I’m Richard
One Man, One Mike, One Keyboard!
Corporate Events
Want to bring a bit of entertainment to your companies getaway.Private Parties
A special birthday, presentation evening or just want to have a great time.Baggy Trousers
Give Me Just A Little More Time
I started playing the piano when I was approximately 4 years old. We had an aunt that we visited as a family and although I remember the great tea and cakes which she provided, the piano in the other room always got my attention. At the earliest opportunity I was off. No tunes! Just making sounds with the piano, which I found totally fascinating. It wasn’t long before, like most kids I started to pick out tunes that I had heard on the radio or I made things up out of the songs I could hear in my head. I can’t say that I had a great school life, as I never really conformed and just to got into trouble for messing around. Often I would do impressions of the teachers, people I had seen on the TV or heard on the radio, to make the other kids laugh. It’s great when you can get a laugh out of someone. It doesn’t matter to me if its a old lady or a young kid, a laughs a laugh, right? I still enjoy the radio immensely as you have to make the pictures up in your head so you always get great images! It doesn’t matter if I am listening to music, a documentary or listening to comedy, the pictures are the most real and stunning you could ever imagine.
After leaving school, I trained to become a piano technician. My day job was tuning, repairing and rebuilding pianos. However, this did not fulfill the creative fun side of my personality. After college I joined the “Desperate Dan” band which brought me into contact with musicians from “Fleetwood Mac” “T Rex”, “Van Morrison” and Paul Young’s Easy Street Band. I then moved on and developed a solo act doing cabaret in clubs and private venues where I was able to perfect my humorous delivery which is an appreciated part of my act to-day. I have enjoyed performing in Canada, Greece, Denmark and all over England. I sing and and play electronic keyboards to my own arrangements in packed venues all over the south, where I am told that my quick wit and natural exuberance ensures everyone has a good time. Whether it be the annual W.I. concert in the Dorking Halls or a dinner for the Rotarians at my local golf club. I enjoy entertaining families of all age groups at weddings and other gatherings. I like to bring a party atmosphere to everywhere I play. It’s simple for me, I just want everyone to have a great time and go home thinking “Wow, that was a fun evening!”
I play in all sizes of venues and always strive to achieve the best performance within the space provided. Here you will find the answer to some of the most common questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch, if you need a hand with something.
1. We don't want it to be to loud.
Working with electronic equipment allows me to play at the volume the venue requires.
2. Do you bring eveything you need.
Yes, but I do need a couple of 13amp power sockets. I bring my own sound system, lighting and instrument. I require a space approximately 8 feet by 8 feet.
3. What kind of music do you play.
I try to tailor the music to the event or venue and there is a little something for everyone, from Frank Sinatra, Rock “n” Roll through to some more modern hits.
4. What type of venues have you played in.
Over the years! I have performed in 1,000 seat theaters to back garden BBQ’s with a handful of friends and family and everything in between. I don’t do “Background Music”, if I wanted to do that I would play in a lift!
About Me
As and additional string to my bow, for the last 20 years I have enjoyed being a professional film and TV extra. I have been lucky enough on a few occasions to have a speaking part, but don’t blink or you may miss me!
Even though I enjoy living in a picturesque market town in the south of England I also have a home in the heart of the Canadian Rockies which I frequently visit with my wife Dallas.
During my extensive travels around the world I have been fortunate enough to make some great friends from all walks of life, although I think most of them have some kind of crazy streak like me!
Testimonials
“There was never a dull moment… People still talk about our New Years Eve Party and what a brilliant night it was. We look forward to seeing Richard at our next big event Paul Bolton.”
“I was a little apprehensive when I booked Richard for my 50th, but I shouldn’t have worried. Everyone knew most of the songs and Richard was able to break the ice between the families at the party. The evening was also enjoyed by older members of my family, as the performance wasn’t ear shatteringly loud. Spot on! Sue Davies”
“We have used Richard a few times for our events and he always seems to hit the mark. He is very personable and has the ability to gauge the mood.”