Richard Digance is a rare performer in that he’s respected by comedians for his original material and by musicians for being an accomplished performer/guitarist. His loyal following confirms his wide appeal, from the younger generation attracted by both his guitar playing and the fact he has inspired many modern-day performers, to the super-loyal who have followed Richard since the time he had his own ITV series and even further when he started out in folk clubs. His evergreen career has been acknowledged through numerous awards within both the music and entertainment industries, from a BAFTA Nomination as a TV entertainer to a Gold Award from The British Academy of Composers and Songwriters. He has supported Steve Martin in the USA, Robin Williams at The London Palladium and is included in The Virgin Anthology of Songwriters for his important contribution to British comedy songwriting. When presented with the Gold Award from the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters he was described as someone who for half a century has travelled the world with just a guitar and an immense collection of stories gathered through his own experiences. That kind of says it all.
As a poet Richard’s works are included in The Oxford University Press anthology of British Poetry, used in the Feardon Teaching Aids publications in the United States and as English Literature syllabus material in British Columbia, Canada plus The School Magazine in New South Wales, Australia.
He has survived all trends with his two and a half hour one-man show, his summer festival appearances in the UK, the United States, Canada and Dubai, his cruise work and television appearances.He is both an accomplished musician, rated by many as one of Britain’s greatest acoustic guitarists, inspired by his good friend Ralph McTell, and an entertainer who many younger comedians, including Ross Noble, claim as one of their major influences. On his own ITV Saturday-night show Richard has played guitar with Queen’s Brian May, The Moody Blues, Status Quo, Chris deBurgh, Juan Martin, Marc Cohn and Elkie Brooks.
He is listed in the Virgin Encyclopedia of Music and his poems are used as teaching aids arouby Fearon Publications in the USA and by The University of British Columbia in Canada.
However, Richard Digance does not rest on his immense reputation. In the last two years he has broadened his appeal, firstly by proving to be one of Britains most sought after cruise entertainers and secondly by returning to his musical roots through major music festival appearances.
Now he is going to grace the Royal Hippodrome stage with a man show that will have the audience leaving with a huge smile on their face. Richard is at the RHT on Saturday 12th October at 7.30pm. Tickets are £15 or £13 concessions. Box Office 01323 412000 or www.royalhippodrome.com