Long-Shuttered 1990s Nightclub to Host Photography Exhibition

A nightclub that has been closed for three decades, known for hosting performances by goth legends The Cure and where Gavin and Stacey actor Rob Brydon once worked serving drinks, is set to reopen. Its new purpose will be to serve as an unexpected location for a photography exhibition. The Troubador club, situated in the basement of the Aberafan Shopping Centre, will showcase portraits of individuals from Port Talbot. Some of these photographic works have previously been exhibited in national galleries. Roo Lewis, a 39-year-old photographer, stated that he immediately recognized the club, with its 1990s-era decor, as his desired venue, notwithstanding its evident limitations. He remarked with a laugh, “I thought we’ve got to do a show here, [even though] it’s totally the wrong place to show photos, there’s no natural light.” The London-based photographer explained that his initial significant visit to the town occurred serendipitously. He was documenting the annual Porthcawl Elvis festival nearby for a glossy magazine, and the sole available hotel accommodation was located along the south Wales coast in Port Talbot. He recounted, “I just remember being in bed one night in the hotel and the whole room lighting up orange; it was flaring from the work, the whole sky would glow orange like it was on fire,” adding, “It was mad.” This experience marked the start of an “obsession” for him, evolving a planned six-month project into a two-year “love letter to the town.” He elaborated, “The idea of the book was to take photographs of these wonderful characters that I think south Wales breeds, particularly Port Talbot.” He further stated, “There’s this tenacious attitude, this lovely warm personality and this lovely rhythm and folklore to the place; and when you get under the skin, I really sort of fell in love with it.” In addition to being exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery, the collection has also been displayed at the Royal Academy, and will now be featured at the Troubador. Actor and comedian Rob Brydon, known for his role as Uncle Bryn in the BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey, describes the club’s name in his autobiography as “lending a undeserved air of sophistication” to the basement bar, where the “glasses were made of plastic.” He recounted his teenage experiences working there on weekends, alongside individuals who “would have been a scriptwriter’s dream.” Chris Morgan was tasked with assisting in the preparation of the club for the upcoming event. The venue retains its distinctive 1990s artwork on the walls, along with mounted records and a DJ booth adorned with mirrors. The shopping centre manager mentioned that the team has been dedicating time to prepare the space whenever possible, even during what is typically the busiest period of the year. He further explained, “We’ve got 30 years’ worth of storage… paperwork, photographs, and the Christmas decorations, so you couldn’t move in there.” Now aged 51, he recalls frequenting the club during its peak popularity and stated that reopening it was an obvious decision. Gareth Bamsey, who previously worked at the venue collecting glasses, has vivid memories of the Troubador. Following a reunion with old acquaintances several years prior, he initially considered writing a book about the establishment before opting to create a Facebook group instead. The 61-year-old recounted attending performances by punk band The Damned at the basement venue, as well as other acts such as The Tourists—Eurythmics’ Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart’s early ensemble—and The Cure. He further commented, “You had this major music scene in London, and then all of a sudden Port Talbot was part of it.” The podiatrist, currently residing in Cardiff, noted that during the late 1970s and 1980s, when unemployment increased, the club fostered a strong sense of community. He elaborated, “Usually, [on] 18th birthdays you hired the Troubador. They’d give you something like 200 tickets, you’d give them to your school friends, and any leftover you’d leave out in the corridor for anyone to pick up.” Mr. Lewis aims to revive this communal atmosphere, expressing hope that the club can stay open for two weeks to allow as many individuals as possible to experience the space that holds fond memories for many. He stated, “I’m really happy we’re reopening it now.” He concluded, “People just want to come see the place and don’t care about my photos or me, and that’s fine.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.