The Minack Theatre

Ever wondered what it would be like to attend an open air theatre above the sea? Picture this: the sun is setting, the waves are crashing beneath you and crowds are cheering the latest live show. Heaven right?

Constructed above a gully with a rocky granite outcrop jutting into the sea, the theatre is located on the cliff edge of Porthcurno . Porthcurno is 4 miles from Land's End in Cornwall. If you trail down a steep set of stairs Porthcurno Beach is just a 5 minute walk away too!

Minack Theatre History Minack Theatre is one of the most authentic, historical and spectacular theatres in the country! This clifftop theatre is steeped in history that traces back to the magnificent Rowena Cade. Brought up in a genteel Edwardian family, she was inspired to transform a Cornish cliff-face into an open-air arena, much of it literally built with her own hands.

Rowena started building the Minack Theatre in 1929 and spent the rest of her life continuing with the project. There was no machinery involved in its construction, she used tools, dynamite, and cement mixed with sand for Porthcurno Beach - which she carried up from the beach herself! To say she put her heart, soul, blood, sweat & tears into the Minack theatre would be pretty accurate!

You can learn more about this extraordinary story on the Minack Theatre tours . Today, The Minack Theatre is now run by a charitable trust. Minack Theatre Performances Looking for a theatre performance with spectacular scenery with phenomenal views of Porthcurno Bay ?

Whether it's a Shakespearean classic like The Tempest or you are looking for events for children, there's so many captivating live theatre performances to watch at the Minack Theatre. The open air stage has put on lots of performances since the 1930's. It's most recent past theatre shows include Shakespeare's 'Twelfth night', William Russell's 'Educating Rita', Horrible Histories, Railway Children, Adventures of Doctor Dolittle, Around the World in 80 days and so much more!

If you are looking for something dark and ominous to watch with your teenage children, then you can feel the intense spook factor of Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street... Theatre performances at the Minack are always an amazing night well spent. Live Musical Performances This spectacular outdoor venue also puts on live musical performances which are brilliant to attend over the beautiful Summer months.

Did you know the Proms was held at the Minack in October 2021? A professional 16 piece orchestra and 4 singers under the baton of well-known conductor Patrick Bailey presented a lively and varied programme including popular orchestral music , and songs ranging from opera and Gilbert & Sullivan to folk song and musical theatre . The open air venue also showcases a diverse range of artists from the quirky blues musician Mark Harrison and his band, the world renowned harpist Ruth Wall, the brass-tastic band Land of the giants, and so many more wonderful artists.

Theatre Under The Stars Ever wondered how the theatre looks and feels during the darkest times of the day? As the sun descends over Porthcurno Bay, Phil Jackson (former theatre manager) will share his tales of the Minack Theatre on this exceptional guided tour. The tour costs £20 entry per person, with under 16's entry costing £10 .

Each tour lasts an hour and involves walking up and down a lot of steep steps however, other parts of the tour are accessible. You'll get to learn all about Rowena Cade too! Piskie in the Garden You kids will LOVE this - and we aren't saying this for sake of it either!

This magical and mystical storytelling session will have your kids completely captivated. As you sit on the concrete seats on the craggy granite cliffs, John Brolly will kick off his one man with mischievous puppets, enchanting music and wonderful storytelling . All the family will enjoy this charming story of a hapless gardener being outwitted by magical piskies.

Are you ready to the ancient tales of the piskie? Tickets start from £10 with under 16's going for half the price! This performance is suitable for younger children and will last 60 minutes.

Subtropical Gardens When there are no shows or activities going on, you can explore the open air theatre itself. Stand on the stage like you are the star of the show. Investigate the backstage paths and gaze down into the watery depths of the narrow 'zawn' almost under your feet.

Enjoy our beautiful subtropical gardens and admire the extraordinary carvings around the theatre, all etched by Rowena Cade using only a rusty screwdriver. Raise your eyes from the theatre and look out to sea, where the waves surge around the Logan Rock and the gannets dive from heady heights into the foam. You may be lucky enough to spot a seal bobbing around the rocks, or a school of dolphins making their way down channel.

Food & Drink Is that the sound of waves crashing or your belly rumbling?! Fill up on lots of tasty snacks & light refreshments throughout the day either from the cafe or the Terrace shop inside the theatre. Enjoy hot and cold drinks, ice creams, homemade cakes, cream teas, pasties and light snacks.

As the theatre is not licensed you bring along your own alcohol on your picnic.