Barry Hill’s lifelong dedication to performing arts honoured with Order of Australia Medal

Adelaide is home to professional and amateur theatre companies and venues, and is known for its vibrant theatre scene.

If you are immersed in the craft of theatre, either as a theatregoer enthusiast or a professional, the news of Barry Hill receiving an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his lifelong contribution to theatre will come as no surprise.

Barry’s career in amateur theatre spans over 54 years. He has directed over 100 plays and 50 musicals. The stories, skills, and experiences emerging from his work are both fascinating and inspiring.

Barry, who lives in an ACH Group retirement living village, has shared his fascinating life story.

Finding his voice

Barry’s journey into theatre started in his teens. Growing up with a health condition and stutter did not stop him from being curious and open-minded about different ideas and concepts, including singing. His curiosity was noticed by his neighbour who gently persuaded him to join the Henley Beach Methodist Gilbert & Sullivan Soc as a chorus member in 1969.

In 1974, Barry got his first taste of theatre when he joined the Metropolitan Musical Theatre Co. and has performed and directed there ever since.

Bright beginning

In 1976, Barry joined the Q Theatre where he was mentored by the legendary Q Theatre founder Betty Quin.

Barry recalls how Betty encouraged him to embark on the journey of becoming a musical director, saying: “Darling, you can clearly direct”.

So, he did and debuted in 1979, with a performance involving 12 actors, called You Can’t Take It With You.

Since then, Barry worked with a number of theatre companies, including; Tea Tree Players, Burnside Players, St Jude’s Players, Galleon Theatre Company, the Hills Musical Theatre Company, Therry Dramatic Society, Mayfair Theatre Company, Marie Clark Theatre Company, LA Mama, John Edmund Theatre Company, and the Gilbert & Sullivan Society of SA, to name a few.

Powerful performances and memorable roles

Some of the highlights of Barry’s directing career include:

• Cat on a Hot Tin Roof at Adelaide Repertory Theatre
• Tom, Dick and Harry at Tea Tree Players
• Private Lives at Therry Dramatic Society and the Q Theatre
• My Fair Lady and Hello Dolly at The Met
• Directing the late June Bronhill in La Vie Parisienne at Gilbert and Sullivan Society
• Directing the late Marjorie Irving and the late John Edmund in The Kingfisher at John Edmund Theatre

Barry’s favourite acting roles include:

• Roger de Bris in The Producers at Marie Clark Theatre Company
• Cookie McGee (Nice Work If You Can Get It) at The Met
• Ko Ko in The Mikado at G&S Soc of SA
• Sydney Bruhl in Deathtrap at Galleon
• Gus in Cats at The Met
• Noel Coward in Noel & Gertie at Therry Dramatic Society
• Queen Dottie in Sleeping Beauty at Tea Tree Players
• Acting Captain Terri Dennis in Privates on Parade at John Edmund Theatre