Didymus Holmes
You’ve reached the online home of fledgling poet, occasional freelance journalist, former arts marketer, archivist & project coordinator, full time Lupar and sideshow curiosity that is Didymus Holmes.
What started off as a ‘tout my wares’ website is now slowly morphing into just a place where I store my stuff. Feel free to have a poke around and see what takes your fancy.
“They’re a great person to bounce ideas off and seek opinions from, and their enthusiasm is utterly infectious.”
– Paul Kaye, Actor
Didymus Holmes
Much like a Time Lord, Didymus Holmes has had many different lives and almost as many regenerations. In their latest incarnation, they are a fledgling poet. Their work takes in furious left-wing socialism and stark, brutal confessionals, but is also laced with pop culture references – especially the queer and nerdy type. Sometimes, they can’t help but write something very, very silly to defuse the pathos – a hangup, perhaps, from a past life working in comedy.
They’re also a trained broadcast journalist, with many years of experience in copyrighting, digital content creation, and marketing. As well as being the founder and editor of The Velvet Onion between 2010-2018, they’ve worked with the likes of Arts Council England, 24:7 Theatre Festival, Oldham Coliseum Theatre, British Council, Channel M, Queen Productions and Noel Fielding’s production company, Secret Peter.
“What Didy doesn’t know about comedy isn’t worth knowing. They’re encyclopaedic! Hard-working, thorough, conscientious, creative, quick to learn, with an unstinting attention to detail. They are self-motivated, enthusiastic, a joy to be around and very very bright! They will go far.”
– Alice Lowe, Director/Writer/Actor
What Does Didymus Do?
Poetry
Having recently completed my debut poetry collection, Dogface Words, I am currently looking to find a publisher, and have begun taking bookings for spoken word nights.
Feature Writing
Looking for informative and entertaining copy on any subject? I can work to any length you require, and am comfortable adapting my voice to fit yours, or give you something uniquely me.
Interviews
I have strong multi-media experience interviewing a variety of individuals – from legends of alternative comedy, to up and coming musicians. I also have experience of corporate and public sector interviews.
Reviews
I have written an extensive amount of reviews of TV shows, films, theatrical productions, and music releases. I can provide a balanced, fair opinion that relies on constructive criticism and positive thinking.
Presenting & Podcasts
With a happy go lucky Northern vibe, I am more than happy to appear in front of the camera as well as behind it, and have previously worked in radio presenting, and appeared as a featured guest on podcasts.
News Copy
With eight years of providing news stories for The Velvet Onion, I am extremely capable of turning your press release into something that gets the attention of Joe Public.
Social Media
Having worked in communications roles, I am happy to help you create solid campaigns for Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky to maximum impact.
Press Releases
As a trained journalist, with a background in arts marketing, I am able to take your project and turn it into a release that the press will want to read and tell the world about.
Interview Archive
An accomplished interviewer, Didymus has worked with some of the biggest names in comedy, including:
- Vic Reeves & Bob Mortimer
- Matt Berry
- The Mighty Boosh
- Simon Day
- Richard Ayoade
- Paul Kaye
- Alice Lowe
- Sarah Kendall
- Tony Way
- Katy Brand
“I find them to be the most hardworking, efficient & observant of any people involved with publicity over the years. They’re also a peachy dancer…”
Rich Fulcher, The Mighty Boosh
Testimonials
Paul Kaye, Actor
“I was instantly struck by their charm, passion and wit, which all effortlessly translate themselves into their writing. Didy is a wonderfully knowledgeable and discerning aficionado of all things comedic and dramatic. They’re a great person to bounce ideas off and seek opinions from, and their enthusiasm is utterly infectious. Last but by no means least… they’re also truly lovely and someone I now consider a friend.”
Tony Way, Actor
“Didymus has been invaluable in promoting and championing the many projects I have been involved with over the years. So much so, that if I want to find out what I am doing next, I look to The Velvet Onion instead of my own diary.”
Tom Meeten, Comedian
“Didy’s passion for comedy is unparalleled. Their combination of enthusiasm and knowledge has always made working with them an absolute pleasure. And almost more importantly (I think), they champion unknown and ‘alternative’ acts as much as more established performers.”
Roberta Beattie, Website Specialist
“Didy has a huge amount of knowledge of the sector and of necessary processes. Their attention for detail is brilliant, always pointing out potential gaps in plans and sharing ideas. They go above and beyond to make us all feel welcome and appreciated. They are always happy to help when we get in a muddle or need assistance. Their hard work on keeping on top of the many things they do always amazes me.”
Dave Brown, Designer/Photographer
“Over the years I’ve not only been impressed by Didy’s manner and personality, but also by their enthusiasm, support, reliability and passion for all things comedy. They have an encyclopaedic knowledge and are an absolute pleasure to work with.”
Rachel Stubbings, Comedian
“Working with Didymus Holmes is nothing short of joyous. Their enthusiasm, passion and knowledge means they’re great to bounce ideas around with. They’ve got great instincts and has an eye for new and interesting ideas. That’s why they’re so popular amongst comics, especially those leaning towards the leftfield.”
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