It sounds like something out of a movie. Stephen Barry, hailing from Tralee, Co Kerry, Ireland, secured a scholarship to pursue his passion for musical theatre at London’s Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. Boasting a vocal range that spans from bottom E to top D, Stephen achieved a Masters Degree in Musical Theatre with flying colors. Despite the scholarship, the financial strain of education left Stephen resorting to busking on the streets for extra income.
On a chilly winter day in November 2016, Barry was performing a piece from Phantom of the Opera in Covent Garden when an audience member requested “All I Ask of You.” Stephen, half-jokingly, responded with skepticism about performing another Phantom song back-to-back. However, the woman volunteered to sing it alongside him, prompting Stephen to question, “Are you any good?” What unfolded next was truly extraordinary:
The woman, none other than Celinde Schoenmaker herself, who was starring as Christine in the Majestic Theatre’s production of Phantom at the time, joined Stephen for an impromptu duet. Schoenmaker, recognizing Stephen’s trained vocals, seized the moment for some spontaneous fun. Their duet was more than just musically impressive; it was Stephen’s genuine excitement and Schoenmaker’s encouraging professionalism that truly captivated those around.
Carol E, a bystander moved by Stephen’s performance, managed to capture this once-in-a-lifetime duet on her phone. She later shared, “I feel very privileged to have witnessed such a special moment in person.” Following this, Stephen’s career could only go upward, as he found opportunities in stage musicals, including The Choir of Man, and even became a finalist on Ireland’s Got Talent in 2018. Here’s one of his performances.
Stephen Barry now explores the globe, entertaining passengers on Cruise Ships. His Facebook page, which boasts over 3,300 followers, often features travel snapshots, musical performances, and a sprinkle of humorous anecdotes here and there. Stephen’s journey from busking in Covent Garden to traveling the world is a testament to his enduring passion for music and adventure. To catch a glimpse of Stephen Barry’s performances, you can follow him on YouTube channel or Facebook.