The Billie Barry Stage School at 60: 'Mum was a trailblazer'

Ahead of a special show at Dublin's Gaiety Theatre this month, Lorraine Barry, daughter of the late Billie Barry, celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Billie Barry Stage School.

I am so proud and excited to be celebrating 60 fabulous years of the Billie Barry Stage School. It has been part of my life since I was 3 years old. It was founded in 1964 by my mum Billie Barry.

She had spent years of her life in showbusiness, honing her craft, from childhood to adulthood, touring extensively in Ireland and the UK. With this wealth of knowledge and experience the stage school, which was the first of its kind, was created.

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Lorraine Barry and David Whelan chat to Miriam.

Mum was a trailblazer. A woman of tremendous talent, creativity and passion. She had enormous courage and strength which came to the fore when sadly, my dad passed away, leaving her widowed with four children in her very early 40s.

In 1971 the Billie Barry Kids made their debut in the Gaiety Theatre pantomime, a tradition that still continues today over 50 years later. Their annual appearances on the Late Late Toy Show and many Late Late Fashion Awards gave them huge exposure across the country.

They were regular guests on all of RTE’s light entertainment programmes, receiving great acclaim and recognition. Billie Barry became a household name.

As a young adult I was delighted to work alongside my mum, learning so much about the business and developing the school. In 1999, after 35 wonderful years dedicated to the school, she announced her retirement and I became the sole director. She had brought the school to such heights, I knew it was my duty to continue to raise the bar, maintaining the same ethos and standard of excellence.

Watch: The Billie Barry Stage School celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2014

Over the years the Billie Barry Team has grown. Peter Beckett joined as Musical Director, my daughter Robyn as teacher, past graduates Louise Bowden and Linzi Cowap as senior teachers/choreographers and creatives. A top professional team.

Back in 1964, I know my mum had no idea that the school would be still thriving 60 years on. To mark this momentous occasion I am thrilled to be staging Diamonds are Forever at the Gaiety Theatre. This will be our biggest production to date. Planning began in 2023 when myself and the Billie Barry team got together to talk through our vision for the show. Rehearsals began in January 2024 for over 600 excited Billie Barry students. The show is a nod to the past with a modern twist, and very much a step forward into the future.

I am delighted to welcome our special guests, past pupils Brian Mc Fadden, Susan Mc Fadden, David Whelan, Louise Bowden and panto legend Richie Hayes. They, along with our 8-piece live orchestra, will be part of the magic I know we will create.

After 60 fabulous years we truly have something very special to celebrate.

The Billie Barry Stage School presents Diamonds Are Forever at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin from October 15th - 19th - find out more here.