MINACK THEATRE

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All information given in good faith - for use as guidance only.

Text Toni Jackson

Minack Theatre is a world famous open-air theatre located right on the coastline of Porthcurno bay with spectacular views of the Atlantic ocean as its back-drop.

Built in the style of a Roman Amphitheatre, Minack was the brainchild of Rowena Cade, who lived in a cottage behind the theatre.

Construction of the theatre began in 1929 when Rowena offered the use of her garden to a local amateur dramatic society as the perfect location for their production of "The Tempest", as it was right by the sea.

Rowena and her gardener began working hard hauling materials down from the cottage and up the winding paths from the beach below to construct the terraces and seating areas in time for the production.

Following the success of "The Tempest" in 1932 Rowena decided to continue with what had started as a garden-project and laboured hard in the winter months to improve the theatre's facilities for the following summers' productions.

As the theatre's facilities improved more and more plays and musicals were performed there. Rowena's hard work and dedication continued right up until her death in 1983 at the age of 89.

These days the Theatre is registered as a charitable trust and is run by a local management team who oversee a wide variety of productions including comedies, musicals, plays etc.

Productions are staged annually from June to late September with a special production of "The Tempest" every ten years in celebration of the Theatre's anniversary.

However, the theatre is also open to visitors all year round. There is a visitor centre, which provides much information about the history and development of the Theatre as well as a coffee shop with breath-taking panoramic views of the bay looking out towards Logan Rock. The Theatre is also surrounded by spectacular sub-tropical rockeries, which are a delight to walk around.

Minack Theatre is certainly a magical place to visit, the pictures will never do it justice - you must see for yourself!!

Whilst in the Porthcurno valley, why not spend some time exploring the fabulous beach - shown in the top photograph - an excellent location for swimming or family days out. Or visit the Porthcurno Telegraph Museum, and discover the early role that Porthcurno played in the development of modern communications technology.