Tom Barry

Balancing the nest

I have been spending some of my time recently absorbing myself in research to do with the life, mental health and cultural consequences of becoming a father, or a Dad. A subject I am familiar with and have been for a while, partly to do with becoming a Dad myself, and partly because hearing aboutContinue reading “Balancing the nest”

Starting a Story Circle

Spending your lives creating, training and delivering live performances, workshops or consultancy can make working from inside ones home a bit of a challenge. And I know I speak for an uncountable amount of people in saying that. But there are moments and things out there where the virtual light actually feels warm, and peopleContinue reading “Starting a Story Circle”

BjörnÖlf’s Viking Ode

Now the Vikings, as you may say, We hail from Sweden, Denmark and Norway. We are known as fierce fighters Frightening all who catches sight of us. But this is only half the story Yes there is fighting and glory We have taken land and seen war But our lives aren’t all violence and gore.Continue reading “BjörnÖlf’s Viking Ode”

A re-balanced education?

For this academic year I am currently placed with Primary School aged children either in a non-traditional school setting or guilding them into out of school excursions through history. As well as my own children at home and nursery. I have many thoughts swirling through my mind as I experience some familiar challenges and someContinue reading “A re-balanced education?”

Daily, Small & Local = BIG!!

The Joy of ‘Local’ Some thoughts on daily ‘tweaks’ while #TheBiggerPicture is being shifted. With great responsibility comes the need to get the very most out of what you put in. As a parent of two very active little ones and sharing the roles of primary carer and bread-winner (although barely sharing that role someContinue reading “Daily, Small & Local = BIG!!”

This door is where…

This is a secret doorway for the Monsters. Next to it is a doorway made for Fairies. They open their doors and make their way to the library where they go to storytime. Then they come back and they fly around to the ceiling and in the kitchen. Then they have porridge pancakes for breakfast.Continue reading “This door is where…”

And still you carry on!

But… this system… each day… still gives you lemons.

And each day. Every. Single. Day.

You turn up.

Sometimes…

With the end of the school year upon us I wanted to look at things from a different perspective, the most important but too often forgotten… I am a boy in a school in the city. I walk to school, like nearly all of my friends and nearly everyone else who goes to my school.Continue reading “Sometimes…”

An Educator’s New Groove

In May 2013 I watched a production I directed at Davenham Theatre with great pride at the work my team had done, it was a wonderful success and encapsulated everything community, theatre and Shakespeare should be about. I had no idea at the time that it would be my last major theatre project for moreContinue reading “An Educator’s New Groove”

My Secret Sabbatical

My Secret/Accidental Sabbatical. Or the busiest and most productive year of my life. At the age of 16 I stumbled on acting and theatre at college, almost overnight I knew I’d found my career path. Over the preceding 14 years I finished college, delved into the local theatre scene, attended two drama schools and foundedContinue reading “My Secret Sabbatical”