The Story of Monkey

Monkey was opened in 1998 as part of the new cultural and artistic regeneration proposed for the city centre of Swansea. For many years I had bemoaned the fact that nothing already in existence in the area matched up to the vibrant and progressive venues I had enjoyed in Australia, Europe and Asia. Finally the realisation dawned that if one was going to be created in Swansea we would have to do it ourselves.

Schemes like the arts factory in Byron Bay Australia provided much of the information in terms of ultimate goals for the project; a meeting place for artists and musicians and a forum for their work, a progressive and ethical policy in terms of business practice, styles of food, waste management and a relaxed and bohemian atmosphere.

We began small as most projects do, opening as a restaurant with a difference. Even at this stage entertainment was as important to us as the food we served and with the help of the local music scene we began to build a small but loyal following of people who instantly understood and loved the non-corporate organic vibe we were aiming for.

This was the first time that either myself or my partner Paul had attempted a business of this sort and we made all the mistakes you would expect from novices. Throughout the troubled times, of which there were many, we clung to the belief that Swansea needed what we had to offer and sooner or later this would see us through. In recognition of our efforts to run an event based arts venue, Swansea City Council finally agreed to give us the night club status we so desperately needed to further develop Monkey and raise it to the next level of operations.

At this stage we were still in a very small premises and though big in atmosphere our limited facilities and numbers made it difficult to accommodate the more established touring artists we wished to encourage to Swansea. Our neighbours, Anglian Windows, lease was coming to an end and after some  nagging they agreed to vacate the next door property. We decided to sell our house and sink the money into expanding Monkey. It took 8 months to complete. We knocked down walls by day, cleaned up and opened as usual every night. It was an exhausting task and finally, in April of 2004, it was finished.

We reopened to 400 people and a whole new approach to our monthly entertainment line up, we were now able to book the artists that had previously bypassed Swansea, among them were Hybrid, Freestylers, Scratch Perverts, Dreadzone, Mr C and LTJ Bukem to name but a few. The performers that pass through monkey always comment on how much they love, not just the venue and its intimate charm, but also the clued up, friendly and enthusiastic crowd, many of which are muso’s themselves. Our reputation started to spread on the circuit and many of the artists would play for special rates as they enjoyed the gigs so much.

Monkey’s development has been an organic process and it is still evolving. This year, the best sound rigg we have ever owned has been fitted and we are committed to continually raising our game in all aspects of what we do.

Monkey was made for you all, many a musical career has started here and we continue to be an accessible proving ground for new artists. So if you are an aspiring artist, poet, singer, musician, comedian, DJ, MC or Yugoslavian plate spinner then contact Kate at Monkey and she will do her best to fit you into our line up.

I really want to say thanks to all our devoted customers for their appreciation and continued support. We wouldn’t have endured without you.

As for the future we have lots of plans and schemes up our sleeves, so watch this space and we will try our best to keep you entertained. Who knows you may be watching the next Damian Rice or Nizlopi, both have been regulars on our bill.

Last but definitely not least to all the Monkey family who’s combined talents and creativity keeps us keeping on, we say a huge THANKS!!

YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE
LOVE MANDY AND PAUL