Mark Irwin removed from Billy Elliot musical over complaints about child sexual abuse claims

A Geelong theatre production is in damage control after a member was thrown off set following complaints about historical child sex allegations.

The Geelong College has apologised after former director of music Mark Irwin was found guilty of sexual abuse.

A Geelong theatre production is in damage control after a member was thrown off set last week following complaints about historical child sex allegations.

Former Geelong College music teacher Mark Irwin, who was found not guilty on retrial of sexually abusing a former student in a public toilet more than two decades ago, was removed from his orchestra role in the Billy Elliot musical at the Geelong Arts Centre on Friday.

It is understood organisers made the decision after receiving complaints from a concerned parent who noticed him playing the horn as part of the smash hit musical.

The Geelong show, produced by Footlight Productions, has 17 children in its cast.

Billy Elliot is currently playing at the Geelong Arts Centre. Picture: Alan Barber

Mr Irwin, 68, was sentenced to five years jail in 2021 after a County Court jury found him guilty of two counts of sexual penetration of a child under 16.

He was also found guilty of indecent act with a child.

The court heard he coaxed his alleged victim into a toilet block after a chance encounter at a public park and performed sexual acts on the student.

Irwin appealed his conviction and was granted a retrial by the Court of Appeal in October 2022.

He was found not guilty on all three charges – alleged to have occurred in the early 2000s – on March 12 last year in the Melbourne County Court.

Footlight Productions owner, Margaret Wills, said the company was unaware of his previous court appearances but removed him from the pit immediately “because he had not been transparent”.

“We did not know anything about the allegations,” she said.

It can be revealed Irwin played at the Geelong Arts Centre in October as part of the Into the Woods production.

It is understood the former Newcomb Secondary College teacher and Geelong Concert Band conductor produced a “working with children check” card as part of the play.

Mark Irwin performing as part of the Geelong Community Orchestra.

Mr Irwin declined to comment on his removal from Billy Elliot when contacted.

“I have no convictions … that conviction has been overturned,” he said.

Ms Wills said Footlight had adhered to the state government’s mandatory code of practice that includes the requirement of those in direct supervision of children to have a WWCC.

“While the orchestra member was not convicted of any criminal charges, after becoming aware of past accusations, Footlight Productions acted with an abundance of caution and removed the member from the production’s orchestra,” she said.

She said orchestra members were not required to produce a WWCC as they have “no contact with the cast at all”.

“They do not mix … they have no contact with the children,” she said.

“We had no legal responsibility to ask him to leave, however we removed him from the orchestra and replaced him and he has not been back since.

The musical is being held daily in Geelong until Sunday and it’s believed the cast and crew were notified of Irwin’s removal on Tuesday afternoon.

A Geelong Arts Centre spokeswoman said a safe working environment was of the utmost importance to the organisation.

“We are aware of this recent decision made by Footlight Productions and all further questions should be directed to them,” she said.

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Originally published as Mark Irwin removed from Billy Elliot musical over complaints about child sexual abuse claims