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About

On Hitched.co.uk since 2021

Last update: December 2025

Let Barrie James Art Take the Hassle Out of Hosting

Planning a wedding or special event can be overwhelming—so why not let someone else keep your guests laughing while you relax and enjoy your day?

Barrie James Art offers unforgettable live caricature entertainment that brings the party to life and takes the pressure off you. Based in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, Barrie is one of the UK’s top caricaturists, known for his quick wit, cheeky charm, and lightning-fast portraits. With over a decade of experience and awards including Hitched Entertainer of the Year (2022–2024) and winner of Caricon International 2017, you’re in expert hands.

Whether it’s breaking the ice during your drinks reception or keeping the energy up after dinner, Barrie mingles with guests while drawing hilarious caricatures in just 2–3 minutes each—no queues, no fuss, just pure entertainment. His walkaround style means he can engage large groups in a short time, creating natural moments of laughter that your photographer will love capturing.

Each guest takes home a personalised caricature in a protective wallet, and when possible, Barrie snaps a photo of them with their artwork to share with you after the big day—a brilliant keepsake full of smiles.

With Barrie James Art, your guests are entertained, your schedule stays stress-free, and you’re free to soak in the magic of the moment (and get those all-important photos done).

🎨 Perfect for drinks receptions, the post-meal lull, or evening celebrations

📸 A crowd-pleaser that doubles as entertainment and a unique party favour

🥂 Effortless fun that lets you enjoy your day to the fullest



Frequently asked questions

Type of entertainment offered:

For children
For adults
Comedy

What is included in the wedding package?

I have a range of packages from two hour mix and mingle entertainment for your drinks reception or after meal lull to full day packages where i am drawing a large portrait of the full wedding party

How far in advance should I contact you?

My service is very popular so if you are looking to have me entertain at your wedding you should book as early as possible

What other services to you provide?

Other

Are you able to travel?

Yes, i mainly cover the Northumberland, North Yorkshire and Cumbria. But will travel further afield

Is there a charge for travelling?

Yes, there are charges for travel depending on the distance required. Generally there is no travel cost for travel within 40 miles of Newcastle

Do you need specific materials or conditions to offer your service?

No

How long is the act?

A typical performance lasts 2 hours great for a drinks reception or evening event. I can do longer on request

How much time do you need to prepare for an act?

I usually arrive half an hour before I am due to perform. I don’t need to set up anything as I am a mobile act

Do you work alone or do you have a team of professionals?

Alone

Do you do open-air acts?

Yes

Do you charge per hour or per event?

Per event

If needed, would you be able to work extra hours?

Yes

How do you charge extra time?

If you want me to do an extra hour at your event just ask- I am always happy to stay a bit longer if I don’t have another event to go to

What are the forms of payment?

You can pay by credit/Debit card, bank transfer or cash

Served in

Cumbria, Durham, North Yorkshire, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear and West Yorkshire

illustration notebook

Do you have any questions?

Reviews for Barrie James Art

ExpensiveGoldHair59346
Candice Sent on 02/07/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Memorable Entertainment

Barrie was a pleasure to deal with from the first message we sent to him. He commands the attention of your wedding guests, he gave them memories to treasure forever and plenty of laughs along the way too!!!

Always wanted Barrie at my wedding from the moment we booked and I would recommend him to everyone. Thanks Barrie!!
C
Chloe Sent on 08/01/2026
5 out of 5 rating

Wedding 18.10.25

Barrie was great at our wedding.
Everyone loved him and we received amazing feedback. So lovely to all our guests.
So glad we booked made the day even more better

Would totally recommend booking.
S
Sarah Sent on 07/01/2026
5 out of 5 rating

Jill and sarah Nov 2025

Would highly recommend Barry was brilliant our only regret is that we didn't pay the extra to have him there for longer. Everyone who attended our Wedding all said how fabulous he was
L
Levi Sent on 06/01/2026
5 out of 5 rating

Such a great addition to my wedding

Absolutely would recommend Barrie for any event, he brings humour, joy, and laughter to the day! My guests were so happy with this and our wedding photo was class! He’s such a lovely person generally as well and would do anything to make the day special.
Moureen
Moureen Sent on 06/01/2026
5 out of 5 rating

We had an amazing experience.

Barry managed to squeeze as in with a short notice and we are glad he did because he was wonderful!. Our guests loved him and their caricatures, we loved how he mingled and interacted with everyone. it was definitely worth it!
Katrina
Katrina Sent on 04/01/2026
5 out of 5 rating

Absolutely brilliant

Have used Barrie for School Proms so was a natural choice when my daughter became engaged and Barrie was at the venues open day and drew son in law to a tee - Provided excellent service on the day of the wedding in November at Charlton Hall - guests where queuing to be subject of his fabulous artistic abilities which he cleverly incorporates aspect of their lives. Highly recommend as a fantastic entertainment for any event especially weddings as each guest gets to take an A4 drawing home, and the married couple received a framed drawing of themselves. No limit to number of guests.
E
Emma Sent on 04/01/2026
5 out of 5 rating

Jan 2026 Wedding

Barry is so lovely and had all our guests entertained, especially the younger ones who would not leave his side as they all wanted a picture.

We booked Barry as was highly recommended and my Mum had also said that she had seen him at wedding she attended as a guest, and stated he was the best around (couldn’t agree more)

Thank you Barry so much for helping us celebrate our special day.
Megan
Megan Sent on 29/11/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Super fun!

Barrie was a fantastic addition to our wedding day as something a bit different for after ceremony entertainment for our guests. Everybody absolutely loved having their caricature done and there was lots of laughter and smiles. I'd definitely recommend booking him as we had such a blast with him!
B
Bethany Sent on 05/11/2025
5 out of 5 rating

What a laugh!

Barrie has been a huge talking point since our wedding and was loved by all guests! We are so happy we managed to book him, he totally elevated our drinks reception by providing our guests with a fantastic keepsake & a good laugh! Would highly recommend Barrie.
K
Kirsty Sent on 01/11/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Great entertainment!

Barrie was friendly and engaging with the guests, his drawings were brilliant and had us all laughing 😆
C
Chelsie Sent on 27/10/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Wedding entertainer

Brilliant entertainment, guests loved it, quick at drawings, very fun, highly recommended!!
S
Samantha Sent on 06/10/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing entertainment

Barrie was absolutely amazing and we couldn’t have wished for a better person to help us celebrate our big day. Barrie made us feel so at ease and all of our guests really loved their portraits. A brilliant conversation starter for guests and quality entertainment! If you’re thinking about booking, DO IT !! Thank you so much for your service Barrie :)
A
Aimme Sent on 22/09/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Thank you Barrie!

Barrie was absolutely amazing and brought great entertainment for our guests! A great add to our wedding to make it special and give our guests something to take home with them too! Would highly recommend so glad we booked in with Barrie 😊
C
Chloe Sent on 16/09/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Chloe & Amar - Ramside Hall Wedding

Barrie was absolutely amazing from our first conversation all the way through to our party night! He mingled with guests and had everyone laughing.

All guests went away from our wedding night talking about how amazing he was and I couldn’t have asked for anymore!

You are amazing at what you do Barrie, thank you!
H
Holly Sent on 13/09/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Fantastic & Funny

So glad we booked Barrie for our wedding day, we couldn’t wait for the day to arrive after seeing all the great pictures he had done at other weddings leading up to our day! He really made people laugh and have a great momentum to take away for the day. Our picture is now pride of place in the kitchen, we would 100% recommend booking him!
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Badges

Hitched Wedding Awards 2025 Winner
Hitched Wedding Awards 2024 Winner
Hitched Wedding Awards 2023 Winner
Hitched Wedding Awards 2022 Winner
illustration stars

Did the reviews win you over?

Barrie James Art Real Weddings

Nicole & Richard
7 photos · 21/10/2024
Natalie & Chris
13 photos · 22/08/2022

Meet the team

Barrie  James
Barrie James
Chief Scribbler

Hi, I’m Barrie – award-winning caricaturist, professional guest-charmer, and part-time wizard (the pen is my wand). I’ve been drawing funny faces for over a decade, and somehow people keep asking me back – possibly because I’m good, possibly because they enjoy watching their uncle cry-laugh at his giant ears.

Based in the North East, I travel all over the UK turning weddings, parties, and corporate events into mini comedy festivals—armed with nothing but a sketchpad, some pens, and a cheeky sense of humour. I draw fast, I draw funny, and I do it while making your guests feel like the stars of the show.

When I’m not drawing at weddings, I’m probably being bossed around by my kids, arguing with my dog about whose bed it is, or eating biscuits in the bath (don’t judge me).

Winner of the Caricon International Convention and Hitched Entertainer of the Year four years in a row, I take my job seriously—just not myself.

Let’s make your event hilarious. I’ll bring the pens. You bring the faces.

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Map

29 Broadpool Green, Whickham NE16 4RH Gateshead (Tyne & Wear)

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