musical star and legendary performer in South Africa, will also celebrate his 50years on the stage when he and his pianist, David Crathorne, take centre stage on Sunday, 16 December at the newly-opened Richard’s Supper Stage and Bistro.
As a Producer and Impresario, Richard himself has not performed for several years, so fans, old and new, will be thrilled that he will once again be singing and taking them on a musical journey of nostalgia. In Loring tradition, a continuation of his quest to find (no ‘the’) new South African talent, there will also be a surprise item!
The tickets, well-priced @ R300 pp, includes the show, a complimentary glass of champagne, choice of Pasta’s, Salads, Baguettes and Delicious Desserts. The total proceeds will benefit the Theatre Benevolent Fund, which supports artists, some of them famous entertainers with household names, who through bad luck or ill health, have fallen on hard times.
Guernsey-born, Loring was recognized at the age of 16 as a ‘Carol Levis Discovery’ – yesteryear’s ‘Idols’ winner. He had honed his vocal talents in the church choir from the age of seven, in Eisteddfods and studying classical ‘Lieder’. Following his dream to perform on international stages, Richard flew to Londonin 1962 and joined the George Mitchell singers in the Ken Dodd Show inManchester. Thus began his career in showbiz!
From his first major juvenile lead role as Rolf in the Sound of Music at the Palace Theatre in London’s West End where he played for three years, Richard, who describes himself then as a “brash young guy”, has re-invented himself from musical theatre to the Abbey Road recording studios, from the world of television and movies to international cabaret floors. From Performer to Producer, Richard presented major events and shows at his Sound Stage Supper Theatre, launching the careers of many young stars and wowing Johannesburg audiences. His major productions include hit shows at the Globe and Lyric theatres to his award-winning African Footprint which has received standing ovations around the world for the last 12 years.
Richard recently received the “Naledi Lifetime Achievement Award” in recognition of his contribution to the world of entertainment.
However, Richard believes it important to share his success, and received a Rotary International ‘Paul Harris Fellowship’ for having raised millions of Rands through initiatives like his Celebrity Showbiz 11 soccer team in the 70’s/80’s to his recent assistance to initiate ACT NOW! to assist performers with HIV/AIDS. He has served the Theatre Benevolent Fund for some 35 years, currently sits on the board and his dream is to create and annual President’s Command Performance in aid of the Fund. Richard is thrilled to have an opportunity to again raise funds through his 50th Anniversary Celebrative Performance.
Tables can be booked from Richard’s Supper Stage and Bistro on – 021 4331340