Barney's illustrious career in the world of entertainment commenced with his stint in a Concert Party, where he showcased his multifaceted talents as a light comedian, singer, and pianist. As his craft continued to evolve, he made the seamless transition to the mainstream band business, where he took to the stage as a skilled jazz musician, captivating audiences with his virtuosic performances on the accordion. Prior to the onset of World War II, Barney's artistic endeavors remained steadfast, with his quartet continuing to thrive under his leadership.
Before the war, Barney made the courageous decision to volunteer with his quartet, which remained a cohesive unit throughout the conflict. It was during this time that they joined the Royal Air Force, utilizing their unique talents to bring joy and morale-boosting entertainment to those serving in the military.
As a distinguished member of the Royal Air Force, this exceptional individual had the unique privilege of entertaining a diverse range of personnel, from humble rank-and-file airmen stationed along the south-coast of England to the more remote and picturesque Hebrides, a chain of islands located off the west coast of Scotland, known for their rugged beauty and Gaelic culture.
In the year 1942, a pivotal moment in time, they found themselves stationed at an operational Spitfire base located in the southernmost region of England, where the production of the iconic film "The First of the Few" was underway, featuring the esteemed talents of Leslie Howard and David Niven. This significant event had a profound impact on Barney, as it instilled within him a deep-seated desire to become more actively engaged in the unfolding drama of the times.
As Barney embarked on a journey to reorganize his military role, he opted for the position of air gunner, a decision that left his fellow band members in utter bewilderment. Little did they know that the stakes were extremely high, with a mere 25 out of every 100 air gunners surviving a 30-op tour. Against all odds, Barney managed to defy the statistics, but at a devastating cost - the loss of his entire crew during their first flight without him.
After the war, Barney was discharged from his military obligations and returned to his previous occupation in the nightclub scene, performing at esteemed venues such as Ciro's, 21, and The Embassy, among others. Nevertheless, as the early 1950s approached, he made the deliberate decision to venture into the realm of choral music, leveraging his exceptional skill in sight-reading, a talent that had been nurtured and refined throughout his career.
Notably, Barney's earliest professional endeavors yielded significant success, particularly during his tenure with Cyril Stapeton and the B.B.C. Showband, a renowned musical ensemble that boasted a talented roster, including the illustrious David Croft, who would go on to achieve immense acclaim as a scriptwriter.
Furthermore, Barney's professional trajectory also saw him collaborate with John McMarthy, a gifted counter tenor who would later enjoy immense success as the leader of his own distinguished vocal ensemble.
From the late 1950s to the early 1960s, Barney and John collaborated extensively, forging a creative partnership that would yield numerous musical endeavors.
Rita Williams, Charlie Young, and Charles Granville joined forces with Barney and John, collectively forming the "Bandits", a versatile group that would go on to make a significant impact in the realms of television and radio.
In addition to their work as the "Bandits", this talented quintet also performed under various monikers, including "The Barney Gilbraith Singers", showcasing their remarkable vocal range and harmonious chemistry.
Under the guidance of Billy Cotton, the "Bandits" flourished, honing their craft and leaving a lasting impression on the entertainment industry.
Noted British entertainer, Barney Colehan, left an indelible mark on the world of show business, gracing the stages of numerous prominent television programs, including the esteemed Tony Hancock, the beloved Arthur Haynes, the talented Alfred Marks, the charismatic Dickie Henderson, the iconic comedy duo Morecombe and Wise, and the illustrious Sunday Night at the London Palladium, to name but a few of his many notable appearances.
In addition to his extensive work in British television, Colehan had the privilege of sharing the spotlight with a diverse array of international stars, including the legendary American singer Rosemary Clooney, the renowned American vocalist Billy Eckstine, the British pop sensation Cliff Richard, the Australian singer-songwriter Frank Ifield, and the Italian opera singer Tito Gobbi, to name just a few of the many talented individuals he had the pleasure of working alongside.
Barney's acting career also included a series of minor roles in various television programs, showcasing his versatility as a performer. He made appearances in esteemed shows such as Dixon of Dock Green, a British television drama that aired from 1955 to 1976, as well as No Hiding Place, a popular crime drama that ran from 1959 to 1967.
Barney's lucrative residuals earned him a substantial income, allowing him to reside comfortably at home and enjoy a life of financial security.
As his bank account continued to swell, Barney made the decision to pursue a full-time career in acting, a choice that would ultimately bring him great joy and fulfillment.
For a period of two years, Barney dedicated himself to the world of repertory theatre, choosing Wimbledon Theatre as his artistic home and hub of creative expression.
During his time at Wimbledon Theatre, Barney had the privilege of sharing the stage with the talented Hylda Baker, with whom he co-starred in the critically acclaimed production of "A Taste of Honey".
This series of performances culminated in a string of national tours, showcasing his talents in a diverse array of productions. One notable production during this period was his role as chairman in the esteemed Old Time Music Hall, where he had the privilege of sharing the stage with the illustrious Wee Georgy Wood.
His final appearance in a West End show was a memorable one, taking place at the renowned Saville Theatre. The production, titled "On The Level", featured an impressive cast, including the talented Shiela White, Gary Bond, and Phyllida Law.
Throughout the various stages of his life, Barney underwent a transformation, ultimately finding himself on the decks of luxurious cruise liners, where his extraordinary musical abilities shone brighter than ever before.
