Ricki Holmes was born and raised in Nottingham, England and his long and varied career in the entertainment industry spans over thirty years.
Hailing from a show business family, it seemed only natural to pursue a career in the theater and it was the world of comedy that first captured Ricki’s imagination.
He shared the stage with his father, well-known English comedian Frankie Holmes, in comedy sketches – the most notable being at the Gaumont Theater, Southampton, where they performed and were presented to Lord Louis Mountbattan of Burma and HRH Prince Michael of Kent in a Gala Charity event. Club dates and cabaret followed as part of a comedy duo before going solo and performing in theaters all over the United Kingdom.
He studied classical piano before turning to jazz studies at Leeds College of Music where he excelled as an arranger and pianist. His first position as musical director was secured at the age of twenty-three. Since then, he has orchestrated music for symphony orchestras and shared the stage with such world-renowned stars as Bob Hope, Don Rickles, Jay Leno, Bob Newhart and Andy Williams.
He has arranged music for films and has written music and lyrics for national advertising campaigns.
He has produced shows for many of the world’s most prestigious cruise lines including Princess, Holland America and Royal Caribbean and in the summer of 2012 was proud to serve as Music Director for the production of The Finalists LIVE at the Andy Williams Moon River Theater.
His script, “America’s Cup” beat out over six thousand entries to place in the quarterfinals of the prestigious Nicholl Fellowship Screenwriting competition. His comedy, “Score One For Love” is under option.
He recently formed a film production company, Esther Pictures along with comedian, actor and producer, Michael Joiner. (Sony Pictures – The Grace card).
FILM DIRECTOR
- “Broken Faith” (IMDB)
SCREENWRITER
- “Broken Faith” (IMDB)
- “Abound” (Short) 168 FILM PROJECT
- “America’s Cup” NICHOLL FELLOWSHIP Quarterfinalist.
- “The Resort” Finalist – FRESH VOICES Competition
MUSIC DIRECTOR / KEYBOARDS
- Andy Williams Theatre (2010-13)
- Andy Williams Tour (Asia / UK)
- Marvin Hamlisch Tribute to 70’s PBS TV Special
- Diana Dimarizo (Sweeny Todd, Broadway) Solo Show – New York
- Pam Blake ! ! (Evita,Broadway) at conventions throughout the United States and world-wide as opening act for Jay Leno, Bob Hope; Don Rickles, Alan King, Bob Newhart; Others…
FREELANCE MUSIC ARRANGER
Continues to arrange / Orchestrate for clients as needed. Styles range from Symphony Orchestra to small combos. Clients include: Hong Kong Symphonia; McDonalds Corporation; Walt Disney Corporation; Cannon films; Luckman Fine Arts Center – LA
SHOW WRITING / PRODUCING
Written and conceived review shows (20+) for Princess Cruises, Regent, Costa Crociere, Seabourn Cruise Line. Royal Caribbean. Responsibilities include: Show content; Description; Scripts; Scenic Treatments; Music Arrangements / Production tracks.
Track examples available on request / Original concepts available for review.
EDUCATION
Leeds College Of Music – UK
Screenwriting U