Didymus Holmes

Hello, you. I’m Didymus Holmes.

I’m a poet, writer and performer from Manchester.

I write about queer identity, neurodivergence, music, comedy, pop culture, politics, friendship, love and the strange little moments that make people worth celebrating. Sometimes that’s funny. Sometimes it’s angry. Quite often it’s both at once, because I’m basically a humanoid golden retriever who gets a bit too excited about everything.

This site gathers together the various bits of my creative life: poetry, writing, photography, interviews, old projects and whatever strange new obsession I’m currently chasing. Consider it my little weird corner of the internet. Or, as Britney Spears might say, that is just so typically me. Oh, baby, baby…

PLEASE NOTE: I’m still in the long, slow process of adding archive content from my days working in comedy and theatre marketing, and I’m also going to create brand new material exclusive to this website on occasion, too. Check back soon to see more.

“I was instantly struck by their charm, passion and wit, which all effortlessly translate themselves into their writing.“

– Paul Kaye, Actor

Didymus Holmes

Didymus Holmes is a writer, poet and journalist. Their debut poetry collection, Dogface Words, explores identity, neurodivergence, love, loss and the strange contradictions of being human. It has savage bites, moments of tenderness, and an anarchic silliness that refuses to stay quiet — packed with punk rock confessionals, political fury and enough niche pop culture to turn every reading into a sneaky little treasure hunt for hidden references.

A trained broadcast journalist, Didymus has spent more than fifteen years working across writing, digital content creation, live photography and arts marketing. They were the founder and editor of alternative comedy hub The Velvet Onion (2010–2018), interviewing performers, producing events and championing cult comedy voices. Their work has included campaigns and content for organisations including Arts Council England, Queen Productions, Canongate Books, StudioCanal and UKTV, as well as theatre companies, festivals and independent artists across the UK.

Learn more

“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.

Event Photography

With over twenty years experience photographing live music and comedy, I am more than willing to get in the middle of the pit and document your show.

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.

Press & Socials

Having worked in communications roles, I am happy to help you create solid campaigns for Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky to maximum impact, and write press releases that will get attention.

Paul Holmes interviews Noel Fielding. — Didymus Holmes interviewing Noel Fielding on the set of Luxury Comedy in 2013. Photo © Lauren Taylor for The Velvet Onion

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

Visit the interview archive

“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.”