Minack Theatre, Porthcurno
- Minack Theatre (01736 810181)
Porthcurno, Penzance, Cornwall, TR19 6JU
www.minack.com
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What is it? - The Minack Theatre is an open-air theatre, constructed above a gully with a rocky granite outcrop jutting into the sea. The Minack was the brainchild and life long passion of Miss Rowena Cade, who lived in Minack house over looking Porthcurno Bay. After Performances of Shakespeare's The Tempest by a local dramatics group in her gardens in 1932. Herself and her gardener put together some rough seating and a terrace, and the performance was a success. Every winter from then on Miss Cade sought to improve the theatre until it became what we see to this day.
Nowadays, the theatre is used from June to September for a full summer season of 17 plays, produced by companies from all over the UK and visiting companies from the USA. The theatre is open for visitors throughout the rest of the year. The 75th Anniversary of Minack was celebrated with a production of The Tempest in August 2007.
Where is it? - The Minack Theatre and Visitor Centre are located on Porthcurno, at the extreme south west of Penwith, 20 minutes from Penzance. By bus take Routes 1 and 1A operated by First, and Route 504 operated by Western Greyhound.
When is it open? -
Performances are from June to September, Visit www.minack.com for more info
Visitor Centre, Gardens and Cafe are open;
March 17 to May 18
Daily: 9.30am to 5.30pm (last entry 5pm)
May 19 to September 21
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sat, Sun: 9.30am to 5.30pm (last entry 5pm)
Wed, Fri: 9.30am to Noon (last entry 11.30am)
June 16-20 & 23-27: 9.30am-noon (last entry 11.30am)
September 22 to October 31
Daily: 10.00am to 5.00pm (last entry 4.30pm)
November 1 to March 31 (2009)
Daily: 10.00am to 4.00pm (last entry 3.30pm)
Why should I/we go? - The Minack Theatre is the most famous cliff theatre in Britain, possibly in the world, carved into the granite cliff overlooking the spectacular panorama of Porthcurno bay. The views are unmissable if you want stunning photos to take home. Theatre lovers will appreciate the unique atmosphere and backdrop the open sea gives the performances.
