Hollywood Bowl, High Society & Welsh Arts Highlights

Welcome back to Pain in the Arts, the weekly podcast exploring the arts and creative sector in Wales — hosted by broadcaster Chris J Birch and artist‑writer‑editor Jak Rhys Birch.This week we’re talking:🎳 Hollywood Bowl XL Opens in Cardiff  • Go‑karting under the bowling lanes• Arcade chaos• Why leisure spaces matter for creative wellbeing• Cardiff losing Vue Cinema — and what that means for the city🎭 The Bodyguard at the Wales Millennium Centre  • Whitney Houston medley• Pyrotechnics hot enough to remove eyebrows• Why Jak loved it — and why Chris would’ve hated it• Review now live on The Edit🎭 High Society at the New Theatre  • Helen George (Call the Midwife)• Freddie Fox (Slow Horses, House of the Dragon)• Golden‑age nostalgia done right• Full review on The Edit🖼️ Tess Powell Exhibition at Unstable Arts  • California‑to‑Wales artistic shift• Mixed media, recycled materials, emotional storytelling• Why her work feels grounding, human and deeply relatable• A Welsh blanket made from recycled carrier bags🎭 Pews at 10 — Heading to Edinburgh Fringe  • A Welsh story set in St David’s• Comedy, gossip, community• Interview now live on The Edit  • Why Welsh stories belong on global stages🎙️ Q&A This Week  1️⃣ Top theatre production of 2024 so far?  2️⃣ Favourite art exhibition this year?  3️⃣ Suggestions for summer arts events?Warm, witty, and rooted in Welsh creativity — this episode is essential listening.Support the show