In 2021, Richard Frame joined the original West End cast of FROZEN the Musical as Weselton at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane until the show closed last year. Whilst in the musical, Richard performed at the Olivier Awards and on Britain’s Got Talent, and the show was filmed and had a recent release on Disney+ as FROZEN: The Hit Broadway Musical. From 2013 to 2018, Richard was in the West End cast of Disney’s The Lion King playing Timon, and he previously performed at the Chichester Festival Theatre playing Raymond in Blue Remembered Hills and Hampstead Theatre in Wilderness, with the latter two shows both directed by Anna Ledwich. Further stage characters for Richard include originating the role of Emmo in Our House for his West End debut (which was written by Tim Firth and directed by Matthew Warchus), and he played Edmund in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Richard also has screen experience, having worked on shows such as Holby City, Silent Witness and Outnumbered, and he was in the final cast of Family Affairs playing Reverend Damian Harrison, and performed alongside Michael Jackson in 1996 at The BRIT Awards. Answering our questions, Richard told us about originating the role of Weselton in FROZEN the Musical in London, his time as Timon in The Lion King and his West End debut in Our House.
Having joined the original West End cast of FROZEN the Musical in 2021 as Weselton, how was it being part of a major West End transfer and continuing at Theatre Royal Drury Lane until it closed?
It was amazing to be part of such a big show right from the start. Moving into Drury Lane was especially exciting – the theatre had just had a full restoration, and it looked absolutely stunning. Staying with the show until the end was really special too. It was great to see how much it meant to audiences, especially as we were all coming out of lockdown and live theatre was finding its feet again.
What drew you to the role of Weselton and how did you get into character?
Weselton is such a fun character – over-the-top, a bit ridiculous, but great to play. I loved the comedy and the physicality of the role. To get into character, I leaned into his arrogance and his desperation to be important… which makes him even funnier.
What did you enjoy most about telling the story of FROZEN and bringing it to the London stage?
Just seeing how much the story means to people was really special. It’s a beautiful show with a big heart, and there’s real joy in performing it. Plus, hearing the audience reaction during Let It Go every night was unreal!
Do you have any stand-out highlights from your time in FROZEN the Musical and what was it like performing at the Olivier Awards and Britain’s Got Talent?
Definitely those big performances – both were nerve-racking but unforgettable. Being part of that kind of event is such a buzz. But honestly, just performing every night and being part of such a supportive cast was a highlight in itself.
You can be seen as Weselton in the Disney+ release of FROZEN: The Hit Broadway Musical, what was it like to film, and how does it feel now it’s released?
Filming it was a very different experience to live theatre – everything had to be very precise – but it was exciting. Now that it’s out, I’m just proud it’s been captured for people everywhere to enjoy.
Have you watched it on Disney+, and how has it been seeing the response?
I have, and it’s a bit surreal watching it back! But the response has been lovely – people are really enjoying it, especially families who may not have had the chance to see it live.
From 2013-18, you played Timon in The Lion King in the West End, what was that like?
Timon was an absolute joy. He’s funny, cheeky, and the songs are great fun to perform. Plus, the puppetry added a whole extra layer to playing him – it was a real challenge, but one I loved.
What are some of your favourite memories from performing in The Lion King?
The opening number Circle of Life gave me goosebumps every night. And the bond with the cast was really special. We became like a big family.
How different were the two Disney musicals – The Lion King and FROZEN the Musical – to perform in?
Very different. The Lion King is more physical and stylised, especially with the puppets. FROZEN leans more into the storytelling and character moments. Both are challenging in their own way, but equally rewarding.
Can you tell us about playing Raymond in Blue Remembered Hills (Chichester Festival Theatre) and your roles in Wilderness (Hampstead Theatre), both directed by Anna Ledwich?
Anna is a fantastic director. Blue Remembered Hills was such a unique piece – playing a child as an adult actor was really interesting. Wilderness was fast-paced with lots of role-switching, which kept things exciting. Both shows pushed me as an actor in the best way.
You’ve done a lot of screen work too; what were shows like Holby City, Silent Witness, and Outnumbered like to film?
All really different experiences but great fun. Shows like Holby and Silent Witness are so well-run, you have to be sharp. Outnumbered was especially fun with all the improv – you never quite knew where it was going!
What do you remember most from your time as Reverend Damian Harrison in Family Affairs?
It was a unique time because the show was wrapping up, but everyone still gave it their all. I really enjoyed playing Damian – he had a quiet strength and some great storylines.
You’ve worked on many other projects over the years, from Our House to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and you also performed at the 1996 BRIT Awards with Michael Jackson, what stands out?
Each of these experiences has left a unique mark on my career. My first West End job, creating the role of Emmo in Our House, was incredibly special under the brilliant guidance of writer Tim Firth and director Matthew Warchus. Playing Edmund in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe during Christmas was magical, especially since I grew up watching the BBC adaptation. And later, working with Richard Dempsey for the Propeller Shakespeare Company was a starstruck moment for me. And performing at the BRIT Awards alongside Michael Jackson was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Where did your love of performing come from, and how did you get started?
I’ve always had a passion for performing, whether it was in school plays or local amateur productions on the Isle of Wight where I grew up. Eventually, I auditioned for drama schools and was fortunate enough to be accepted into the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
Do you have any favourite films to watch?
I’m a big fan of anything with Tom Hanks – he’s just one of those actors who brings so much honesty and warmth to every role. Forrest Gump, Cast Away, Big, The Terminal – I could watch them all again and again. He’s got that rare mix of humour and heart that really sticks with you.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I love being outdoors, whether it’s in my garden, going for walks, but mostly spending time with my young family.
What are you hoping this year brings for your career, and do you have any upcoming projects you can share?
I’m just looking forward to whatever comes next. I hope to keep working on roles that challenge me and stories that really resonate with audiences. Whether it’s on stage or screen, I’m always excited to keep learning and growing as a performer.
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