Gavin Barker Associates was established in July 1998 by Gavin Barker and Michelle Burke. They have been based at 2d Wimpole Street in the heart of London since 2000. The agency is truly boutique, boasting an eclectic mix of clients from all areas of the entertainment industry. From established stars to drama school graduates, GBA prides itself on long term relationships with its clients, nurturing their careers over the years in a small, dynamic office.
THE TEAM
Gavin Barker
Michelle Burke
Chris Davis
Phil Mennell
GAVIN BARKER
Gavin created Gavin Barker Associates, with Michelle Burke, on 1st July 1998. He originally trained as a musical theatre performer at Bird College and worked professionally for five years before joining James Sharkey Associates as an assistant.
When James retired, Gavin Barker Associates was born, when he and Michelle set up their first office on South Molton Street.
Since that day, the business has followed the ethos of that on which its founders cut their teeth – as a boutique agency, maintaining a hand-picked, eclectic client list and offering truly personal management.
In 2001 the business moved to its present home in Wimpole Street where it remains and flourishes.
Gavin lives between East Sussex and London, is a passionate dog, equestrian and fitness enthusiast, being the proud owner of a rare Clydesdale heavy horse, and Vizsla and Pointer dogs, and he loves all things country.
MICHELLE BURKE
Michelle is London born and bred of Irish ancestry. She started life as Vanessa Redgrave’s personal assistant and for two years worked closely with her agent at the time, James Sharkey.
James then invited Michelle to join his agency assisting him with Vanessa and all other leading top names. Michelle and Gavin started on the same day and have worked together ever since, creating Gavin Barker Associates in 1998, not only looking after a multitude of wonderful leading clients but also nurturing the very young. As a working mother of two children, Michelle also looks after the children of the agency as well as the older ones.
Michelle’s loves in life are her family, including her GBA extended family, Tottenham Hotspur FC, gardening, and flowers. Woe betide any first night bouquets that do not stand out in a dressing room as they will be returned!
CHRIS DAVIS
Chris is a performer turned agent who trained at Bird College of Dance and Musical Theatre (…a few years after Gavin).
After working professionally for 12 years, Chris moved into the world of Voice Over Agenting, rising from assistant to Agent in 4 years, which included a stint in LA for 7 months.
After working alongside many successful VO artists and brands, Chris decided to transition back to his first love of Theatre, TV and Film. He joined Gavin Barker Associates in 2019, and is proud to look after an array of incredible talent, spanning across all performing platforms.
Other passions include travelling, tea drinking and learning BSL (currently Level 3).
PHIL MENNELL
Phil originally comes from Essex but has always felt most at home in London. His childhood was spent playing football but he got a taste for the stage in a school’s production of Les Miserables. This sparked a love of theatre, of musicals and a desire to make a career out of his passion.
He studied at Performers College and then graduated from Bird College (yes… Phil too). He had a varied and fulfilling career spanning 10+ years, working internationally and across stage and screen.
Phil always knew he wanted to go into talent management and began his journey as Agency Manager for Glenlyn Academy - having an amazing time working with young talent. Phil joined GBA in 2022 and now is delighted to front a roster of actors that are multi-lingual and multi-disciplined with a mission to bridge the gap for international artists.
Other passions include: Formula One, learning Italian (he is currently conversational and an Italian Citizen!) and Manchester United.
Photography: PAUL MADELEY Photographer / Studio