Oh my God, how fab and funky is The Small Space.
Opened in February 2018, not only is it the UK’s Smallest Theatre, and Cinema, plus the World’s Smallest Magic Theatre, it is a tiny treasure right on our doorstep too.
Based in Barry’s Island Road, the converted one up one down Victorian shop is a twenty five seater venue that offers live magic, comedy, music, tuition, private hire and classic movie events to an ever growing family of ‘Small Spacers’.
Many of my followers will also be pleased to know that it also boasts a fully licensed bar on the second floor.
Despite a desperate desire to visit, I actually only went there for the first time during Barry Pride week.
A Thursday night fringe event was laid on in all its gay glory when we watched Rachel Dax’s groundbreaking film Time and Again in the titchy theatre.
The movie is much more than a lesbian love story though, it is also a sapphic Short that looks at the taboo subject of romantic love and sexual attraction in later life.
It tells the tale, in just thirty minutes, of two lovers who meet years later and reunite with passion. The older women are beautifully portrayed by Dame Sian Phillips and Brigit Forsyth.
Director Rachel Dax has made a bold move to brazenly portray that sexual desire doesn’t stop aged 50 – who knew!
Make no mistake though, this is not a niche screening for those living in LGBT land. Straight and queer audiences, critics, and film makers have applauded the cinematic sensation.
Rachel’s risk-taking step to show women loving in their twilight years has resonated across the global movie world.
This is reflected in the clutch of Awards she has picked up. She collected the latest gong at Cardiff International Film Festival on Sunday night.
So, armed with the knowledge of this powerful movie, plus a promised post-screening Q&A with Rachel herself, I rang the bell and stepped into The Small Space.
A friendly greeting by owner and resident magician Jasper Blakeley, a walk through the micro main area, a trip up some winding stairs and there I was in the bijou bar.
Drinkie in hand, cwtched up with just twenty five like-minded souls, I was loving it.
My eyes lit up even more when Jasper told me of his plans to bring a monthly film night to the venue. I’m was quite excited about the themed screening seasons coming up too.
But, and this is the one that really got me going, he’s also offering an evening at The Small Space with your mates, your Merlot, and a movie of your choice.
I’m thinking Rocky Horror Picture Show Girls – so that’s my Birthday sorted for next year then.
To be honest, I was hoping to become a ‘Small Spacer’ this week too. I wanted to catch Psycho at the Bloody Barry Horror Film Festival. I quite fancied a Halloween Hitchcock Happening on a dark night in Shocktober.
Working the graveyard shift though meant I couldn’t commit so I missed the bloody lot – pun totally intended.
Definitely going to trot along to The Small Space very soon though and take in some of the dinky delights.
Magic, movies, Merlot, and did I mention their trademark Marmalade Gin – what’s not to love.
See you there.
Mrs SVJ
Sue Vincent-Jones, writing as Mrs SVJ, is a Barry born journalist, editor, and communications specialist. She blogs about Barry – and her life in the wider world, through the eyes of a, quirky and queer, local girl done good.
Gig Girl Reviews is where she shows that the world is wider than just our town by writing about the gigs, the films, the theatre, the exhibitions, and all things arty – all through the eyes of a local girl done good.
This blog is also featured in Queer News where Sue writes about her LGBT life – the happy times, and the hot issues. This includes all the volunteer work she does in the queer community, and her role as a founding member of LGBTQymru.
Mrs SVJ, Barry’s Boldest Blogger, can be contacted here.