Pain in the Arts

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