‘Rebirth of the Tavern’: Barnstaple’s newest music venue promises theatre-standard gigs

One of Barnstaple’s longest-running late-night venues has opened a new live music space transformed to professional theatre standard, with the aim of driving a revival of grassroots music across North Devon.

The Tavern Live Lounge officially opened on Friday, November 6 with a new stage, lighting and sound systems not usually seen outside professional music venues.

The Mayor if Barnstaple, Councillor Loki Dawson, carried cut a ribbon for the opening ceremony and North Devon MP Ian Roome was among guests on the night.

The project has been led by North Devon’s Chris Horrell, a lighting and production specialist who spent many years designing and creating the lighting backdrop for BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, among other television shows.

He was also behind Ilfracombe Remembers, the film projected onto the towers of the town’s Landmark Theatre in 2018 to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War and last year he also produced a VE Day 80 film for a pop-up cinema in Barnstaple Pannier Market.

Chris describes the Live Lounge as a “rebirth of the Tavern” and the town centre venue will continue as a pub and late-night destination alongside its live music programme.

It will also be the hub for the Young Generation Music Academy, which will help young musicians and bands hone their skills and learn as they begin their journeys into the music industry.

Chris said: “I truly believe the stage is worthy of any in our area. Fans will think they are in heaven and these will be proper shows, not just a disco. Normally you would have to go to the theatre to get what we are putting on.”

The venue has been given a major technical overhaul, with professional-quality sound, improved production facilities and a new concert-standard lighting rig that Chris designed himself.

The labyrinthine maze of the Tavern helps to give its well-known atmosphere but makes it an unconventional concert setting, so live cameras will also film the acts and show them on screens around the venue.

Chris went on: “It has a proper lighting system, not disco lights and the atmosphere there gives you the feeling that you are part of the performance rather than just watching it.”

He said the potential of the building, which holds 450 people, became clear to him straight away when he visited the venue.

He explained: “I went to the Tavern and hadn’t really noticed it before, but I thought it could really take off again. With a venue that size, I thought we could start attracting new audiences.

“My vision was to create somewhere musicians would be excited to perform, audiences would love to visit, and where live music could once again become a thriving part of our community.”

Interest from musicians has been strong and when the team first sounded out the local scene, 73 bands said they would be interested in playing there. Chris said ticket prices will be kept low, starting from £3.

The building dates back to the 17th century, when it was the Albert Inn. It was renamed The Tavern in the Town in the early 1970s and became one of North Devon’s best-known nights out, famous for live bands and disco nights over the following decades. Mike Jordan has owned it since 2016.

Alongside an exciting new performance venue, the team is setting up the North Devon Grassroots Music CIC. It is a community interest company, with registration pending and will be based at the Live Lounge.

The CIC will support local bands, solo artists and emerging performers. It will also run the Young Generation Music Academy, which will help young musicians form bands, rehearse, build their skills and confidence and get on stage. The academy will also offer training in sound, lighting, video and production.

Chris said: “We are there for everybody and we welcome new young audiences and new young bands. We want to attract youngsters to come and play, and we can provide them with instruments. I’m also training up young technicians, so if a band has someone who wants to learn, they’re welcome to get in touch.

“Once the community interest company is established, we are going to go after arts funding. We want to prove to the Arts Council and similar organisations that we are creating art here and music is a big part of that.

“North Devon has an enormous amount of musical talent, but talent needs somewhere to grow, somewhere to perform and above all, people who believe in it. That’s what we’re trying to build.”

Performer Sarah Devonshire has worked on stage professionally for 38 years and is one of the academy’s mentors.

She said: “Music and art is my saviour. I’m honoured to represent the academy and to be a mentor to anyone, young or old, who would benefit from my knowledge and experience. All we need now is for those budding artistes to come and seek the support they need. We’re waiting to welcome you!”

On the opening night Ms Devonshire performed her burlesque-style cabaret, Mid-Century Modern. It was followed by The Next Generation, a musical comedy by Alf and The Amigos, written by the Tavern’s musical director Martin Greenlee with Jay Tucker. Chris described the show as “Star Trek meets David Bowie”. The cast rose to the occasion after two performers fell ill on the day.

Tavern owner Mike Jordan said: “What a fantastic night we had. The entertainment was absolutely sensational and the appreciation shown by the audience made the evening even more special.

“As the owner, I cannot express how proud I am to see my venue being used exactly as it should be, bringing the community together through live music, entertainment and special events like this. This is just the beginning of a wonderful new chapter.”

Musicians, bands and young people interested in getting involved can contact the team at [email protected] or through The Tavern’s Facebook page.