David Fleeshman

David Fleeshman is a versatile British performer whose career spans over five decades, encompassing work as an actor, broadcaster, drama lecturer, and theatre director. Born on 11 July 1952 in Glasgow, Scotland, into a Jewish family, he honed his craft at The Birmingham Theatre School before making his professional stage debut with the Birmingham Repertory Theatre in 1973. The following year he secured a position as actor‑assistant stage manager at the Octagon Theatre in Bolton, and later contributed as an associate director at the Oldham Coliseum Theatre, showcasing his early commitment to both performance and production. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s Fleeshman appeared in landmark television series such as Boys from the Blackstuff, Edge of Darkness, and the beloved comedy Only Fools and Horses, establishing a reputation for reliable character work across drama and comedy. His theatre résumé includes acclaimed productions like Arthur Miller’s The Price, for which he earned a Manchester Evening News Theatre Award for best supporting actor in 2005, and the European premiere of Neil Simon’s Biloxi Blues. As a director he has guided regional premieres, notably My Night With Reg, which won best production at the same awards. Fleeshman’s personal life intertwines with his professional world; in 1978 he married fellow actress Sue Jenkins, and the couple have three children—Emily, Richard, and Rosie—who have each pursued acting careers. From 2013 to 2015 he toured with the Royal National Theatre’s War Horse, performing for audiences in the UK, Ireland, and South Africa. Recent highlights include a leading role as Charlie Resnick in Darkness, Darkness at Nottingham Playhouse, a nomination for best supporting actor for his portrayal of Uncle Vanya in 2018, and a series of successful Christmas pantomimes directed at the Crewe Lyceum Theatre. His extensive work in radio, film, and commercial advertising further cements his status as a multifaceted contributor to British performing arts.