The Stage

Doris Barry

Published Tuesday 30 June 2009 at 09:20 by Tony Barlow

Like her sister, Dame Alicia Markova, Doris Barry began her working life as a child film star, when she was dubbed ‘England’s Baby Mary Pickford’ by the Daily Express.

Yet while Markova went on to become a dominant force in British ballet, Barry’s career encompassed dance, theatre and light entertainment.

Born in north London on September 29, 1914, she and her three sisters were encouraged to perform from an early age. Having appeared at the Windmill in Soho as a child, she returned as a soubrette or character dancer, using the experience years later as adviser on the film Mrs Henderson Presents starring Judi Dench, and performing alongside the likes of Kenneth More, Peter Sellers, Harry Secombe and Tommy Cooper.

Barry later turned her hand to company management and press work, prompted by her sister’s return to Britain following the death of Serge Diaghilev. She helped arrange Markova’s touring schedule and when, in 1951, Markova and Julian Braunsweg founded London Festival Ballet, she became its press representative and managed the company. She would also manage companies for Sandor Gorlinsky, Katherine Dunham and Ram Gopal.

Because of her international commitments, Markova eventually left the company and Barry went with her. But in 1959, Noel Coward was asked to write the music for a new ballet for the company - London Morning, choreographed by Jack Carter - and said he would only do it “if Doris is there”. She rejoined the company just for him, and somehow stayed another five years.

When she left Festival Ballet for good, Hughie Green was starting up what was to become Opportunity Knocks at Associated-Rediffusion, and he needed someone with knowledge of the theatre and dance worlds who also had management experience. Barry joined him and stayed until the show ended 13 years later. The talents they featured during that time included Les Dawson, Mary Hopkin, Pam Ayres and Russ Abbot.

In 1978 she started on yet another phase in her life, when Bridget (Biddy) Espinosa asked if she would help her start the London Studio Centre. Biddy had been director of Elmhurst and wanted to do something different. She saw the way that musicals were going with American influence and she could see that there would be a place for a school that developed all-rounders.

They started with just 12 students in Tavistock Place and people like Anton Dolin would give classes for nothing. When Biddy died, it was taken on by her son Nic, whom Barry had known since he was a young lad. Now, LSC is validated by the University of the Arts and Barry, with her eye for talent and organisational ability, was very instrumental in making this success happen.

Even in old age, Barry remained a tall, vibrant and very distinguished-looking lady, always full of life and ready to help anyone who needed her advice.

She died on May 24, aged 96.