LOCATED at 23 Quay Street, Cardigan’s Quay Street Studios – a venue where comedy crowds flock to see some of stand-up’s biggest stars – have one of the quirkiest histories in a town steeped in history.

Once a vital part of the old port of Cardigan, the site was also a holding house for the courthouse next door, and more recently a lodging, shop and photography studio.

Built in the 1700s, it was home to an array of mariners, scholars, dress-makers and curriers.

In 2012, the current owner Penny Thomas took charge, with training in stage design and an eye for turning awkward spaces into workable environments.

“When I bought the site it was like a run-down, dusty warehouse,” she recalled. “It had bits of history tucked into the cracks: shoes and pieces of old clothing.

“The opportunity was there to rescue and turn what was essentially a shell, which had been empty for years, into something magical. The scope was enormous.”

Starting off as a boutique guesthouse, every bit of revenue was put back into transforming the site.

Over the course of the next seven years Penny put every spare moment and penny into creating a space where the community can meet for a dose of stand-up comedy, or to sit out under the apple tree in the auditorium garden.

Since opening the business in 2013 Quay Street Studios has welcomed thousands of visitors including professional sports stars, bloggers, actors, ambassadors, politicians, musicians and artists.

The venue has accommodated bands who’ve performed next door at the Cellar Bar and some of the biggest and best names in stand-up from across the circuit since 2019.

“Due to demand, we are now running afternoon matinees, which have been just as popular as our evening shows,” said Penny.

“Our next one is on Saturday, August 20 at 5pm, before the evening show at 8pm, and it will take place outside in the shade of the apple tree.

“With an outdoor bar, the atmosphere is always very relaxed and very special.”

To find out more visit www.quaystreetstudios.com.

Tickets for the two stand-up shows are available via FB or online at https://www.jokepit.com/e/7211 or the above link.