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.”
TOM HOLLOWAY
ADAPTOR
TOM HOLLOWAY is 4-time AWGIE and multi award-winning Tasmanian-born playwright and librettist. His work has been staged extensively both in Australia and internationally. His plays include: MUSEUM OF MODERN LOVE (2024 AWGIE winner for Best Adapted Stage Play); STORM BOY (2013 Premiere Barking Gecko/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 Wiilliamstown Festival starring Alfred Molina, 2010 Winner AWGIE Award for Best Stage Play, 2010 Winner Victorian Premier’s Award) FORGET ME NOT (2014 AWGIE Award Nomination, Best Stage Play); DOUBLE INDEMNITY (Melbourne Theatre Company); SUNSHINE (Red Stitch Theatre); AS WE FORGIVE (Performing Lines/Griffin Theatre Company); BEYOND THE NECK (2008 Winner AWGIE Award for Best Stage Play); DON’T SAY THE WORDS (shortlisted for the 2009 NSW Premier’s Play Award, the 2009 Young Vic/Theatre 503 Season Award); RED SKY MORNING (2007 winner of the R. E. Ross Trust Development Award, 2008 Green Room Award for Best New Writing for the Australian Stage); LOVE ME TENDER (2010 Premiere Perth International Festival/Belvoir/Thin Ice and nominated for 2011 AWGIE Award); Fatherland (2011 Premiere at The Gate Theatre London and touring to Volkstheater, Munich) and FACES LOOK UGLY (2011 Premiere at the Århus Teater Denmark, Winner of the 2010 Max Afford Fellowship).
Tom’s new play ELIZA, starring Dan Spielman, will premiere at Melbourne Theatre Company in September 2026 directed by Paige Rattray. The play was commissioned by Sydney Theatre Company.
He has collaborated on four operas with Czech composer, Miroslav Srnka, produced by Bavarian State Opera, the Bregens Festival, and including a new opera, VOICE KILLER, which premiered at Theatre an der Wein (Vienna) in June 2025.
Tom’s stage adaptation of the James M. Cain’s classic crime novel DOUBLE INDEMNITY will be presented by Trafalgar Theatre Productions in 2026. Starring Mischa Barton in her UK stage debut, the play will premiere Eastbourne’s Devonshire Park Theatre in February, before touring across the UK and Ireland until May 2026.
As well as Australia, United Kingdom, Germany and the USA, his plays have also been seen France, Jordan, Cypress, New Zealand, South Africa and more.
Tom is currently under commission with Mudlark Theatre and Flying Penguin in collaboration with Brink Productions. As well as his playwriting work he has developed a series of workshops to share storytelling and creative process with young people.
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).