Stage lights, gym gains, and gratitude
2026 marks three years since Barry Hill’s lifelong dedication to the performing arts was recognised with the Order of Australia Medal, celebrating his outstanding contributions to theatre and musical performance. Barry’s life has remained as full and vibrant as ever, with the stage, travel, and active lifestyle continuing to inspire him.
A familiar and trusted presence within the ACH Group community, Barry is equally well-known at the Fringe, where he has long been a discerning reviewer of shows. This season is no exception, and we asked him to share his top picks – read his favourites in our Adelaide Fringe season guide.
With this occasion, we also connected with Barry to find out how life has been since he received the OAM.
A busy life on and off stage
Reflecting on the past few years, Barry says: “The last few years have been busy. I have become Secretary at Tea Tree Players Theatre and that keeps me on my toes.”
One of the ways he maintains his energy and wellbeing is through regular exercise, which has become both a social and personal highlight.
As Barry explains: “I have also started at the ACH Group Health Studio at Rostrevor. I look forward to this every week, eight o’clock for 45 minutes with the greatest gym buddies and instructor anyone could want! My balance has improved as has my strength, and then of course, there is the coffee date with them after.”
In addition, travel has also featured prominently in his life. Barry has visited Cambodia, Vietnam, and New Zealand, while continuing part-time work in Reception and Administration at St John’s Youth Services.
Theatre highlights
Barry’s passion for theatre has shown no signs of slowing. He recounts last year’s performances: “Last year I stage managed Shirley Valentine, played Sir Lancelot Spratt in Doctor in the House, directed Girl of the Frozen North (a melodrama) and played Dame Cookie in the pantomime Alice in Wonderland, all for Tea Tree Players.
“I think I enjoyed playing the Dame most of all as in classic pantomime the Dame works with the audience, ad-libs freely, and provides a lot of the adult humour of the production. The ‘custard pie’ sequence was a lot of fun getting 4 pies in the face every night and then having to refresh the makeup quickly and change for the next scene!”
Photos for this section coming soon.
Looking ahead, Barry has two exciting productions planned. “The first show I am directing is Spamalot (the musical version of Monty Python and the Holy Grail).”
“This show is for the Metropolitan Musical Theatre Company and will be performed at the Arts Theatre in Angus St Adelaide in May. It is a hard show and I am looking forward to the challenge. The second show is Lend Me a Soprano, a farce by Ken Ludwig at Tea Tree Players in August. It is a fast-paced comedy about a talented but eccentric opera singer whose arrival sparks chaos and mistaken identities at a small-town theatre.”
Supporting young talent
Barry’s dedication to nurturing new performers remains central to his work. “Yes, young performers are vital to the growth of theatre right around the world.”
He adds: “My shows always include mentoring young people. In fact, most of my cast of Spamalot are 18 to 30 year olds who were not around when Monty Python and the Holy Grail was first released so there will be a lot of coaching of the acting style required and vocal delivery. In the pantomime in which I played the Dame there were cast members as young as 8, so patience was key, as was trying to pass on some valuable acting skills.”
Building strength and friendships
Barry is equally enthusiastic about his experience at ACH Group.
“I must add that the facilities at the Health Studio Rostrevor are wonderful. Your data is recorded on a card which you insert into the different exercise machines and they recalibrate the settings of the machine to suit your current state. It is a social atmosphere, but we all get our exercises done in a fun way.”
“There is also a weekly riddle to answer and of course the friendly reception staff and the physios who I see as well. I cannot speak highly enough of the gym at Rostrevor!!!”
Staying young at heart
Asked what keeps him motivated, Barry is clear: “My theatre life keeps me young, unfortunately my body does not always agree, but with regular gym I’m keeping up.”
“Of course, a good circle of friends and a supportive partner are the keys when it comes to matching theatre life with my personal life. ACH Group also offers a supportive community which is important! It’s your state of mind that ultimately does the trick, if you think young, you will be young!”
Barry’s upcoming shows
For those wishing to experience Barry Hill live on stage, his upcoming shows are not to be missed:
- Spamalot – Metropolitan Musical Theatre Company, Arts Theatre, Angus St, Adelaide, May 2026. metmusicals.com.au
- Lend Me a Soprano – Tea Tree Players, August 2026. teatreeplayers.com
Barry Hill’s story is one of energy, creativity, and community, a reminder that passion for life – and theatre – knows no limits.
