Michael Barrymore, a renowned personality, took his first breath in the culturally rich and historically significant area of Bermondsey, London, a locale that has played host to an impressive array of illustrious individuals, including the iconic Charlie Chaplin, the celebrated comedian Max Bygraves, and the pop sensation Tommy Steele, all of whom cut their teeth in the city's vibrant entertainment scene.
Michael's career received a significant boost when he emerged victorious on the popular television program New Faces, paving the way for his subsequent opportunity to join the esteemed Russ Abbot's Television Madhouse. This notable achievement was swiftly followed by the development of his own television series, The Michael Barrymore Show, which was produced by Thames Television and showcased his impressive talents to a wider audience.
In the pivotal year of 1987, a notable television personality, Michael, embarked on a creative endeavor that would eventually lead to a remarkable chain of events. He produced the inaugural installment of his Strike It Lucky shows for Thames Television, a pioneering venture that would ultimately culminate in a staggering total of ten series, with the initial show serving as the catalyst for this impressive achievement.
Michael's remarkable range and adaptability propelled him to the pinnacle of British entertainment in 1989, as he brought his unique talents to the stage, captivating audiences in the esteemed pantomime production of Aladdin at London's illustrious Dominion Theatre, where ticket demand skyrocketed to unprecedented heights.
As bookings continued to soar, Michael's immense popularity led to his subsequent casting in the beloved holiday classic, Cinderella, where he took on the role of the lovable and charismatic Buttons at the renowned Bristol Hippodrome, resulting in yet another record-breaking season, as his star continued to shine brightly in the world of British entertainment.
Michael's illustrious career has been marked by numerous remarkable achievements, with a special highlight being his performances at two esteemed Royal Variety Performances, where he had the distinct honor of entertaining esteemed members of the royal family.
In addition to these prestigious events, Michael has also had the privilege of appearing at Royal shows in the esteemed presence of Her Majesty The Queen, a testament to his exceptional talent and enduring appeal.
Furthermore, in 1992, Michael had the unique distinction of starring in The Children's Royal Variety Performance, an event attended by the esteemed Princess Margaret, to widespread acclaim and admiration.
Michael's remarkable journey in the entertainment industry began in 1993 when he was signed by London Weekend Television, a renowned television network that recognized his immense talent and potential for greatness. As his career progressed, he would go on to achieve an impressive array of awards and accolades, solidifying his position as a talented performer.
His highly acclaimed series, Barrymore, earned him widespread recognition and acclaim, ultimately leading to his designation as the Top ITV Entertainment Presenter for an impressive three consecutive years at the prestigious British Comedy Awards. This remarkable achievement spanned the period from 1993 to 1995, a testament to his dedication, hard work, and exceptional skill as an entertainer.
Michael's remarkable journey continued to unfold in 1995, as he garnered an impressive collection of accolades, a true testament to his exceptional talent. His subsequent series, aptly titled "My Kind Of People", was met with widespread acclaim, further cementing his status as a master of his craft.
As he embarked on a nationwide tour, Michael's charismatic presence and infectious energy captivated audiences across Britain, attracting a massive following of enthusiastic fans. He took his show on the road, visiting every corner of the country, and invited his adoring fans to join him in a celebration of music and dance.
This groundbreaking initiative, broadcast on London Weekend Television's weekday prime-time schedule, marked a significant milestone in the channel's history, as it brought a fresh and innovative approach to the world of television. With Michael at the helm, the series was a resounding success, as he encouraged his audience to let loose and express themselves freely, whether through song or dance. The result was a truly unforgettable experience, one that left a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to be a part of it.
Michael embarked on a fruitful creative journey in 1997, commencing with the production of a fresh series of the popular game show Strike It Rich. Concurrently, he made a memorable cameo appearance in the highly anticipated Spice Girls film, Spiceworld, which was released to widespread acclaim. In addition, he devoted his time and energy to recording a new series of his beloved music program, My Kind Of Music. Furthermore, he took to the stage, delivering a spectacular live Christmas show, aptly titled Barrymore Live, at the esteemed Fairfield Halls. This exclusive 11-day event, which ran from start to finish, boasted a sold-out audience each night and was met with thunderous applause, as the crowd rose to their feet in a testament to the show's unparalleled excellence, bestowing upon it a bevy of standing ovations that left a lasting impression on all who attended.
Michael's television career reached new heights in the late 1990s, as he embarked on a fresh creative venture in the form of a series titled "Kids Say The Funniest Things" during the years 1999 and 2000. This innovative program, which showcased the amusing remarks of children, promptly achieved impressive ratings, solidifying Michael's position as a leading figure in the entertainment industry.
In addition to his success with "Kids Say The Funniest Things", Michael also created his first drama-comedy series, "Bob Martin", which premiered around the same time. This groundbreaking show not only captivated audiences but also earned Michael numerous accolades, including the prestigious awards for Best Entertainment Show and Best Comedy Performance at the National Television Awards.
Michael embarked upon a series of highly successful live concerts, aptly dubbed the Laid Back tour, which culminated in a complete sell-out of all performances across the picturesque landscape of New Zealand. This impressive feat was not a one-time occurrence, as Michael would later revisit the stage, only to be met with an even greater level of enthusiasm and demand, resulting in a second consecutive sell-out tour in both Australia and New Zealand.
Michael embarked on a remarkable journey in the year 2004, taking to the road once more in the picturesque country of New Zealand, where he brought his highly anticipated and commercially successful Heartland Tour to life. As he performed to packed houses, the audience's enthusiasm was palpable, with standing ovations becoming a common occurrence throughout the tour. Moreover, the critical reception was equally impressive, with Michael receiving widespread acclaim and glowing reviews from the press.
Michael, a globally inclined individual, relocated to New Zealand in March 2004, marking a significant milestone in his life. Despite this new chapter, he has managed to maintain a dual residence, dividing his time between the cosmopolitan city of London and the vibrant metropolis of Auckland.
Throughout the year, he devoted his time and expertise to exploring numerous television production opportunities, while also assuming the esteemed role of Master of Ceremonies for a diverse array of corporate events, mirroring his frequent appearances in the UK where he consistently demonstrated his adaptability and versatility.
Michael was extended an opportunity in the year 2004 to venture into the realm of journalism, as he was invited to author his own column for the newly established Herald on Sunday. This was a novel experience for Michael, as he delved into the world of writing, and his work was met with widespread acclaim.
Michael embarked on a groundbreaking venture by taking on the role of lawyer Billy Flynn in the renowned stage musical Chicago, marking his inaugural foray into the world of musical theatre. Accompanied by the talented Tina Cross, Michael captivated audiences during a two-month long tour of the North Island in New Zealand. The production's immense popularity was evident in its sold-out performances, with rave reviews pouring in from critics and enthusiasts alike.
Michael has been a highly sought-after performer, consistently in high demand for his captivating live shows, which have left audiences in awe of his exceptional talent.
Michael's entrance and departure from Channel 4's Celebrity Big Brother in the year 2006 were met with an outpouring of unanimous applause, a testament to the immense public admiration and support he enjoyed in England at the time.
Michael has made numerous appearances as a special guest on a wide range of television programs, showcasing his versatility and talent to a diverse audience.
