Pain in the 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.

Pain in the Arts is a arts podcast hosted by The Edit Wales, with 35 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

The Edit Wales hosts Pain in the Arts, a arts show with 35 episodes published.

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  Episode #4

  NDCWales, Sian de Bergerac & The London Question

  Sep 24, 202644 minS2

  This week’s Pain in the Arts starts with hot tea — literally — and quickly turns into a deep dive into Welsh arts gossip, sector shifts, dance reviews, and the big question: can you really build a theatre career in Wales without moving to London? Chris and Jak unpack the news that Hannah Firth is leaving Chapter Arts Centre after 25 years to join Theatre Mwldan in Cardigan, before diving into a packed week of performances: National Dance Company Wales’ Blue Glass , Sian de Bergerac by Red Oak Theatre, and The Other Side of Murder at the New Theatre. They explore the decline of dance in Wales, why audiences for contemporary work are changing, how trends shape art forms, and why Welsh theatre spaces can feel both intimate and intimidating. Plus: baking, cardamom tea, Big Brother, The Traitors, and a listener question about whether Wales is a viable place to “make it big.” Featuring: • Hannah Firth moves from Chapter to Theatre Mwldan • NDCWales Blue Glass — grief, running, and contemporary dance • Dance decline in Wales • Sian de Bergerac — new writing & Welsh storytelling • The Other Side of Murder — dark comedy & standing ovations • Why Welsh theatre spaces feel closed‑circle • The London question: do you need to go? • Cardamom tea, bara brith & Big Brother chaos Support the show

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  Episode #3

  Operation Mincemeat, Alison Lapper & The Death of Subscriptions?

  Sep 23, 202651 minS2

  Operation Mincemeat lands at the New Theatre, Practical Magic 2 makes a surprise appearance, Alison Lapper brings a powerful conversation to Cardiff, and we tackle two big listener questions — is the subscription model dead, and how do you actually market to artists? In Episode 32, Chris and Jak break down the week in Welsh arts with their usual mix of humour, honesty and sector insight. From cult musicals to craft‑supply marketing, this episode covers the realities of working in the arts right now — the good, the chaotic, and the “why did I choose this career?” moments. Featuring: • Operation Mincemeat at New Theatre Cardiff • Practical Magic 2 nostalgia and camp energy • Alison Lapper at bigmoose • Lane 7 chaos • Subscription fatigue across the arts • How to market directly to artists • Jak’s Art History segment • What’s coming up this week in Welsh arts Support the show

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  Episode #2

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

  Sep 10, 202642 minS2

  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

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  Episode #1

  Burlesque Reviewed + Brexit’s Blow to Touring

  Sep 3, 202642 minS2

  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

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  Episode #29

  CIC vs Charity, Meta Glasses & AI for Writers

  Aug 13, 202652 minS1

  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

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