The Minack Theatre in Porthcurno was a highlight of a recent Recession-busting holiday to the Cornish Coast.
Minack – which translated in Cornish means “a rocky place” – is an absolutely magical venue. An amphitheatre carved into the cliff, the views from which are absolutely breathtaking.
Floods of visitors were left open-mouthed at the news that this beautiful open air theatre was built as a result of one woman's vision and hard work.
Rowena Cade created and maintained the theatre until the day she died, aged 89, in 1983. From a simple staging of “The Tempest” in 1932, Rowena Cade’s legacy has grown into the 750 capacity theatre in existence today.
The love and attention poured into this venue seems to ooze out of the rock, finely decorated with carved symbols and the names of each play performed there.
Whatever the weather, a play is staged every week, with actors performing against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the English Channel.
We were treated to a rare performance of Trumpets and Drums by Bertlot Brecht, a German playwright and poet. Not performed since the 1960s, and therefore a brave choice on behalf of the Hertfordshire Players, I was at first wary that much of the content would be impenetrable.
Delighted to be proved wrong, the accessibility of the larger-than-life characters and ludicrous plot was delivered by an excellent ensemble cast.
We join the plight of Captain Plume, desperate to recruit soldiers to fight against revolting Americans. Boston falls - the ‘New World’ must be tamed.
Unfortunately for Plume, the people of Shrewsbury are far more interested in their own woes. Outrageous misunderstandings ensue as our leading lady Victoria disguises herself as a man in a bid to pursue unrequited love.
Meanwhile, unable to recruit by conventional means, the recruiting officers turn to the local Justice of the Peace, Judge Balance, to help fill Shrewsbury’s prisons.
The able-bodied poor are found guilty of assorted petty crimes and forced to fight for Good King George as punishment.
This frantic political satire was impressively produced, with what could often be seen as the limitations of the Minack used to the actors’ advantage.
Unlike in any other theatre, buckets of water were upturned to recreate the River Severn and one actor even appeared to urinate boldly from atop the theatre’s pillars into the sea below. Rounding off with a climactic finale, a dazzling fireworks display symbolised explosions of gunpowder as each feeble recruit fell as a casualty of war.
Any trip to Cornwall would not be complete without this marvellous experience. Discovering the incredible life of Rowena Cade gave me goosebumps and, as darkness falls, a powerful spell descends upon the audience, the like of which I've failed to encounter at any other theatre.
Performances are only cancelled in extreme conditions so be prepared to wrap up against the elements. Seating is on hard stone, so taking along your own cushion is advisable although there are temporary available to hire at the venue along with a variety of refreshments.
For further information please visit www.minack.co.uk or call 01736 810 181. Adults tickets priced £9.50 RESERVED.
Photo credits: Paul Stephens 2002 and Lynn Batten.
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