Russell T Davies brought humour, honesty and a little glorious camp to Barry’s Memo Arts Centre, in conversation with broadcaster Owain Wyn Evans.
There are some people who can hold an audience effortlessly, and Russell T Davies is undoubtedly one of them — I have lost many an hour listening and watching interviews with him, particularly recently with the broadcast of Tip Toe on Channel 4. At Barry’s Memo Arts Centre on Monday, 12 October 2026, the celebrated television writer and creator proved himself every bit as compelling a storyteller in person as he is on screen, moving seamlessly between laugh-out-loud anecdotes, darker reflections and moments of genuine tenderness.
Organised by Penarth’s award-winning independent bookshop Griffin Books, the evening celebrated the publication of Russell’s new memoir, The Queerest of Folk: A life in television, reflecting on a remarkable 40-year career that has helped shape and reshape the landscape of British television.
In conversation with broadcaster and friend of View Publishing, Owain Wyn Evans, Russell was wonderfully eloquent, quick-witted and candid. His ability to move from the outrageous to the deeply personal was particularly striking, dipping into sometimes difficult stories without ever losing the warmth or humour that carried the audience along with him. Despite the sometimes darker territory, there was an unmistakable trajectory of positivity, a sense of optimism and an enduring belief in the importance of telling stories.
Owain was the perfect companion for the evening, guiding the conversation with an easy charm and an understanding of when to probe, when to laugh and when simply to let Russell talk. Their natural chemistry made what could have been a conventional literary interview feel altogether more intimate.
In fact, at times it felt less like an evening in a theatre and more like being invited to listen in on two gay men sharing stories over a bottle of wine at home. Natural, cheeky, gloriously camp and occasionally poignant, their conversation was a celebration not just of a remarkable career, but of friendship, identity and the power of being unapologetically yourself.
For someone whose work has given a voice to so many characters and communities — as was evident from the audience questions — Russell’s own voice was just as captivating. Moving from Queer as Folk, through to Doctor Who and Torchwood, to his later works It’s a Sin and Years and Years, it was an evening filled with laughter, reflection and humanity, and a glitter-dusting of funny anecdotes that could not — and possibly should not — be printed. Taken all together, it is a reminder of why his particular brand of storytelling continues to resonate so deeply with many different audiences.
A thoroughly entertaining evening for myself and my husband, beautifully held together by Owain, and another wonderful literary event brought to the Vale of Glamorgan by Griffin Books.
Griffin Books host a diverse variety of author-let and literary events, with something to suit everyone. Take a look at their upcoming events here.
