James Barr's New UK Tour Takes Comedy to Bold New Heights

Award-winning comedian, James Barr, is hitting the road with his hilarious and powerful stand-up show Sorry I Hurt Your Son (Said My Ex to My Mum). After making waves at the Edinburgh and Adelaide Fringe Festivals, Barr is ready to take his unique blend of humour and heartbreak across the UK, with eight dates already announced and more to come.

So, what's this show all about? It’s about the pain of queer domestic abuse—something that’s definitely not funny. But somehow, James makes it funny without ever losing sight of the seriousness of the issue. Through raw storytelling and laugh-out-loud comedy, he turns his own painful experiences into something everyone can connect with. And it's a show that's getting rave reviews.

What’s The Show About?

The title, Sorry I Hurt Your Son (Said My Ex to My Mum), comes from a Christmas card left by James’s ex after a brutal four-year relationship. Instead of letting that pain define him, James turned it into a brilliantly crafted hour of comedy that’s both funny and bittersweet.

James’s story is a personal one, but it speaks to something bigger. Domestic abuse affects one in five adults in the UK, and the numbers are even worse for LGBTQ+ individuals. According to the Office for National Statistics (2025), domestic abuse rates are a third higher for lesbian and gay people—about 6% in the last year compared to 4.5% for heterosexuals. It’s a heavy subject, but James’s clever use of humour and storytelling helps people see the truth without turning away from it.

Why This Show Matters

It’s not just about the laughs (though there are plenty of those). James’s show is a brave step in breaking the silence around abuse in queer relationships. And it's also about reclaiming power. As James says:

“What my ex-boyfriend did to me isn’t my shame to carry, so I’m giving it back the best way I know how—by laughing at it.”

For James, comedy has always been a way to process pain. From scribbling his thoughts on paper in 2023 to performing them on stages across the world, Sorry I Hurt Your Son (Said My Ex to My Mum) has grown along with him. And now, it's ready to hit audiences in the UK with all the sharp, self-aware humour that’s made him a must-see act.

Who’s Behind The Show?

The show is co-directed by Madeleine Parry, the brilliant mind behind Hannah Gadsby’s Emmy Award-winning Netflix special, Nanette. That alone tells you this show is something special. And it's not just the audience that thinks so. Big names like Ed Sheeran, Dannii Minogue, and Russell T Davies (creator of Doctor Who and It’s A Sin) are among James’s fans. Russell T Davies himself praised the show, calling it:

“Ruthless honesty, brilliant insight and funny. What a presence, what a storyteller, what a talent.”

James Barr: More Than Just A Comedian

Beyond the stage, James is a radio presenter on The Hits Radio Breakfast Show with Fleur East and Matt Haslam, which recently won Silver - Best Breakfast Show at the ARIA Awards. His unapologetic and witty personality has also made him a viral hit on Piers Morgan Uncensored, racking up over 15 million views.

Oh, and he co-hosts the UK’s top LGBTQ+ podcast, A Gay And A NonGay, which just won an Independent Podcast Award for Best Sex, Love & Relationships. So yeah, he’s been busy.

Tour Dates And Tickets

James is bringing Sorry I Hurt Your Son (Said My Ex to My Mum) to eight cities across the UK. And more dates are on the way.

APRIL 2025

• 25th & 26th – The Lantern, BRIGHTON

MAY 2025

• 2nd – The Alma, BRISTOL
• 10th – 53two, MANCHESTER
• 11th – Pyramid Canteen, Leeds Union, LEEDS
• 16th – Arts Theatre Studio, NOTTINGHAM
• 24th – Barbican Theatre, PLYMOUTH
• 30th – Front Room Theatre, WESTON-SUPER-MARE

JUNE 2025

• 7th – Truck Theatre, HULL

Tickets are available now at James Barr UK Tour Tickets.

What’s Next For James Barr?

James Barr was just named one of the British LGBT Awards 2025 Top 10 Public Figures. Clearly, he’s on a roll. And with a show like Sorry I Hurt Your Son (Said My Ex to My Mum), it's easy to see why.

If you're looking for a comedy show that’ll make you laugh, think, and maybe even tear up a little, then grab your tickets. This one’s not to be missed.

Ready to see what everyone’s talking about?
Go get those tickets before they're gone!