Sorry I Hurt Your Son (Said My Ex To My Mum) opens with a jolt and the possibly the only trigger warning ever to be set to aggressive dance music, before James Barr struts out onto stage and announces he has arrived! 

James then proceeds to tell the story of his experiences with domestic violence. It was freaking impressive how he softened some pretty bleak imagery with some of his unique and deeply funny campy style comedy. The audience stayed engaged in the themes of abuse which was pivotal to the success of a show like this. It’s gotta be the only time I was sitting in an audience where I was surrounded by people in absolute hysterics laughing one minute, clapping in admiration the next and then shouting platitudes of support pretty quickly after that. It was a rollercoaster, but a fun one! 

James makes it very clear the show is about empowerment and creating space for him to tell his own story with the hope he can create even more space for others to do the same. He makes that space the only way a comedian knows how, with jokes. He acknowledges the jokes might be too much, confronting or awkward and that some people might not be sure if it’s ok to laugh so he cuts through the sht and just gives the whole crowd permission to giggle. He says the quiet part out loud, one of the problems with domestic violence is that no one talks about it. 

We aren’t just going to talk about it.

We are going to laugh about it. 

I love the approach. James had the skills the weave some pretty hefty themes together with incredible comedic talent. He’s created a way for people to get information they wouldn’t have had access to in a way that’s really enjoyable to receive and I think that’s pretty magical. 

This show is an absolute masterpiece. If you haven’t seen it. Get tickets. If you have seen it, make sure you recommend it to your friends. 

James has finished up at Adelaide but he’s kicking onto to the Melbourne Comedy Festival.

You need to see this show! 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️