Available to book
James Barr
Comedy
LGBTQ+
Event Entertainment
Known for his sharp wit and fearless honesty, James Barr uses humour, vulnerability, and authentic storytelling to help audiences tackle sensitive topics in a way that’s engaging, relatable, and genuinely funny. An award-winning broadcaster, Host of Hits Radio Breakfast, and creator of the Webby-winning podcast A Gay And A NonGay, James brings laugh-out-loud comedy with real impact.


Pride
Podcast
Event Hosts
Broadcaster
Influencer
IDAHOBIT
Comedian
James Barr is a multi-award-winning comedian and broadcaster who brings infectious energy to comedy events across the UK and beyond. His Edinburgh Fringe show Sorry I Hurt Your Son (Said My Ex To My Mum) earned three major award nominations and recognition among the Best Reviewed Shows of 2025, establishing him as one of comedy's most exciting talents. As a professional comedian, James delivers performances that blend personal storytelling with razor-sharp observational humour.
His comedy tackles life's uncomfortable moments with intelligence and authenticity, creating an atmosphere where audiences feel comfortable laughing at the absurdities of modern life. James' natural stage presence and quick wit make him equally at home performing stand-up sets, hosting corporate events, or entertaining at private functions. James co-hosts weekday mornings on Hits Radio Breakfast with Fleur East and Will Best, reaching millions of listeners across the UK with his comedic timing and engaging personality.
His podcast A Gay And A NonGay won both Webby and LOVIE awards in 2025, while his appearances on Piers Morgan Uncensored have generated over 50 million views. For corporate entertainment, comedy nights, and special events, James offers a comedian who combines professional experience with genuine comedic talent. His ability to read a room and adapt his material makes him perfect for diverse audiences, while his broadcasting background ensures polished, reliable performances that keep audiences engaged from start to finish.
Topics, sessions and talks
Join James Barr, multi-award-winning presenter and comedian, as he shares his journey through the worlds of media, comedy, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. With a unique flair for storytelling, James navigates personal experiences and societal issues, blending humour with poignant insights. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of diversity and inclusion while enjoying James' signature wit and charm.
Book James Barr for your next comedy event! Multi-award-winning comedian and broadcaster James delivers sharp wit, infectious energy, and guaranteed laughs for corporate entertainment, comedy nights, and special celebrations. Host of Hits Radio Breakfast and creator of award-winning podcast A Gay And A NonGay, James brings professional comedy experience that creates unforgettable entertainment experiences for any audience.
Testimonials
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frequently asked questions
Something we've not covered here?
Email james.barr@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm James's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
James Barr performs stand-up sets built around personal storytelling, drawing on his own life experiences to frame observational humour about the absurdities of modern life. His material is structured to read the room and adapt to the audience, a technique refined through broadcasting and live comedy across corporate, private, and festival contexts.
James Barr performs stand-up, hosts corporate events and private functions, and delivers after-dinner entertainment drawing on personal storytelling, LGBTQ+ themes and observational comedy. His podcast A Gay And A NonGay won both Webby and LOVIE awards in 2025, and his Edinburgh Fringe show Sorry I Hurt Your Son (Said My Ex To My Mum) received three major award nominations and was listed among the Best Reviewed Shows of 2025.
No. PepTalk adds no booking fee, so you pay the speaker's fee and nothing beyond it. The service, from shortlist through to contracts and event-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, PepTalk can agree preferential rates with your procurement team.
Share your event date, audience, format, objectives and budget, and PepTalk sends a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours. Each suggestion comes with a profile, a fee and a recommendation on the strongest fit. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, travel and logistics through to event day.
The typical fee range is the speaker's standard in-person fee in their home market, shown in their local currency. It moves with format, location, date and session length: virtual sessions and shorter slots usually cost less, while international travel and peak dates cost more. Send your brief to PepTalk and the team will confirm the exact fee in your currency.
Not all of them, and it makes no difference to your booking. PepTalk's network of 15,000+ speakers covers talent the team works with directly alongside speakers represented by agents and agencies worldwide. PepTalk approaches the speaker, negotiates the fee and handles contracting either way.
To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.
There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.
Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.
Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.
Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.
Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.
You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.
Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.
Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.
Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.
A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.
Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.
When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.
When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.
Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.
Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.
Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.
Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.
Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.
Three to six months ahead is comfortable for most events, and 12 months is better for large conferences, peak-season dates or one specific in-demand speaker. Shorter timelines are workable, and PepTalk regularly fills last-minute and replacement bookings within days. Availability is the constraint, so get in touch as soon as you have a date.
Get the right person
Tell us what you’re working on and we’ll match you with the talent your audience won’t stop talking about.