A visit to the amazing Minack Theatre
Today our motorhome holiday road trip took us to the fantastic Minack Theatre, Porthcurno, Penzance, Cornwall.
Parking
We parked for the Minack theatre in Porthcurno car park which also provides access to the beach. There is parking at The Minack theatre itself but the road to it is very narrow and unsuitable for large vehicles. Especially as it’s a “No Through Road” and you’re likely to encounter vehicles on the way down.
The car park is large with plenty of spaces. It does however mean the walk to the Minack is uphill. There is a cafe close by to the car park.
What we did
The Minack theatre is a truly spectacular sight. Unforunately we didn’t have the opportunity to see a performance during our visit, but that didn’t matter, it’s still an amazing venue.
I had seen this theatre on the TV, you know, one of those travel around Britain type of shows. I was intrigued on seeing it and thought to myself that’s definitely a place to visit.
The Minack Theatre is an outdoor theatre that is set on the cliff face and overlooks the Atlantic ocean as it’s backdrop. Indeed it looks more like something that the Romans had built rather than the creation of a Cornish lady in her back garden!
Rowena Cade
There is an entrance fee of £5, there’s the theatre itself, a cafe and a small exhibition telling the history of the theatre and it’s creator Rowena Cade.
In 1929, local drama enthusiasts put on an out-door performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream on a grassy meadow about a mile inland from the Minack. It was a great success and a couple of years later the players were looking for a venue to perform The Tempest.
Rowena Cade, who lived in Minack House, decided that the cliffs below her garden would be the perfect setting, and over the winter of 1931 and into 1932 she and her gardener, Billy Rawlings, moved endless granite boulders and earth, creating the lower terraces of the theatre, much as they are today. (Source www.minack.com)
The Theatre
The theatre created out of the cliffside is a remarkable feat. We walked past blooming flowers, and sat in awe as we took in this spectacular setting. The seating is tiered, with some of the bench seats having a grass covering. The winding paths down allow you to access your seating position.
Some of the seats are moulded in concrete inscribed with the names of the famous plays that have been performed on the stage at this incredible setting. Whichever seat you cannot fail to have a great view of what’s happening.
Whilst we were there they were setting up for a music event that was being held a day or two later.
This jaw dropping, magnificent and beautiful venue is testament to the dreams, tenacity and sheer hard work of one woman, Rowena Cade along with Billy Rawlings and Charles Thomas Angove.
Motorhome Monkey
Motorhome Monkey Thoughts
This is one of the most amazing places ever. On a beautiful day or evening I can think of nothing better than enjoying an evening in this amazing setting. Will I go back? You bet!
Where we stayed
Check out the places we stayed whilst visiting The Minack Theatre ; Treverven Touring Site; Praa Sands