Heartstopper meets Bridget Jones in Harry Trevaldwyn’s Bold Young Adult Novel and TV Show

Harry Trevaldwyn: From dark tales, comedic genius emerges

Back in his school days during those early 2000s, Harry Trevaldwyn had a knack—or maybe an obsession—for writing short stories with a dark and twisty flair. “I wanted my teachers, like, really, really, take me seriously,” he laughs, admitting that his love affair with gritty plots probably left them more worried than impressed.

As time went on, Harry's writing took a turn from all things macabre towards comedy and satire. When lockdown hit, his unique humor found a stage in online skits that cleverly poked fun at societal clichés. These quirky videos didn't just entertain—they flung doors wide open, leading him towards his long-held dreams: scripting TV shows and penning his first-ever young adult (YA) novel.

When acting and writing come together

If you've caught sight and sound (or both) from Trevaldwyn in any major shows, you might know him from big deals like "The Acolyte"—yep, that Star Wars offshoot—or "The Bubble," a Covid-themed comedy where he worked alongside stars like Pedro Pascal and Karen Gillan. Looking back on all that, he says with a smile, “It worked out pretty nicely.”

Trevaldwyn's skits often feature hilariously hyped-up versions we love (and sometimes hate). But with his latest character, Patch, he creates an idealized version. Patch, his protagonist in a new YA rom-com called *The Romantic Tragedies Of A Drama King*, embarks on a mission—armed with dubious advice from outdated romance mags and bolstered by his best sidekick Jean—to snag a prom date.

Patch: The bold blend comedy needed

Patch's story isn't about figuring out his queer identity; he boldly embraces it already. “His heart? It might be, well, perfectly in place,” Harry says, painting Patch with strokes emphasizing confidence and a lovable stubborn streak. The book's caught high praise, being dubbed “one helluva funny and heartwarming YA story this decade.”

For Trevaldwyn, writing it was a trip down a lane he never took, a reflection on what might've been if he'd been more open about his sexuality growing up. Oxford in those post-Section 28 days under Thatcher was no haven, leaving queer visibility in shambles. Despite this, he emerged with a unique brand: humor and fresh perspectives intact.

Finding oneself: A path paved with acceptance

His years at Bristol, diving deep in English Literature, marked a revelation. Here, Harry embraced and shouted out his queer identity, something mirrored in Patch's story. It's a narrative redefined with wit and hope.

A new generation's heartstopper

Much like Netflix's cherished *Heartstopper*—which Harry isn't shy about loving—*The Romantic Tragedies Of A Drama King* aims at filling LGBTQ+ media voids. With See-Saw Films picking it up, Harry's pumped about watching Patch light up screens. He dreams it'll blend *Bridget Jones* charm with *The Mindy Project*'s audacious flair.

Bringing his tale from paper pages onto sets has been rewarding. “I visualized it all, like a film already,” Harry shares, as he teams up with See-Saw Films on this promising adaptation.

Patch's tale isn't closing curtain calls just yet—a sequel's already in progress, expanding Trevaldwyn's universe. Meanwhile, his acting career's not slowing down, snagged a part in an upcoming *How To Train Your Dragon* adaption, sharing space with Bronwyn James.

Storytelling with pride

Looking back, Harry's chat about writing Patch's journey reveals pride woven through each word. “It's something I'm super proud about now,” he reflects, thankful his story clicks and connects with young queer readers.

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