Family days
I’ve most recently directed a fabulous welcomers’ team of skilled actors. They provided a characterful costumed playful meet and greet and are highly skilled at fun interactive improvisations around a theme, or simply as a jolly queue and crowd control distraction. I’ve stood in for Royalty: an audience with Edward VII first appeared for the ROH Deloitte Ignite festival and most recently for guests of Coutts bank. My interactive Mouse King and other costumed characters are a firm favourite for guests of all ages although things turn darker after dark for adults only club nights with a sinister figure or slightly drunken dormouse interacting with guests over cocktails before they take to the dance floor.
Watch extracts of my performances as the Mouse King, a sinister creature, and King Edward VII on my Videos page.
“My son never stops talking about meeting the real Mouse King”
— A delighted parent
“The client was initially a little nervous about the idea of an animated tour having never had one before but they wanted to try it out. Barry’s performance as Edward VII was spectacular and very authentic; it made the whole backstage tour experience richer and groups were a lot more interactive than on a regular tour. The client feedback all round was superb.”
— Jane Storie, Head of Enterprises, Royal Opera House
“Dressed in flamboyant costume, Barry always offered visitors to our ROH Learning and Participation events a warm welcome which helped to create an inclusive environment for all. Whether talking to children or grownups, Barry has the gift of putting people at their ease. His enthusiasm is infectious – best demonstrated when he would play show tunes on the piano and encourage everyone to sing along. He was always a great asset to our work.”
— Jillian Barker, Director of Learning and Participation, Royal Opera House