James Stedman

James is a Leith-based poet, storyteller and theatre maker creating heartfelt work with a gently comic, queer edge for over 10 years. He enjoys juggling the rhythm and fairytale of the everyday and refracting wider social issues through that prism. He regularly performs around Edinburgh having been part of Hame-ish, Poets of the Night, The Alcove, The Loud Poets Showcase, amongst others. His poems have been published by Open Book and Coin Operated Press. Scripted work includes one-act play Blood Music, 8-part web series You Know Carol… and productions with the Museum of Cambridge, Edinburgh Queer Fringe, Not So Nice Theatre. His critically acclaimed solo show Joyfully Grimm: Reimagining a Queer Adolescence debuted at the Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2023 before a successful run during this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He is currently working on new poems and other writing with particular focus on class, mental health and queerness.