Family entertainment on the cliff edge! (Minack Theatre)

Member Name: lynsey78

Product:	Minack Theatre
Date:	24/01/09 (38 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Amazing views, good day centre also and good prices

Disadvantages: Performances cancelled in Extreme Weather Conditions.

The Minack Theatre really is a truly amazing experience, not only the productions but the views are breath taking.

The History
In 1932 Miss Rowena Cade and her dramatic group performed Shakespeare's Tempest in Porthcurno with the sea as their backdrop in Miss Cades back garden. Liking the setting Cade and her gardener made a terrace and rough seating - the start of the theatre that we see today.

The word Minack in Cornish means rocky place. The edge of the theatre that looks over to the sea is very rocky and many fishermen used to frequent the coves before the theatre productions started.

After the first play shown in 1932 many productions followed performed by local players, such plays included The Tempest and Twelfth Night.

The theatre is not only open for productions but you can visit it as an attraction during the day. There is the Rowena Cade Visitor Centre, this is where you can learn all about the history of the theatre. There is also an amazing coffee shop with spectacular views and you can of course walk around the open air theatre. And a lovely gift shop.
The visitor centre is open through out the year at varying times relevant to the time of the year. The price to look around the visitor centre is:-
Adults £3, Over 60 £2.20, Under 16 £1.20 and under twelve's are free.

The theatre is host to many productions, not just from local players but now also attract some bigger productions. The productions normally run twice a day, both are amazing for different reasons. The evening performances are amazing with all the lights where as the day time ones you get to soak up the sun.
There are also seats in a shaded area if required.

Being an outdoor theatre the performances are open to the elements! So go prepared for all eventualities.
Performances are only cancelled in extreme weather conditions. If the weather is bad in St. Ives or Newquay it doesn't mean it is bad at the Minack, just call ahead and they will let you know the weather conditions.

You can buy tickets to productions online, over the phone and in person at the box office.
Ticket prices are normally:-
Adult £8.50/£7.00,
Under 16 - £4.50/3.50.
They also offer group rates and special rates for disabled people.

The Minack theatre is situated in Porthcurno, only twenty minuets away from Penzance and it is signposted with a brown tourist sign so is very easy to find.

There is plenty of car parking and there are also disabled parking places available.

The Minack theatre is not only a brilliant tourist attraction but the performances are worth visiting also, a fantastic family day out what ever the weather.

Summary: Amazing theatre on the cliffs