David Ribi is an English actor known for his roles in West End Theatre and touring productions. He trained in musical theatre at the London College of Music until 2006, and studied Drama and Theatre at Royal Holloway until 2009. As well as musical theatre, David is a keen singer/songwriter and has performed at a variety of live events around London and Surrey.
Career
Theatre
David has a number of theatre credits. Whilst training, he appeared in several leading roles, including 'Tommy' in The Who's Tommy, and 'Tobias Ragg' in Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, among others. In 2011, it was announced that David would play the lead role of 'Bobby' in the 2011-2012 Dreamboats and Petticoats UK Tour, produced by Bill Kenwright. Upon the completion of the tour, David took up the same lead role of Bobby in the West End version of the show at the Wyndhams Theatre, which ran until 4 August 2012. From Thursday 13 December 2012 until Sunday 6 January 2013, David starred as Aladdin in the pantomime of the same name at the Octagon Theatre, Yeovil. In 2013, David joined the cast of the UK Tour of Hairspray as 'Sketch' and second cover Link Larkin. The tour ran from 11 February 2013 until 29 September 2013. Ribi will return to panto during the 2013/2014 Christmas season, and will be playing the lead role of Peter Pan in the pantomime of the same name, at Fairfield Hall, Croydon, alongside Steve McFadden. The show will run from Friday 6 December 2013 until Sunday 5 January 2014. In May 2014, it was announced that David would be taking on the lead role of Zanna in 'Zanna, Don't!' from 3–29 June at the Landor Theatre, London. The story in which Ribi serves as the lead is set in a parallel universe where homosexuality is the norm and heterosexuality is a taboo. Set in mid-west America, "Zanna" takes place at heterophobic Heartsville High. Zanna is the school's matchmaker, bringing together happy couples until the football team's quarterback and the captain of the Girls' Intramural Mechanical Bull-Riding Team begin to discover their feelings for each other. Following his success in Zanna, Don't! David announced that he will play "Man 1" in I Love You, You're Perfect! Now Change! at the Battersea Barge from 14–17 July 2014. He will star alongside Nic Kyle, Chloe Taylor and Sarah Goggin.
Music
David is a keen singer/songwriter and has written his own music, which can be found on his YouTube channel. His debut album is due to be released later this year. On 10 December 2012, a single "Onesie Time" was released on iTunes, co-written by Ribi, and featuring his vocals, along with those of other notable names such as West End performers Samantha Dorrance, Sabrina Aloueche, Tim Driesen and Christopher Biggins, collectively dubbed 'The West End Onesie Club' - all performers wore onesies throughout .
Television
David has made appearances on several UK television shows. His first was in March 2012, with the cast of Dreamboats and Petticoats on the BBC TV Series The Late Show. They performed "", a musical number from the show. In February 2013, David appeared on the ITV daytime show "This Morning" with the cast of the UK Tour of Hairspray. They performed "", the finale song from Act 2 of the show. Since 2017, David is presenter of Channel 5's children's programming block, Milkshake
In early 2012, Only One Direction formed as a tribute band to the teen sensations One Direction, the first of its kind in the world. The tribute band was an instant hit, attracting nationwide attention which led to the band performing up to seven shows a week. The band performed to over 150000 audience members in its first two years, quickly establishing its presence in the music industry. The band initially consisted of five members, Henry Allan, Jamie SEARLS, Andy Fowler, Aaron Foster, and Matt Brinkler, but due to high demand for performances, the band expanded in 2013, bringing alternates to perform at some of the shows. David Ribi, described on the band's website as "the best of the best in performing talent", joined the band as an alternate Niall Horan. He has toured internationally with the band, showcasing his musical ability. Throughout 2014, demand for Ribi and the band continues to be high, allowing for their first UK theatre tour, United Arab Emirates tour, and the continuation of their European residencies.
