Pain in the Arts

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:🎳 Lane Seven Cardiff — First Look  • Bowling, karaoke, pool, air hockey, golf• Why activity‑led venues are replacing traditional bars• The rise of “experience culture” in Cardiff• Explore Lane Seven🎭 Stage & Stem — Cardiff’s New Creative Hub  • A bar that doubles as a performance venue• Live music, scratch nights, theatre, community shows• Why this model nurtures emerging performers• More on Stage & Stem🏃 Cardiff 10K — Creative Support Crew Edition  • Making banners• Navigating crowds• Cheering on Dan at the finish line• The joy of community events🎭 Welsh Theatre Season Incoming  • Capel Celyn (Porters)• Blue Glass (National Dance Company Wales)• After Agincourt (Gareth David‑Lloyd)• Why indie Welsh theatre is thriving• Explore Welsh theatre🎭 Death Note: The Musical — Barbican Review  • Brutalist heaven• Innovative staging by Cardiff Theatrical Services• Why anime‑to‑musical adaptations can work• Cosplay audiences, split staging, powerhouse performances• Returning to the Barbican in May• More on Death Note Musical🎙️ Q&A This Week  1️⃣ Why do we trust critics?  2️⃣ How do you put on your first exhibition?  3️⃣ How do you start or join an Am Dram group?Warm, witty, and rooted in Welsh creativity — this episode is packed with sector insight, venue news, and practical advice for artists and audiences.Support the show

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.After a week off, we’re back with a packed episode covering:🎭 Burlesque at the Wales Millennium Centre  • The clickbait controversy• The technical stop mid‑show• Why the audience’s reaction changed everything• Costume choices that need to stay in 2003• Why this is one of the strongest movie‑to‑stage adaptations we’ve seen• More on Burlesque musical📢 Brexit’s Impact on Touring  • A new UK Government report reveals:– 19,000 jobs lost– £1 billion in revenue gone• Why touring companies feel unheard• How this affects Wales• What the future might look like• Explore Brexit touring impact🎨 How to Put On Your First Exhibition  Barbara asks where to start as an acrylic painter. We cover:• Building a consistent body of work• Why cafés and restaurants are perfect first venues• How to join artist collectives• Why press releases matter• More on starting an exhibition🎭 Starting or Joining an Am Dram Group  Graham from Builth Wells wants to get involved post‑retirement. We discuss:• How to find existing groups• Why collaboration beats duplication• How Penarth Operatic Society structures its sub‑groups• Explore community theatreIt’s honest, funny, sector‑savvy and full of practical insight for artists, audiences and anyone navigating Welsh creativity.Support the show

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.After an unexpected week off (Chris’s dad had a heart attack — he’s recovering well), we’re back with a fast‑round Q&A special, answering your biggest questions about arts careers, degrees, venues, funding, AI and theatre etiquette.This week we cover:🎨 Becoming an Art Critic  • How long it takes• Whether it can be a full‑time career• Why criticism in Wales is evolving• The balance between promotion and critique• The importance of separating relationships from reviews• More on art criticism🧵 Should You Study Textiles?  • Jack’s experience with a textiles degree• How he uses it now• Why multidisciplinary degrees can be more flexible• The craft vs fine‑art debate• Explore creative degrees🏛️ Why Are Theatres Falling Apart?  • The history of miners’ halls and community venues• How local authorities inherited buildings they can’t afford• Why renovation funding is scarce• The future: community asset transfers, new builds, and political decisions• Learn about theatre funding🧪 Arts & Health: Who Funds It?  • NHS vs Arts Council• Why arts‑and‑health projects are growing• The Manchester “prescribed comedy” trial• Bangor University’s arts‑and‑health research• More on arts and health🧵 Should Ceramicists Use AI for Marketing?  • Why AI captions can boost SEO• How makers can use AI ethically• Why AI shouldn’t generate posters or artwork• Building a social‑media‑first sales strategy• Explore AI for creatives🍷 Should Theatres Allow BYOB?  • Accessibility vs behaviour• Why overpriced drinks exclude audiences• When BYOB becomes a problem• The difference between “fun” and “disruptive”• More on theatre etiquetteIt’s fast, funny, honest, and packed with practical insight for anyone working in — or trying to break into — the arts.Support the show

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:🕹️ Cult VR — Under the Dome  • Our first visit to Wales’ immersive dome• Pink Floyd visuals, tech, families and experience culture• Why VR venues are becoming part of the arts ecosystem🎨 Art Market — Laundry Quarter Creativity  • A new indie space in Canton/Pontcanna• Makers, prints, ceramics, textiles• Approachable, non‑pretentious gallery culture🧗 Rock Climbing & Summer Walks  • Boulders on Newport Road• 10K walks, pedal‑power cycling, Penarth bookshops• How movement is shaping our creative summer🎭 Beauty & the Beast Panto Interview  • Jo Osmond returns to the New Theatre• A brand‑new villain character• Backstage tours coming soon🎙️ Q&A This Week  1️⃣ CIC vs Charity vs Limited Company — what should new theatre founders choose?  2️⃣ Should venues ban Meta glasses to protect privacy and IP?  3️⃣ Is AI coming for writers after Take a Break switched to AI stories?Warm, witty, and rooted in Welsh creativity — this episode is essential listening.Support the show

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:🕹️ Cult VR — Under the Dome  • Wales’ largest immersive dome• Pink Floyd experiences• Families, tech, and the rise of experience culture• Why immersive arts are booming in Cardiff• More on Cult VR🎨 Art Market — Laundry Quarter Creativity  • New indie space in Canton/Pontcanna• Local makers, prints, ceramics, textiles• Approachable, non‑pretentious gallery culture• Why these spaces matter for Welsh creatives• Explore Art Market🧗 Rock Climbing at Boulders  • Creativity meets cardio• Sore muscles, nostalgia, and summer wellbeing• Cardiff’s growing movement‑and‑arts crossover• Visit Boulders Cardiff🍦 Ice Cream, Walks & Boat Trips  • Glastonbury sunshine• Cardiff Bay → Penarth walk• Boat back across the water• The soft arts of summer🖼️ Tess Powell at Unstable Arts  • California‑to‑Wales artistic shift• Mixed media, recycled materials, emotional domestic scenes• Why her work feels grounding and deeply human• More on Unstable Arts🎙️ Q&A This Week  1️⃣ Should smelly food be banned in theatres?  2️⃣ Do writers have a future in an AI world?Warm, witty, and rooted in Welsh creativity — this episode is essential listening.Support the show

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:🎭 The Karate Kid Musical at WMC  • Brilliant cast, strong vocals, great score• But… clunky staging, odd choreography, and timing issues• Why coming‑of‑age musicals feel overdone• Jak’s full review coming soon on The Edit🧬 Evolver — Immersive VR Experience at WMC  • Cate Blanchett meditation• Becoming an air molecule inside the human body• Water jets, swivel chairs, and disorientation• Why VR is pushing audiences to “just try it”• Free trial version available in BOX🎪 Glastonbury (the village, not the festival!)  • Sunshine, community, and a day of wandering• Why small cultural towns matter as much as big festivals⛴️ Penarth Boat Trip  • Walking from Cardiff Bay to Penarth• Boat back to the Bay• A perfect summer arts‑and‑wellbeing day🎨 Tess Powell Exhibition at Unstable Arts  • California‑to‑Wales artistic shift• Mixed media, recycled materials, emotional domestic scenes• A Welsh blanket made from carrier bags• Why non‑pretentious galleries matter🎙️ Q&A This Week  1️⃣ Should smelly food be banned in theatres and galleries?  2️⃣ Where can you find non‑pretentious galleries in Wales?Warm, witty, and rooted in Welsh creativity — this episode is essential listening.Support the show

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

This week on Pain in the Arts, Chris and Jak dive into a whirlwind of Welsh arts, summer chaos, and big creative questions.We talk:• Annie at the Wales Millennium Centre• Oxford museums and cultural curiosities• Jellyfish‑filled beach evenings• Cadstock music festival• Graduation season in Cardiff• How creatives can stop comparing themselves to others• What the future of Welsh arts might look likeWarm, funny, reflective, and rooted in the creative heartbeat of Wales — this episode is a perfect snapshot of summer in the arts.Support the show

This week on Pain in the Arts, Chris and Jak explore everything from TEDx speaker opportunities to at-risk theatres, from Swansea’s newest production to the arrival of Annie at WMC. Plus: should American artists move to the UK, and will AI mean job losses in the arts?We talk:• Physical Education (Grand Ambition)• TEDx Bute Street September call-out• Theatres Trust At-Risk list• Heatwaves damaging cultural assets• Barry & Pontypridd’s Town of Culture bids• Annie at the Wales Millennium Centre• Two big listener questions on relocation & AIWarm, insightful, and rooted in Welsh creativity — this is Pain in the Arts at its best.Support the show

This week on Pain in the Arts, Chris and Jak explore everything from prehistoric cave paintings to modern marketing strategies — and even the potential future of UK arts under Andy Burnham.We talk:• Old‑school vs digital marketing• Art on the Edge in Newport• Physical Education at Swansea Grand• Burnham’s cultural vision• Cave paintings and early artistic genius• Two big listener questions on marketing and UK arts policyWarm, witty, insightful and rooted in Welsh creativity — this is Pain in the Arts at its most curious.Support the show

This week on Pain in the Arts, Chris and Jak battle a Welsh heatwave to bring you a packed episode covering:• Thespians at the New Theatre• Fawlty Towers at the Wales Millennium Centre• The Future Commissioners Conference• A Creative Cardiff showcase• Disabled artists & criticism• Why known IP is taking over theatreWarm, insightful, political and full of creative optimism — this is Pain in the Arts at its sweatiest.Support the show

This week on Pain in the Arts, Chris and Jak explore the future of Welsh arts — from community‑led opera to cutting‑edge immersive tech, and a major new culture announcement from Wales’ new Culture Minister, Heledd Fychan.We talk:• Fio's x Music Theatre Wales’ modern opera• The Annwn Prize and the rise of immersive art• Whether VR will replace traditional theatre• Heledd’s new culture & sport strategy• Arts and health• Why Wales is becoming a leader in immersive storytellingPlus: two big listener questions on immersive art and the future of the sector.Warm, insightful, political and full of creative optimism — this is Pain in the Arts at its best.Support the show

This week on Pain in the Arts, Chris and Jak somehow survive running two major events in one week — TEDxButeStreet and Barry Pride — while also squeezing in Rocky Horror, Waitress, VR art, and a mysterious Fio performance.We talk:• TEDx at the Senedd• Barry Pride’s grassroots resilience• Welsh drag icons• Rocky Horror chaos• Waitress at WMC• The Anwynn Prize and the future of immersive art• A mentoring situation gone very wrongWarm, honest, chaotic and very Welsh — this is Pain in the Arts at its most unhinged.Support the show

Fresh from TEDxButeStreet — literally an hour after leaving the Senedd — Chris and Jak dive into one of the busiest, most meaningful weeks they’ve had in Welsh arts.This episode covers:• TEDxButeStreet: mentoring, organising, and platforming Welsh voices• Rocky Horror at the New Theatre• A deconsecrated church photo call• Barry Pride and the realities of grassroots organising• Queer Icons cabaret• Why UK art is still too London‑centric• How to decentralise culture and support Welsh creativesWarm, honest, political, and full of community spirit — this is Pain in the Arts at its best.Support the show

From Next Week - Available on YouTube & Spotify ExclusivelyWelcome back to Pain in the Arts — the podcast about the arts and creative industries in Wales, hosted by broadcaster Chris J Birch and artist‑writer‑editor Jak Rhys Birch.This week’s episode is recorded from the car, somewhere between Hay Festival and home, after the busiest eight‑day stretch we’ve had in ages.Here’s what we’ve been up to:🌿 Hay Festival Highlights  • Chris saw Dawn French in conversation with Richard Coles• Chris also attended a Writers Room session with Francis Bickmore (Canongate)• Jak saw Hugh Bonneville and Danny Robins• Today: Ian Hislop, Adrian Edmondson, Ben Elton, Prue Leith & Alan Davies🎭 Cabaret Cardiff: Buffy the Vampire Slayer  A chaotic, camp, joyful evening.🌞 The Most British Bank Holiday Ever  Garden centre → garden wandering → tea → existential dread.🎸 Sunny Afternoons at the Wales Millennium Centre  A mid‑week musical pick‑me‑up.🎙️ Q&A This Week  1️⃣ How do digital artists differentiate their work from AI?  2️⃣ Does Wales need more festivals like Hay — and how do you start one?🎨 Jak Teaches Chris Something Interesting  A weekly fact worth clipping — from ballet shoes to Buffy studies.📅 The Week Ahead  • The Enormous Crocodile at the New Theatre• Feast On Festival• Back to Hay Festival• Waitress at WMC• Rocky Horror at the New TheatreIf you love Welsh arts, creative chaos, and two slightly sunburnt men trying to podcast in a moving vehicle — this one’s for you.Support the show

This week on Pain in the Arts:  We’ve had the busiest eight days in Welsh arts we’ve ever experienced — from ballet to Banksy, from London summits to Roath Gallery Weekend, from Choir of Man to a 10‑year photography project that floored us.Chris heads to London for the Business of the Arts Summit, Jak speaks at Cardiff University, we hit six galleries in one day, and we still find time to celebrate a birthday and review multiple shows.We also answer your listener questions, including:• What are the next steps after leaving creative education?• Should you start an arts Instagram for free tickets?• How do you pick a creative hobby without fear of being “bad” at it?It’s a big one. Grab a cuppa.Support the show

This week on Pain in the Arts, Chris and Jak dive into one of the funniest, busiest and most chaotic weeks the Welsh arts scene has thrown at them yet.They head to Cabaret Cardiff for Dyke Systems Ltd, the debut production from new theatre company Fagpacket — a razor‑sharp MLM‑themed comedy that turns out to be one of the best shows they’ve ever seen at Cabaret. From perfect timing to unhinged characters, the pair break down why this grassroots production deserves national attention.Jak also reviews Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo (“The Trocs”), a gloriously camp, technically brilliant ballet performed entirely by male dancers in traditionally female roles. Meanwhile, Roath prepares for Roath Gallery Weekend, with more than a dozen independent galleries opening their doors for a three‑day celebration of local art.The pair also look ahead to Cherry Vine at Cabaret, the Arts Professional Summit in London, and a packed month of creative events.This week’s listener questions explore:• What’s the easiest art form to start as a hobby — especially if you’re scared you’ll be bad at it?  • If you start an arts Instagram page, will theatres automatically give you free tickets? (Spoiler: absolutely not.)Warm, witty and full of sector insight, this episode celebrates the joy of grassroots creativity — and the reality of navigating Wales’ arts ecosystem.Support the show

This week on Pain in the Arts, Chris and Jak dive into a brilliantly chaotic mix of insurance fraud stories, unstable art exhibitions, election‑day energy, and the newly released Rainbow Wales book. From bank‑holiday burnout to the realities of reviewing theatre, the pair explore the pressures, politics and pleasures of working in the Welsh arts sector.They discuss the expectations placed on reviewers, the rise of content‑creator demands in theatre marketing, and the awkward truth that some venues only want positive reviews. There’s also a look ahead to Double Indemnity at the New Theatre, the Unstable Arts exhibition preview, and Chris’ upcoming hosting of the Rainbow Wales book talk with Emily Garside.This week’s listener questions ask:• If you could be immortalised in any art form, what would it be?  • Should you delay becoming a full‑time artist because of the Senedd election?Warm, witty and full of sector insight, this episode blends humour with honesty — and captures the creative pulse of Wales right now.Support the show

This week on Pain in the Arts, Chris and Jack dive into a gloriously chaotic mix of musical parody, Cold War theatre, Welsh film premieres, and the big question of how future generations will remember the art we’re making today.Jack heads to Friends: The Musical Parody with his family — a show that takes affectionate aim at the iconic sitcom — while Chris endures a flatter‑than‑expected production of The Spy Who Came In From the Cold. Meanwhile, Cabaret Cardiff continues its reign as the city’s most eclectic arts hub, hosting everything from jazz to burlesque to magic.The pair also attend the Madfabulous film premiere with the Iris Prize, celebrate Welsh storytelling on the big screen, and explore the stunning Swansea Grand Theatre.This week’s listener questions tackle two big topics:• Where is all the funding — and are there hidden pots creatives don’t know about?  • How will our current era of art be remembered by future generations?Warm, witty and full of sector insight, this episode captures the pulse of Welsh arts right now.Support the show