SHANE RICHIE

a biography (part two)

Towards the end of the run in Grease in 1997, with friends and associates, Shane had started to create his own musical. Obviously, being co-writer, he could make sure the show would reflect what he was capable of. Any of you who have seen Boogie Nights will be aware of the energy and dedication Shane puts into the role of Roddy O'Neill, who had now replaced Danny Zuko in our affections. Ned Sherrin, whilst interviewing Shane, observed the fact that the only other actor to have written, starred in and produced a play at the Savoy theatre in London, was the great Noel Coward.

A lot was written about Boogie Nights being auto-biographical, but only in very minor ways. It doesn't all mirror Shane's early life. After all, in 1977, the year in which Boogie Nights is set, he was only 13 years old! During the tour, Shane also found time to record his own album called, appropriately, "Shane Richie the Album". It featured some of his favourite songs from the 80's. (available from Amazon)

When Boogie Nights completed 3 years of touring, Shane decided it was time to hang up his flared jeans and put the Disco ball back in the props cupboard. They would see the light of day a few more times when Shane toured for 3 months with his own show, which included highlights form the two musicals, stand up comedy and songs.

Shane continued to do TV guest spots and threw himself into a movie, putting up some of the finance. He also took time out to tour parts of the American West Coast on a Harley Davidson motor cycle.

By now Stan Dallas had retired and Shane had a new manager, Phil Dale, who had great plans for Shane's career. Shane eventually got an audition with the BBC for the part of a fireman in Eastenders. He also auditioned for The Bill. Things were looking up.

Shane was enjoying a family break in Majorca, and England had just scored against Argentina in the World Cup qualifier. Shane answered his phone and Phil Dale tells him he will remember this moment for the rest of his life......he has a part in Eastenders! Shane is deliriously happy at the news but is sworn to secrecy for 3 months. Louise Berridge had seen something unique when she had auditioned Shane and it had been decided to write a character especially with Shane in mind.

And so a whole new generation of fans has discovered the LEGEND. Already Shane has won several television awards for this portrayal of the likeable rogue. He has also published his autobiography and has had a hit single in the charts, recorded for Children in Need. Anyone who has followed Shane's career since before Eastenders will remember how he often spoke of his dream to one day be on the podium accepting an Academy Award for a movie role. Nowadays this doesn't seem unrealistic and rumours abound that Hollywood has made 'offers'. So, who knows, maybe this dream will finally become a reality that was worth waiting for.

At the end of 2006," Flushed Away" was released in the UK. Shane had been to Hollywood to record the voice for Sid the Rat in this Ardman animation film. It took $19m in its first week of release in the USA. The movie also featured the voices of Hugh Jackman and Kate Winslett.

In 2006, Shane appeared in a television drama for ITV. "What we did on our Holidays" starred Roger Lloyd Pack as a disabled father taking a holiday in Malta with his son, played by Shane. Another TV drama was "The Good Samaritan".


In April 2007 , Shane put his own stamp on a role made famous by the great Jack Nicholson. As Randle P McMurphy, he toured the UK in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest".

In 2008, Shane hosted a new quiz show, Don't Forget the Lyrics, airing on Sky One. The show is now in its third series.

In January 2009 Shane debuted as Archie Daley, nephew of Arthur, in a brand new series of Minder. With co-star Lex Shrapnel, the series looks to be a hit, with positive reviews and record viewing figures for Channel 5.

Children in Need sent a host of stars around the world in 80 days. Shane and Josie Lawrence travelled to the United States and began their leg of the journey in Memphis, Tennesee. The show airs on BBC One during October/November 2009.