James Barr on tackling the subject of domestic abuse

You may recognise James Barr's voice from Hits Radio and the A Gay and a Non-Gay podcast, or his face (and eyerolls) from his epic battles with Piers Morgan on Uncensored. He's "funny, filthy, relatable and relevant" and for the first time ever, he's bravely tackling the subject of domestic abuse in his new stand-up show Sorry I Hurt Your Son (Said My Ex To My Mum). We caught up with James to talk about his new show, his famous friends and which wine goes best with a burger...

James, you're a gay icon of radio and the podcasting world. But who is your biggest gay icon?

I once turned down the opportunity to meet Lady GaGa because I am such a crazy fan that I didn't want to cry, scream or throw up on her shoes.

We all know Edinburgh Fringe can get a bit wild! What's the funniest or most bizarre thing you've seen or experienced at the Fringe?

It's the crepe van at 3am for me, I can't explain it but it's a vibe.

Your Fringe show, Sorry I Hurt Your Son (Said My Ex To My Mum), covers a very personal story of domestic abuse. How are you finding balancing the serious parts of the story with the comic elements?

I knew when I decided to do this show that it would be tough, but it is creating a seismic amount of stress on my nervous system. I keep asking myself if I should've waited a year but, if I had, I know I wouldn't be doing it.

There's no simple answer to your question but it permeates the entire hour. I want the audience to know I'm okay but also how can we ever really be okay after something like this? I guess the truth is, we've got to laugh otherwise my ex is winning. We shouldn't say 'sorry you've been through this', we should say 'thank god you've escaped' and pop the champagne, and ultimately that's what I'm doing.

You have some famous faces as fans, like Ed Sheeran and Dannii Minogue - have any of them given you some invaluable advice you'd like to pass onto us?

Ed Sheeran sent me a giant diamante penis, lol. His sense of humour and vulnerability is a big inspiration for me. And Dannii has always reminded me that I belong, that I'm enough - something all of us queers need to hear!

What's your go-to comfort food after a show? And does it pair well with wine, or something else?

I want to rot in bed with a cheeseburger, it probably pairs well with a wine, but I'll be pairing it with Below Deck or something equally trashy.

If Sorry I Hurt Your Son (Said My Ex To My Mum) was turned into a TV drama/tragi-comedy, who would play you, and who would play your mum?

I would play me and Richard Gadd would play my mum. I really want this to happen now! Will you be my Mummy, Richard?

Who is the dream audience for this show? Is Piers Morgan invited...?

Gays. Taylor Swift fans. People with trauma. Piers did actually threaten to pop up to Edinburgh to see me this summer; I can't wait to roast him.