James’s career started in the late sixties at the Hampstead Experimental Theatre with James Roose Evans, whose visual style inspired James's approach.

James is Artistic Director of Jactito Theatre, whch he founded in 1976. Jactito have toured extensively throughout the UK and are known for their collaboration on visual projects with the Royal Shakespeare Company, English Shakespeare Company and Young Vic Theatre.

"A visionary company - Jactito succesfully brings together various visual theatre art forms, creating a fresh synthesis." Daily Telegraph

“Jactito show the huge possibilities of theatre.... largely untapped in this country." The Guardian

James Barton is known for bringing classical texts to its audience in a manner that is accessible, dynamic and visually stunning. His production of Faust greatly influenced new interpretations of the classic. Within the cast were vast sculptures, including an 18 foot tall Archangel with a twenty-six foot wing span. This dynamic approach brought new demands on the performer.  James Barton continued this style with other productions such as Macbeth and The Tempest. As Consultant Director of the English Shakespeare Company, he taught and directed sixth formers and drama students in The Wasteland, Odyssey and Beowulf.

As well as an actor and director James Barton is a Drama Therapist. He was Sue Jennings (pioneer of Drama Therapy) first student in the early 70's.

Film includes Labyrinth, Spies Like Us, Muppet Christmas Carol, Muppet Treasure Island, Little Shop of Horrors. Television includes Omnibus (BBC2), Ink Thief (BBC), Dizzy Heights (BBC & ITV) Michael Bentine's Potty Time, Rik Mayall’s Tales from an Armchair.