Biography
Melanie la barrie has been on stage almost her entire life
Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Melanie started performing professionally at the age of 8. By the age of 16 she had recorded her first major hit record, started a regular radio programme as a presenter and eventually a producer. She went on to be a television presenter and eventually became an actor. The first play that she performed in the UK, Clear Water, at the Barbican, led to her getting representation and securing her first West End show, Ragtime.
Melanie has originated several roles in the West End since then, such as Mrs Corry in Mary Poppins, Pearl in Daddy Cool, Mrs Phelps in Matilda and Angelique in & Juliet. She originated the role of Hermes for the West End. Her other credits are extensive and she is very proud to have been a part of the revival of the Liverpool Repertory company in 2017.
Melanie has performed on several Original Cast Recordings, most notably appearing on both the Original West End Cast recording and the Original Broadway Cast recording of & Juliet, and a live recording of the Original West End cast of Hadestown. She was nominated for a Whatsonstage Award and a Dora Award for her work in & Juliet. In 2025, she won the Whatsonstage Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Hermes in Hadestown.
She has appeared on television in Eastenders and Casualty and the upcoming Riot Women, directed by Sally Wainwright. Film credits include London Road and the yet to be titled new film by J.J. Abrams.
Melanie continues to contribute to workshops and concerts. In 2025, she worked on new musical material for artists like the Pet Shop Boys and Drew Gasparini. Watch out for news of her upcoming concerts in the next few months.