Tickets have been released for the first shows in Porter’s new 60-seat theatre
“PEOPLE use Porter’s for a lot of different reasons,” says Dan Porter, the music venue’s owner.
“Some are here for the music – some come because they know that nine times out of 10, they will be walking into something happening.”
Mr Porter is talking about the Barrack Lane arts venue’s expanison from its roots as a grassroots music and arts venue into an actual theatre.
And while those people walking into the venue might previously have stubled across poetry readings or comedy, March 1 will be the first time they are able to stumble across a theatre show.
The first production is called The Last Flower. It’s is a dystopian take on a classic Welsh folk tale, written and produced by eight artists aged 18-28, known as TEAM’s Young Collective.
“I have always wanted Porter’s to be a place that people went through on the way to bigger and better things,” said Mr Porter.
“We are very keen to identify this talent and help it grow to the ultimate version of itself.
“It is a gamble, there is no guarantee that it is going to work.
“We are hoping that it might be the thing that the average Porter’s punter might take a punt on.
“They can buy a £10 ticket for a show, and if it is terrible they only lost £10 and maybe an hour’s worth of their time.
“It’s not like they are spending £70 – £80 on a West End show.”
In fact, tickets for The Last Flower – which went on sale today via Porter’s website– cost just £4 and the bar’s regulars are keen on the idea.
“I think that it is really, really good that there is still a place for independent drinking. It has always been a place where up and coming bands can show their talent,” said Bekki Bligh, a regular at Porter’s since 2017.
“Now, they will have the space to perform but also rehearse as well.
“There are no other places in Cardiff like this. You can see pop singers, or poetry, or big bands.
“Once we came in for a few drinks, and happened to see a harpist. My fiancé didn’t leave the room for the rest of the night.”
Another Porter’s regular, Carrie Edwards, said: “Other cities have this kind of stuff, and Cardiff doesn’t. I know people who have moved to Bristol because there are more opportunities there.
“We’ve personally seen opportunities for theatre makers in Cardiff and Wales dwindle, leading to brilliant, wonderful, talented folks leaving for London and further afield.
Porter’s is working on the theatre project with producers Alice Rush and Frankie-Rose Taylor, who have worked at National Theatre Wales and Chapter Arts Centre, and Wales Millennium Centre respectively.
“We want Porter’s to be a place where Cardiff and Welsh makers and their ideas are welcomed, nurtured and platformed, and where audiences can experience work, they wouldn’t see elsewhere in Cardiff, work that entertains, moves and inspires,” the pair said in a statement.
The plans are also supported by, among others, Cardiff Council. The council worked with the venue to help it find a new home when it was forced to leave its previous HQ near Cardiff Arena.
“We want Cardiff to be a city where creativity thrives,” said Councillor Jennifer Burke, Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events.
“I’m delighted even more new and emerging artists in the city have access to opportunities to grow and develop their craft.”
- You can buy tickets for The Last FLower from Porter’s website from today.
