The Polari Prize Podcast

Polari Prize-winning author Diriye Osman speaks to Paul Burston about his books Fairytales for Lost Children and The Butterfly Jungle, as well as his introduction to the London scene in the nineties and being 'the architect of your own enchantment.'

Sophia Blackwell speaks to Polari Prize-winning author Kate Davies about her debut novel, In at the Deep End, and her new novel Nuclear Family. With discussion of donor conception, the liberating side of working in publishing and Kate’s summer read recommendations.

Hosted by Sophia Blackwell and Paul Burston. In this episode Paul Burston speaks to novelist and short story writer and Polari Prize winner Paul McVeigh about writing for radio, indulging in Jilly Cooper and whether there should be a Gay Uncles’ Day.

With audio recorded at the Prize Night ceremony at the British Library, featuring current and past winners and special guests, plus judges, and an interview between Paul Burston and prizewinning author Nicola Dinan.

The Polari Prize Podcast returns after a three-year hiatus, as part of a landmark new partnership with easyJet holidays announced in June 2024, with a new episode featuring 2023 winners Julia Armfield and Jon Ransom.Polari Prize founder Paul Burston and host Sophia Blackwell explore winning books and nominated authors from over the years, inviting authors for interviews about their writing process and craft.

Recorded at The Ironworks in Brighton, talented LGBTQ+ authors Cerys Evans, Allie Rogers, David Fennell, John McCullough and Robert Hamberger join Paul Burston at the literary salon. Hosted by Paul Burston, co-hosted and produced by Sophia Blackwell.

The LGBTQ+ literary salon comes to Manchester with readings from special guests Emma Goswell (Coming Out Stories), Val Qaeda, Joelle Taylor and Okechukwu Nzelu. Hosted by Paul Burston, co-hosted and produced by Sophia Blackwell.

We discover who is on the Polari Prize 2021 shortlists for Best Book and Best Debut at a special event in Heaven club presented by Paul Burston, Kate Davies and Keith Jarrett with guests Paul Mendez (Rainbow Milk) and Golnoosh Nour (The Ministry of Guidance). Also includes interviews with Kevin Maxwell (Forced Out) and Mohsin Zaidi (A Dutiful Boy). Co-hosted and produced by Sophia Blackwell.