James’ acclaimed comedy series, based on the egotistical poet SIR RALPH STANZA, was broadcast on Radio 4 between 2002 and 2004. In 2005 he was selected as one of the first 2 writers for the BBC new Comedy Writer's Apprenticeship, as part of which he has been commissioned to write a new original script. James has also written for a number of radio shows including THE IN CROWD and was writer-in-residence at Strangeways prison in 2000. He is also well known as an actor and performance poet and has recently appeared in EARLY DOORS, SHAMELESS and FAT FRIENDS.

Credits

TV/Radio

2007 DON'T TAKE THIS THE WRONG WAY (BBC TV)
Original sitcom script and treatment commissioned

2005-2006 BBC Comedy Writer's Apprenticeship (BBC TV)
Pilot script commissioned and shadowed production of HYPERDRIVE

2004 SIR RALPH STANZA'S JAIL DIARIES (BBC Radio 4)
6x15 minute series commissioned and broadcast

2004 THE IN CROWD series 4 (BBC Radio 4)
Contributor

2003 SIR RALPH'S STANZA'S LETTER FROM SALFORD Series 2 (BBC Radio 4)
6 x 15 minute series commissioned

2002 SIR RALPH STANZA’S LETTERS FROM SALFORD Series 1 – (BBC Radio 4) – 4 x 15 minute original comedy series about Sir Ralph Stanza, traditional poet who has become ‘Poet-in-Residence’ for Salford.

2000 LAST MAN IN – Commissioned to write and perform 13 weekly topical comedy inserts as the character (created by James), ‘Dickie Blunt’ in late night sports programme – Radio 4

2001 THE IN CROWD – sketch material - Radio 4 (series shortlisted for Sony Awards)

Residencies

2005/6, 2000/2001 Writer-in-Residence at HMP Manchester (Strangeways)

Two periods as Writer-in-Residence funded by Year of the Artist, Arts Council & Writers in Prison Network. Produced pamphlets of prisoners' poems, RHYMES OF PASSION & LIVES OF RHYME, which won a special commendation from the Koestler Society.

Poetry Performances/readings (including)

BBC Radio 4 - BESPOKEN WORD
Crossing the Border Festival ,Amsterdam
Cuirt International Festival, Galway
Cheltenham Literature Festival
Manchester Literature Festival
Swindon Literature Festival
Stroud Literarture Festival
Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester - with Carol Ann Duffy
West Belfast Festival

Publications/recordings

SOMETHING TO BE SAID - collection of poems

Selection of poems published by the small press, Pyramid Press, 2002

THREE MINUTES TO GO – recorded live at the Blue Cat Café in 2001 with musician Tayo Akinbode