Damian Barr

06/12/2024

Johnny Minton, artist and lover of the Two Roberts. You’ll recognise his work from Elizabeth David’s cookbooks, tho he very much wanted to be taken seriously as an artist and not ‘just’ an illustrator. Think: sexy sailors. Johnny is all arms and legs and teeth. Gangly but, I think, delightful. It’s been a joy writing his character, despite his tragic end.

The Two Roberts is published by Canongate in September 2025. You can preorder now. ❤️

05/12/2024

Congratulations to Kenneth MacLeod on being shortlisted for Best Set Design for Maggie & Me. And congratulations to Susan Bear for being shortlisted for Best Sound Design for Maggie & Me!

The awards are huge and our show is in inspiring company so congrats to everybody on the lists and thanks to the judges.

I just want to say a huge thank you to every singlePerson who came to see the show and who nominated us for these awards. This is for you!

You can vote for Kenneth and Susan online - if you get a chance, please do.

This is such an incredible and unexpected moment of recognition for the show and I hope it helps us return.

🥇 for everyone who helped make it happen including all our astonishing production and creative teams and the ACTORS who populated that stunning set and whose voices and songs you heard. I’m making trophies for you all.

🥇 for our director whose tenacity and talent are unmatched and who helped me find my voice.

Thanks also to all the reviewers who gave us their critical attention.

Stories are for everybody and everybody has a story. More power to your pen if you’re wondering about writing your own story.

Voting is now open for the 25th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards You can find out who wins live at the event on 9 February 2025 - tickets are still on sale now. *You can read our privacy policy here.

03/12/2024

Here are the Two Roberts, on Regent Street. 1946 I think. I tracked down the exact spot and stood there in the exact pose. It's great being able to share my research now I am in final edits of my new novel. The Two Roberts will be published by Canongate Books on Sept 4th 2025 and you can preorder The Two Roberts now, mention wistfully to your local library or chat up your local indie bookshop.

26/11/2024

Sharing some of my favourite reads here in The Week. You know I had to include Jackie Kay!

The writer and broadcaster picks works by Alice Walker, Elif Shafak and others

21/11/2024

Pals, Bluesky is fun!

19/11/2024

I so enjoyed the English Teacher. It’s on Disney + in UK. Really joyful and inspiring gay workplace comedy set in Austin TX.

14/11/2024

If you enjoyed Maggie & Me onstage then please consider nominating it for these very fine awards. Thank you!

25th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards: Nominate now Please note, nominations will officially open on 7 November 2025 for the 25th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards. If you have any queries about eligibility, please email [email protected]. As an organisation, we always work to liaise directly with produc...

09/11/2024

In case you were wondering…

06/11/2024

A word for a speechless day.

02/11/2024

When Janey and Lemn Sissay met filming for Big Scottish Book Club. What a day!

02/11/2024

More happens on page one of Janey Godley’s memoir than happens in most lives. It’s all there. The humour, the darkness, her refusal to surrender to injustice or cruelty. Read Handstands in The Dark if you want to hear her inner voice.

She was purest Glasgow. She has left so much of herself with us. Incredible woman. And the stoutest loudest funniest ally to the lgbt community - she actively fought oppression wherever she encountered it with humour and wit. Thank you Janey. Sending all love and care to family and beloveds.

01/11/2024

Name that view?

Pic supplied by David F Ross.

29/10/2024

Meet Robert MacBryde and Robert Colquhoun: artists, lovers, outsiders.From 1930s Glasgow to wartime London, this is my fictional story of their wild lives. Prepare to fall in love… published by Canongate in September 2025. You can preorder now. I am also curating an exhibition of their work for Charleston - opens Sept 2025.