Pain in the Arts

The Edit Wales
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Arts

Pain in the Arts is the unapologetically honest podcast from Welsh creatives Chris & Jak. Each week they dive into the glorious mess of the arts sector with irreverent humour, lived experience, and questionable advice. Featuring our Weekly Questions segment, guest voice notes, theatre rants, and the glamorous mundanity of creative life. If you’ve ever been told your work is “too niche,” this is your backstage pass to solidarity and satire.

  1. 16h ago

    Stage & Stem Opens, Death Note Shines & Critics Explain Themselves

    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

    Stage & Stem Opens, Death Note Shines & Critics Explain Themselves

  2. Sep 3

    Burlesque Reviewed + Brexit’s Blow to Touring

    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 theatre It’s honest, funny, sector‑savvy and full of practical insight for artists, audiences and anyone navigating Welsh creativity. Support the show

    Burlesque Reviewed + Brexit’s Blow to Touring

  3. Aug 27

    Your Arts Questions Answered: Careers, Venues & AI

    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 etiquette It’s fast, funny, honest, and packed with practical insight for anyone working in — or trying to break into — the arts. Support the show

    Your Arts Questions Answered: Careers, Venues & AI

  4. Aug 13

    CIC vs Charity, Meta Glasses & AI for Writers

    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

    CIC vs Charity, Meta Glasses & AI for Writers

  5. Aug 6

    Cult VR, Canton Creativity & AI vs Writers

    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

    Cult VR, Canton Creativity & AI vs Writers

  6. Jul 30

    Smelly Food in the Theatre, Karate Kid the Musical & Immersive 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: 🎭 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

    Smelly Food in the Theatre, Karate Kid the Musical & Immersive Arts

  7. Jul 23

    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

  8. Jul 16

    Annie at WMC, Oxford Museums & Cadstock Festival Highlights

    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 like Warm, funny, reflective, and rooted in the creative heartbeat of Wales — this episode is a perfect snapshot of summer in the arts. Support the show

    Annie at WMC, Oxford Museums & Cadstock Festival Highlights
See All (33)

Trailer

About

Pain in the Arts is the unapologetically honest podcast from Welsh creatives Chris & Jak. Each week they dive into the glorious mess of the arts sector with irreverent humour, lived experience, and questionable advice. Featuring our Weekly Questions segment, guest voice notes, theatre rants, and the glamorous mundanity of creative life. If you’ve ever been told your work is “too niche,” this is your backstage pass to solidarity and satire.

Information

  • Creator
    The Edit Wales
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Edit Wales / Pain in the Arts
  • Show Website
    Pain in the Arts