A MAGICAL duo are preparing to bring what they believe will be one of Wales’s smallest theatre venues to Barry.

Barry cabaret entertainer and close-up magic magician Jasper Blakeley and business partner and fellow close-up magician, Bryan Gunton are setting up shop in the former Homemade Wales shop, in Island Road, off High Street, Barry.

Plans have been submitted for the aptly-named ‘The Small Space’ to cater for around 16 people and be a venue for live music, karaoke, and private functions.

The venue is 16ft by 12ft – the size of an average living room.

Mr Gunton, 44, of Llantwit Major, said operating the business would restore the joy of magic to his life rather than it being simply a job.

He said: “It’s going to be a place for performance magic, but also acts that you usually don’t get, such as jazz, or people who don’t have sufficient audiences number to warrant a venue to perform.

“There’s nothing like that available anymore and it’ll also be a place where people can rehearse in front of a small crowd without being thrown into a bear pit and somewhere they can produce a show-reel.”

Mr Blakeley, 46, said: “Barry could soon be home to Wales’ smallest theatre.

“The 16-seat venue and bar, will initially focus on close-up magic and conjuring cabarets, but we haven’t ruled out other entertainment.

“We’re planning to have lots of different kinds of things on offer in this unique and quirky environment.”

“Initially it’s the fully ticketed evenings of magic that we expect to be the main draw.

“With the Victorian environment, we’re hoping it’ll have the elegant sophistication of a by-gone era.”

The pair are in talks with some world-class UK and international magicians already in talks to perform at The Small Space and it is hoped the venue will be fully licensed.

Vale planners will decide whether to grant permission on November 27 this year.

Visit Thesmallspace.co.uk