Fresh from acclaimed runs at the Edinburgh and Adelaide Fringe Festivals, comedian and award-winning podcaster James Barr is taking his raw and riveting stand-up show Sorry I Hurt Your Son (Said My Ex to My Mum) on a nationwide UK tour. Here’s what you need to know:

1. It’s brutally honest – and brilliantly funny

Don’t be fooled by the heavy subject matter. While the show tackles James’s experience of domestic abuse in a queer relationship, it’s full of sharp wit, laugh-out-loud moments and unforgettable storytelling. As one reviewer put it, “It’s almost shameful that Barr should joke about domestic violence for almost fifty minutes… but that’s exactly what happens – and we laugh and laugh.”

2. It’s co-directed by the creative force behind Nanette

The show is co-directed by Madeleine Parry, best known for directing Hannah Gadsby’s Emmy Award-winning Netflix special Nanette. Like Gadsby, Barr blends vulnerability and comedy to challenge taboos, shift perspectives and connect deeply with audiences.

3. The title? As outrageous as the story behind it

The title comes from a chilling line written by James’s ex in a Christmas card to his mum: “Sorry I hurt your son.” The show transforms this deeply personal moment into a bold statement about survival, healing and refusing to stay silent.

4. It’s already won critical acclaim

James’s storytelling has captivated critics and crowds alike. ★★★★ reviews from The List, Edinburgh Festivals Magazine, Broadway Baby, and Arts Hub Australia all praise his balance of humour and heartbreak. Russell T Davies, creator of It’s A Sin, called James “ruthlessly honest, brilliantly insightful and funny.”

5. It’s coming to a city near you

The tour kicks off in April 2025, with eight dates confirmed so far, including Brighton, Bristol, Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham, Plymouth, Weston-Super-Mare and Hull. More dates are expected to be added soon. Grab your tickets here: https://jamesbarruktour.tix.to/Tickets

Sorry I Hurt Your Son isn’t just a comedy show – it’s a defiant, empowering and hilarious reminder that laughter can be the ultimate act of resistance. Don’t miss it.