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About

On Hitched.co.uk since 2021

Last update: June 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
Carly Sent on 17/06/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Unforgettable

Barrie was absolutely fantastic!! Really down to earth and likeable. All of our guests loved him, his caricatures were like no other. He had such a great sense of humour which made it's way into his charicature and is what made the whole experience unforgettable. I'll cherish our charicature forever. Highly recommend to anyone lookin for something different and memorable!!
E
Emily Sent on 21/06/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Can not say enough good things

Nothing but a 5 STAR review here - Barrie was such a fabulous addition to our wedding day at Burtonfields Hall 2 weeks ago. We had a small wedding ceremony (16 people) and Barrie started drawing our key guests straight after. He created the most brilliant group portrait which he framed on the day and our evening guests loved looking at it on the way into the party later on! As we had booked the full day package (100% recommend) he stayed to draw our afternoon and evening guests which was such a unique way to provide entertainment. Not only is he super talented but he is also a really easy going guy who is great to chat to, and everyone loved him. Thank you so much Barrie - from Emily and Christian x
K
Kirsty Sent on 29/05/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Incredible!

We asked Barrie to come to our wedding as he was recommended by our venue (Le Petit Chateau) and we wanted something quirky to entertain our guest during the drinks reception. Safe to say he surpassed all expectations and the guests loved him! He was professional, talented and really fun!
C
Craig Sent on 07/05/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Worth every penny!

We had the absolute pleasure of having Barrie at our wedding, and he truly brought something special to our celebration. His character drawings were not only incredibly talented, but also full of personality and charm—capturing the essence of our guests with amazing accuracy and a great sense of humor.

Barrie’s warm and friendly demeanor made the whole process fun and engaging, adding a unique and personal touch to our big day.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable addition to your event, we can’t recommend Barrie enough. His art and positive energy made him a highlight of the wedding!
B
Beth Sent on 27/05/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing amazing amazing!!!

We had the most amazing wedding night thanks to Barrie! We'd been scammed by another entertainment company, so I was apprehensive booking someone else. Barrie made me feel at ease, and made my job as the bride simple and straightforward! We had loads of comments afterwards saying how good Barrie was and it was so great that he just got stuck in and mingled with the crowd! Don't hesitate to book Barrie for your next event. We can't thank him enough and we now have our picture on display
A
Alastair Sent on 03/05/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Highly recommend

We booked Barrie for our Easter wedding and we are so glad we did! He was fantastic and a real hit with the guests. It made a nice change from the usual ‘photo booth fancy dress’ setup. We would highly recommend him for your booking. Thanks Barrie!
Francesca
Francesca Sent on 02/11/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Perfect for adding lots of laughter to your special day!

Barrie was the talk of our wedding! We hired Barrie to draw our guests (instead of favours) throughout our wedding breakfast and room turnaround. He's so talented and blended in so well with our guests - we could hear our guests laughing with Barrie all day. I'd definitely recommend Barrie if you're wanting to add some laughter to your wedding - thanks again for making our day so special!
E
Emma Sent on 03/04/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Stop thinking about it and just book him. You won't regret it!

I hired Barrie to draw at my wedding on March 31st and I can honestly say he was worth every penny. His communication right from the first contact was spot on, he turned up when expected and got straight to work. Since his arrival we heard nothing but giggles and belly laughs. And to be honest we're still laughing now 3 days later. Massive compliments from all of our guests are still pouring in. If anyone is considering using Barrie for an event all I can say is get him booked. He's not expensive, he's worth his fees! He will be recommended by me and my Husband for a long time! Thank you so much Barrie - you made our wedding day so special!
E
Emma Sent on 13/03/2025
5 out of 5 rating

So Talented!

We recently had Barrie at our wedding and he did not disappoint! He is exceptionally talented and amazing at what he does! We have had nothing but compliments from our guests. He managed to capture them perfectly and in a humorous way which created a happy atmosphere during our wedding reception. Would highly recommend Barrie - he was the perfect addition to our special day!
E
Ella Sent on 12/12/2024
5 out of 5 rating

10/10 Barrie is amazing!!

Barrie was absolutely class, everybody loved him at our wedding and the portraits were next level 🔥🔥! Made the booking process super simple, he is reliable and easy to talk to/ super friendly. We're so so pleased we booked Barrie for entertainment on our special day and will be recommending him to everyone I know. Thanks again Barrie you're amazing!!
K
Keavy Sent on 26/11/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Wedding 23.11.24

Barrie attended our wedding on 23.11.2024 and was an absolute thrill with the guests. He was really good entertainment and gave our guests a little momento to take away with them. He even gave us a framed caricature with our dog in the image as well. A brilliant addition to our drinks reception!
Georgia
Georgia Sent on 25/05/2024
5 out of 5 rating

An absolutely awesomr addition to our drinks reception

so glad we booked Barrie J for our drinks reception entertainment. Created so many laughs and his talent is just unreal. Hilarious and talented but BRUTAL! Loved it. Plus just a genuinely lovely man, easy to deal with, booking process very straight forward - highly recommend. Our bride and groom joint drawing was also a lovely touch and a great memory. Thanks Barrie!!!!
R
Rosiewaddell2795 Sent on 06/10/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Hidden River Barn

Barrie was an amazing addition to our special day, He managed to do pretty much everyone a picture and it was a huge talking point which guests really seemed to love! Would recommend!
G
Georgia Sent on 25/09/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing and hilarious!

We booked Barrie for our wedding this month, and wow- he was amazing! He was the perfect addition to our drinks reception, he captured so many guests in the time frame he was here and was incredible value for money. Absolutely hilarious and had a laugh with all of our guests! Thanks again Barrie!
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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

Deals

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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