Swindon Lives - Shane Richie Jr- Boogie Nights Special

We caught up with Shane Richie Jr, the cheeky but charming star of Boogie Nights.

Boogie Nights is set in the seventies but if you could visit any period in time, when would it be and why?

The 1960’s would be a cracking decade to visit, just for the sheer enjoyment factor. Plus, it was the ‘era of love’…what more can I say!  

Is it true that your Dad, helped to write the original stage version Boogie Nights?

Yeah, that’s right! My Dad (Shane Richie) co-wrote the musical with a couple of his mates; Terry Morrison and Jon Conway. It was pretty much based on their own lives and experiences at the time.  In the show, I pretty much play my Dad!

When you’re not on stage, how do you like to spend your spare time?

I’m football mad! Whether I’m watching a match on the telly, playing it on the X-Box or having a kick about, I’m happy. I’m driving the others round the wall at the moment; I keep practising my kick ups on the Boogie Nights tour bus.

What would your dream role be?

Growing up, believe it or not, starring in Boogie Nights was actually a dream of mine. Becoming a performer was a bit of an accident really, originally I wanted to be a footballer, but after a little while, I realised I wasn’t good enough to make a career out of it, so with a little help from my Mum and Dad, I swapped my football boots for a pair of ballet shoes.

Being a performer, there must be plenty of perks. What’s the best part of your job?

I haven’t got the same status as some of the other guys in the show, but I do get a fair few perks having Shane Richie and Coleen Nolan as my Mum and Dad. The best bit is the queue jumping and getting VIP at clubs. It’s mental though, when you’re famous you get loads of free stuff but it’s when you’re poor you need it!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Don’t let anyone tell you you’re not good enough.

Who’s your idol and why?

Growing up, like most other lads my age, Beckham was my idol.

Who is the most famous person in your phone book?

Gareth Gates…Nahh I’m kidding. It’s probably the Osmonds actually. Oh and my Dad, I guess he’s pretty famous too.

Describe yourself in 3 words…

Sarcastic, lazy, childish.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

Older…I’m only kidding! Hopefully I’ll be doing something I really enjoy, something that I want to do.

Boogie Nights will run at the Wyvern Theatre from Monday 15th of April to Saturday 20th of April 2013.

Book tickets today at wyverntheatre.org.uk or by calling the Ticket Office on 01793 524 481.