Barry worked initially as an Electrician by trade. He got a part time job as an usher at his local theatre, and loved the magic of theatre. After becoming the Technical Manager, in 1986 Barry saw his first full length ballet, Swan Lake performed by Vienna Festival Ballet (VFB). Barry was hooked on ballet from that moment!

Peter Mallek who ran VFB asked Barry if he knew anyone that would like to tour Europe technically with his company. Barry jumped at the chance; a very happy few years touring followed.

Barry left VFB to work at London's prestigious Royal Opera House, where he continued to satisfy his passion by watching his beloved Royal Ballet for the following 21 years! Initially he worked in theatre lighting and after the Opera House's refurbishment , in automation including flying in scenery and backdrops. He also worked with guests at the Royal Opera House such as the Bolshoi, Maryiinsky Ballet, San Francisco Ballet and La Scala to name but a few - it was always busy but enjoyable.

He left the Royal Opera House in London when he was invited to be Head of Stage and Operations at a brand new opera house, the first of its kind in the Middle East: the Royal Opera House Muscat, in Oman. During his time there he worked with all the major ballet companies, such as: Ballet Frankfurt, Universal Ballet, Royal Danish Ballet, Maryiinsky Ballet, John Neumeier's Hamburg Ballet, South African Ballet, Canadian Ballet, Suzanne Farrell Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Paris Opera Ballet, La Scala and many, many others!

During this whole period, Barry became involved with Chelsea Ballet through Thelma Lister. Thelma was once a soloist with Ballet Rambert when the company was classical, and was the founder and Artistic Director of Chelsea Ballet. After Thelma Sadly passed away, her daughter and Barry's now wife, Louise took on the reins of Artistic Director. Alas, following Louise's untimely death in 2024, Barry is now continuing in Louise's footsteps as the Director of Chelsea Ballet.

He has also recently accepted the position of Vice President of Harlow Ballet, continuing in a role that also saw Louise and her mother, Thelma, before her take on. Barry preserves the family's close ties between both companies.