Fusing nature with culture, and scenery with entertainment, Cornwall is home to some gob-smacking settings to experience outdoor performances. Open-air theatre is a longstanding tradition in Cornish communities, with plays being held in amphitheatres since Mediaeval times. Some of these historic venues still exist to this very day, alongside many more spectacular outdoor theatre venues where the scenery, the weather, and even the wildlife, is very much part of the performance.
The most famous venue to watch an al fresco show is at West Cornwall’s Minack Theatre (pictured left), a natural amphitheatre and sub-tropical gardens tumbling to the edge of the ocean at Porthcurno. This year there’s the timeless classics of The French Lieutenant’s Woman, Peter Pan and Jamaica Inn on the packed programme; and with unscripted dolphins often gracing the backdrop, it’s no wonder that tickets sell out fast. So, where else can you watch magical open-air theatre shows with stunning views that turn to starlit skies?
Pack a blanket, an umbrella and a picnic, and head to these cool venues to catch outdoor theatre shows in Cornwall this summer…
For years now, Rogue has invited an audience into the atmospheric Tehidy Woods to follow the woodland paths into an immersive and magical storyworld. And this summer is no different, with Rebel Fairytales that will take you deep into the forest by day, and the wickedly atmospheric stories of Dark Star that will take you deep into the night with a pirate queen.
Bring a blanket and settle yourself in the clifftop grounds of Bedruthan hotel, for a magical adventure flying high above the ocean with Peter Pan and Tinkerbell. This one-off afternoon performance on 9 August opens with a barbecue, so by the time the captivating musical hits the stage, you can kick back and lose yourself in the seascapes and enthralling storyline.
Many of Cornwall’s National Trust Properties make incredible settings for open-air theatre, including this gorgeous garden estate on the banks of the River Fal. All of this summer’s plays are a magical feast for the whole family, from a brand-new telling of Beauty and the Beast and The Tale of Jemima Puddleduck, to Miracle Theatre’s scandalous 18th century rom-com, Love Riot. Come dressed for the weather and bring your own picnic.
You won’t need your camping chairs at this sheltered park setting in the heart of Penzance, where around 300 seats await for musical and theatre performances. This summer’s shows by The Fishermen’s Friends are already sold out, but there are several plays throughout July and August, including Robin Hood, Romeo and Juliet, and Treasure Island.
Another of Cornwall’s gardens laying on open-air theatre productions, Trebah is showing A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Secret Garden and The Window in the Willows this summer. All of which are very fitting for a dreamy summer’s eve in a sub-tropical jungle that tumbles to the edge of the river Helford. And with tiered seating in a natural amphitheatre, there’s no need to bring your own seats.
This autumn, from 18 September to 6 October, Cornwall’s world heritage mining landscape will take centre stage in a stirring Wildworks’ production, Stranger Beasts. Hailed as ‘a love song to the land and a wild cry to the skies,’ with its roots firmly planted in myth and fairytale, it’s set to be an incredible celebration of Cornwall’s traditions of community, welcoming strangers and outdoor performance. And we can’t wait to see West Cornwall play the starring role.
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