The best outdoor theatre in the UK, the Minack Theatre, is literally on the edge of a cliff in Cornwall. It’s time to enter stage right and embark on a theatre and garden tour.
Porthcurno, west Cornwall, is home to the famous Minack Theatre. Constructed by Rowena Cade in the 1920s after a offering her cliff garden for several Shakespearean performances, this unforgettable open air theatre is now thoroughly embedded in the county’s history. The world famous Minack Theatre is also considered as one of the best places to visit in Cornwall.
Translating to “rocky place” in English (the Cornish word is “meynek“), I visited the Minack for a Theatre and Garden Tour to experience for myself this amazing setting and learn in wonder at Rowena’s endeavour’s to build Britain’s best theatre.
Planning your visit to The Minack Theatre
If, like me, you’re visiting the Minack for a theatre and garden tour, booking is advised especially in peak season. Opening times differ in low season so do check details. Parking is at no extra charge. At the time of writing, adult entry is £10 and £5 for children (under 16 years).
You’ll find The Minack Theatre through the village of Porthcurno. You pass the main village car park just before Porthcurno Beach and to be honest, after that there’s only one way to go! If you use What 3 Words, the reference is ///solids.kiosk.operating .
You are welcome to bring your dog to the Minack Theatre. However, if you are visiting for a performance, your furry friend will have to stay at home.
Inside the Minack Theatre
Once on the impressive grounds of the Minack, you can find your own way down pass the seating area to the stage. Alternatively, you can listen to audio tour and be guided down through the gardens, learning about the beginnings of this spectacula amphitheatre.
As I like a good tale, I opted for the latter (I’d highly recommend). It seems so fitting that a place that tells so many stories through acting, song and dance has such a compelling story itself. It’s incredible to learn from the Rowena Cade exhibition within the theatre grounds, that she built the Minack Theatre by hand, even bringing up buckets of sand from the beach below. In fact, it sounds like a life long project.
The drama doesn’t start and end in the theatre, there’s plenty of drama in the surrounding natural environment too. Weaving my way down the carved walkways, the views are immense. It was a hazy autumn day when I visited, but it didn’t take anything away from the incredible views. In fact, I think it adds to the mood and atmosphere.
There are small inlets and arches near the stage, with curved stone seating. Seats are engraved with the names and dates of previous performances, a thoughtful nod to the history of the Minack Theatre.
If you watch a show here, consider bringing blankets and layers. Actually, depending on the weather, you may need a load of sunscreen or a poncho/umbrella! An impressive list of shows have been performed at the Minack Theatre. This year alone has seen Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Fisherman’s Friends, and a musical rendition of Sense and Sensibility.
I particularly liked walking around – there’s more nooks and crannies that you’d think. I could imagine how performers move their way around the Minack and make use of the space in creative ways. Stage lighting was in place too, ready for the next performance.
The gardens are pretty impressive too. They had me hankering for a visit to a garden centre on the way home. Coastal shrubs and flowers thrive here; it’s beautiful.
There’s a great coffee shop on site with lots of windows allowing you to wave watch and admire nature’s own drama while you sip your drink. You’re also welcome to take your own picnic to the Minack Theatre.
Things to do nearby
Fancy a stroll on the south west coast path to somewhere wonderful? It’s only a short walk from Porthcurno to Pedn Vounder Beach. Head in the other direction and you’ll come to Porthgwarra. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.
You can book your trip to the Minack Theatre and performance tickets on their website.
My visit to the Minack Theatre was gifted by the lovely people at Best Days Out Cornwall. I was under no obligation to share content or write this blog post. The only condition was for me to enjoy myself! The views here are my own and I’d recommend a visit.
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