Educated at the University of Melbourne, Peter Batey was a foundation member of the Melbourne Theatre Company, and later served as its Associate Director. He has also been resident director of the National Theatre of Western Australia, artistic director of the South Australian Theatre Company, director of the Victorian Arts Council, director/manager of the Canberra Repertory Company and director/executive producer of Reg Livermore's solo productions. He wrote the popular musical plays The No-Hopers (1961), Adelaide Happening (1971); From Smike to Bulldog (an entertainment based on the letters of Arthur Streeton), 'Ecstasies' (a rock opera), and Songs My Mother Didn't Teach Me (1980).