Barry discovered the exhilaration of performing to a group of people, when he was given the lead role in a Kindergarten production about Santa Claus, in the late 1950’s. Involvement wasn’t overwhelming to begin with – but since starting high school, he has appeared on stage every year of his life. Barry makes his NMF debut as narrator of Carnival of the Animals, by Saint-Saens.

Amateur performing gave way to professional work in 1988 when he was cast in Hunter Valley Theatre Company productions, performed at the Civic Theatre Playhouse in Hunter Street, and in productions with Freewheels Theatre-in-education Company based in Lake Macquarie.

Starting with live theatre, Barry’s skill set expanded to include work in film and television, voice overs, as a compere, and he became widely known across Australia for his work in various TV commercials.

Barry has mostly retired from public performance these days, but still finds his skills valued at Newcastle University helping students via role play scenarios.

AT THE FESTIVAL