Hugh Halliday studied at the Corona Academy of Dramatic Art in London. After pursuing a career as an actor, dancer and choreographer. Hugh worked for seven years with the English National Opera at the Coliseum Theatre, London as Staff Director.He was also artistic director of Fulham Music Theatre, where he directed and choreographed a variety of popular musicals.

Hugh emigrated to Australia in 1982 and has directed many productions for all the state opera companies. Hugh's international directing credits include;Carmen staged in Zurich, Berlin and Munich; the world premiere production of Leonardo - A Portrait of Love at the Old Fire Station Theatre, Oxford; La Traviata for Opera New Zealand; Aida in the arena for Michael Edgley International; La Bohème in Auckland with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Faust and The Tales of Hoffmann for Canterbury Opera, Christchurch; Bunga Mawar [written by Leong Yoon Pin and performed in Singapore in 1997], Carmen, Die Fledermaus and The Student Prince for Singapore Lyric Opera.

He also maintains a long-standing association with the Victorian College of the Arts Opera Course as lecturer in Stagecraft and Drama.