Cast and Creatives
Mischa Barton
Phylis nirdlinger
Mischa Barton is a versatile actress with a passion for storytelling and an impressive career spanning over two decades. Working with such acclaimed directors and writers such as Richard Attenborough, Roland Joffé, M. Night Shyamalan, James Lapine and Naomi Wallace. Known for her magnetic on-screen presence and natural acting abilities which have captivated audiences around the world, earning her a reputation as one of the most talented performers of her generation.
Born in London, England, Barton quickly made her mark in the entertainment industry with her debut film role in "Lawn Dogs" (1997). From there, she continued to showcase her versatility in a variety of film and television projects, including the hit supernatural thriller "The Sixth Sense" (1999) and the critically acclaimed drama series "Once and Again" (2002-2003).
However, it was her iconic role as Marissa Cooper in the hit television series "The O.C." (2003-2006) that truly launched Barton to superstardom. Her portrayal of the troubled, yet loveable character resonated with audiences worldwide, cementing her place as a pop culture icon and earning her widespread critical acclaim with critics praising her nuanced portrayal of a complex character.
She has appeared in several stage productions throughout her career, including the acclaimed Off-Broadway productions of "Where the Truth Lies," "Twelve Dreams," and "One Flea Spare." Her performances were praised for their depth, nuance, and emotional range, demonstrating her versatility as an actress.
Throughout her career, Barton has remained committed to using her platform for good, lending her voice and support to a variety of charitable causes such as “Save the Children” and “One Water”. From animal rights to climate change, she has worked tirelessly to make a positive impact on the world around her, earning her the respect and admiration of fans and peers alike.
In recent years, Barton has focused on independent cinema. Her latest work includes a new independent feature, “Sleepwalker” in which she stars opposite Hayden Panettiere, as well as starring in “Bad News on the Doorstep.”
Upcoming releases in 2025-2026 include the second installment in the Miranda Green franchise, “Murder at the Embassy,” due for release on November 14th, 2025, and “Christmas at Fields Ranch.”
Oscar Toeman
Director
Oscar Toeman is Literary Associate at the Old Vic. He is an alumni of Lincoln Center Theater’s Directors Lab in New York, a recipient of a Michael Grandage Company Futures Bursary, and an Associate Artist at National Youth Theatre. He has been runner up for the JMK Award, and twice a finalist for the Peter Hall RTST Award. He trained on the NT Studio’s Directors Course, and was Baylis Director at the Old Vic theatre 2023-2025.
Productions include: One Hundred Feet Tall (Old Vic); Farewell Mr Haffmann (Park Theatre); The Misfortune of the English (Orange Tree) Actually (Trafalgar Studios); The Sugar Syndrome (Orange Tree); After October (Finborough).
TOM HOLLOWAY
ADAPTOR
Tom Holloway is a multi award-winning Australian playwright. Highlights of his work include Museum of Modern Love (2023 produced by The Seymour Centre for the Sydney International Arts Festival, 2024 AWGIE winner for Best Adapted Stage Play); Storm Boy (2013 Sydney Theatre Company and 2015 return season and national tour, 2014 Winner AWGIE Award, Theatre for Young Audiences, 2014 Helpmann Award Nomination, Best Presentation for Children), And No More Shall We Part (produced in the UK by Hampstead Theatre for the Edinburgh Fringe and in American for Williamstown Festival starring Alfred Molina, 2010 Winner AWGIE Award for Best Stage Play, 2010 Winner Victorian Premier’s Award), Forget Me Not (produced in the UK by The Bush Theatre, starring Eleanor Born 2014 AWGIE Award Nomination, Best Stage Play) and many more from around Australia, Europe and wider.
As well as working as a playwright, he is librettist for Miroslav Srnka with their latest opera, Voice Killer, having premiered at Theatre an der Wien in June 2025.
He first adapted Double Indemnity for Melbourne Theatre Company after growing up as a deep lover of hard boiled detective fiction and film noir.