Born in London, Barry was introduced to theatre as a small boy, through being taken to see traditional Christmas pantomimes, as well as discovering jazz and fine music at a very young age. High school found him loving the works of Shakespeare, as well as many other great playwrights, poets and novelists. Moving to Australia, he became a jazz musician, playing with big bands and his own small groups, then attended the Elder Conservatorium of Music at the University of Adelaide, playing with several orchestras. This led to playing in theatre pits, joining the chorus, playing character roles, playing lead roles (after moving into drama), then directing, set and lighting design, administrative roles on theatre boards and, finally, becoming a critic. After twenty years of writing he has now joined the Broadway World team to represent Adelaide, in South Australia. Barry is also a long time member of the prestigious Adelaide Critics Circle.
Seven years was a long time to wait for another appearance by the fabulous Parisian cabaret chanteuse, Caroline Nin, but the wait was more than worth it.
The Adelaide Cabaret Festival once again begins with the Variety Gala Performance, an immensely popular part of the Festival which presents short performances by many of the artists appearing over the next three weeks.
Eye Music triggers questions about the personal autonomy of the severely disabled, and the confused motives and behaviours of their carers and families.
If you want to know why the first fifty years of the 20th century saw a remarkable resurgence of creative energy, then just look at the music Leigh Harrold programmed for the Kegelstatt Ensemble.