The Writers of Wales Database

BARRY, DAVID

1/9 Rusthall Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8RA
Tel: 01892 544245
Email: David.Barry7@btopenworld.com
Website: www.davidbarryauthor.co.uk  

David grew up in North Wales, moved to Richmond, Surrey, aged 12, and became an actor. As a teenager, he toured Europe with Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh, and has been an actor for more than 40 years. He is best known for his portrayal of Frankie Abbott in the ‘70s sitcoms Please, Sir! and Fenn Street Gang. He wrote his first broadcast script for the latter, and also wrote many episodes of Thames TV’s 'Keep It in the Family' in the ‘80s.

David has written and performed many training programmes for public sector organisations such as the Department of Trade and Industry and the DfES, and wrote a full-length play on diversity issues, 'What Goes Around', which was performed at the London Mermaid and Sadler’s Wells Theatres.

His first book, Each Man Kills (Gomer, 2002), a police thriller set in Swansea, was published in 2002, and his autobiography, Flashback (Authorsonline, 2006), was published three years later, followed by a crime novel, Willie the Actor (Libros International) in 2008. He was Writer in Residence in Aberdeen (2007-2008) where he completed a children’s book, The Ice Cream Time Machine, due for publication late 2009. In the March/April issue of Cambria Magazine 2009, he had an article published about his experiences working on the bi-lingual film Owain, Price of Wales. He also played a murderer in an episode of the bi-lingual TV series 'A Mind to Kill'.

He worked as a drama teacher for Kent Youth & Community for many years and made two short films for young people. He lives in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, but often visits Cardiff. His recently completed novel is another police thriller set in Swansea.

Reviews:

With respect to Each Man Kills (Gomer 2002):

“…is tightly plotted. Its characterisation is taut and functional, and there is a neat twist at the end…”
Richard Poole, www.gwales.com, with the permission of the Welsh Books Council

With respect to Flashback (Authorsonline, 2006):

“…He recounts those years with great humour…”
John Jones, Western Mail

“...I can thoroughly recommend this book, as it is not all ‘lovey’ and ‘dahling’, but an enjoyable read and a modest insight into the lives of well known faces seen on stage, screen and television...”
Phil Ward, North Wales Living

With respect to Willie the Actor (Libros International, 2008)

“…the narrative bustles along at a fine old pace. There are not many pieces of fiction that can keep me turning the pages into the early hours...”
Alex J Geairns, Cult TV

Selected Publications:
Each Man Kills (Gomer, 2002)
Flashback (Authorsonline, 2006)
Willie the Actor (Libros International, 2008)
The Ice Cream Time Machine (forthcoming)



Flashback (Authorsonline, 2006)

David Barry’s autobiography spans almost five decades of theatre, film and television. As a 14 year old he toured Europe with Sir Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh in one of the most prestigious post-war theatre tours. Leigh took a shine to him and he saw both sides of her complex character first hand.

In his early twenties, he starred in the hit television sitcom 'Please, Sir!' and those days are recounted with great humour. His is a story that covers everything from the pitfalls of working in live television to performing with hard drinking actors.

Throughout the ‘70s he spent a great deal of time touring to theatres nationwide, and much of Flashback recalls working at the New Theatre in Cardiff and Swansea’s Grand Theatre.

To purchase this title from amazon.co.uk, please click on the front cover

Flashback is also available as a downloadable audiobook read by the author. To hear an excerpt or to purchase an MP3 recording, visit  http://www.thelisteningzone.com/p/9780755202263

Willie the Actor (Libros International, 2008)

New York City in the prohibition era, and Bill Sutton’s wife thinks he earns an honest crust as a rent collector. Instead, he leads an extraordinary double-life as ‘Willie the Actor’, a notorious bank robber.

Based on a true story, the novel’s protagonist is a gentle gunman who never once fires a shot; but it was believed he was jinxed and almost everyone he works with comes to a violent end.

To purchase this title from amazon.co.uk, please click on the front cover