Barrie Ingham



Barrie Stanton Ingham was born in Halifax [10th February 1932], the son of Harold Ingham.

In the late 19th century, his grandfather had a furnishing shop in Ovenden before moving to 101 Northgate, opposite the Grand Theatre. When grandfather died, Barrie's father inherited the business.

Barrie was educated at Holy Trinity School and then went on to Heath Grammar School, where he appeared in several school plays including The Rivals and Antony & Cleopatra.

After leaving school, Barrie served with the Royal Artillery.

He subsequently opened a branch of the family business at Town Hall Buildings, Elland [in 1952], and his father took over the business when Barrie entered the acting profession.

From 1946, Barrie was a member of the Halifax Thespians where he appeared in productions of The Merry Wives of Windsor, Figure of Fun, and Beauty & the Beast.

He was also a member of the Halifax Amateur Operatic Society, and appeared in several productions including the Ivor Novello rôles in Dancing Years and Perchance to Dream.

He left Halifax in 1956, and entered the professional theatre going into repertory at Llandudno and at St Helens – after Wilfred Pickles had recommended him.

He then moved to Barnsley, where he played leading rôles for Charles Denville's company there – after Harry Ludlam had recommended him.

Barrie has appeared in many drama and musical productions on Broadway, in London – with the Royal National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company – and has made many films and TV programmes – as listed below.

Sir John Gielgud gave him his Broadway debut and he subsequently appeared in many hit musical shows in New York.

He has made many recordings of his musical rôles. In 1990, he had great success on Broadway as Sir Danvers Carew in Jekyll & Hyde: the musical.

He was an honorary associate artist with the Royal Shakespeare Company (from 1975), and a player with the National Theatre of Great Britain.

He has received several awards, including:

He has appeared around the world in his two one-man shows – Love, love, love and The Actor

Whilst appearing with Charlie Denville in Barnsley, he met his future wife, Tarne, when they were playing juvenile leads. Tarne came from Wales (via New South Wales, Australia). After completing a year at the Manchester Library Theatre, the couple married in 1957 on the strength of a year's contract with the London Old Vic Company.

They moved to live in the USA.

He was artistic adviser to the Shakespeare Society of New York.

He visited Halifax in 1992 when The Playhouse celebrated its 500th production.

He also paid a visit in 2001 when he was filming an episode of Frost in Leeds.

Tarne & Barrie had four children:

  1. Catrin
  2. Liane
  3. Francesca
  4. Mali
and eight grandchildren.

Barrie died at his home in Palm Beach, Florida [23rd January 2015]


This & associated entries use material contributed by Barrie & Tarne Ingham



© Malcolm Bull 2024
Revised 12:33 / 3rd April 2024 / 5976

Page Ref: X1902

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