An enduring memory from my childhood holidays in Cornwall was a visit to The Minack Theatre. Who could forget being perched on a grassy terrace, wrapped in a blanket against the elements, with the Atantic Ocean stretching out in front of you?
The Minack Theatre at Porthcurno is unique. And despite the feel of being in an ancient amphitheatre, you are in fact experiencing drama in a performance space created in the 1930s.
We visited with our two pre-school children to give them their first, and hopefully memorable, experience of open air theatre.
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Minack Theatre history
The Minack Theatre was created by Rowena Cade, whose home, Minack House, sat at the top of the cliff.
Rowena wanted to make a place for local drama enthusiasts to perform Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’. This performance happened in 1932 and the theatre has thrived ever since.
It now welcomes 80,000 people to open air theatre shows all year round. A further 150,000 visit the far south west of Cornwall just to see the spectacle of this wonderful place and its epic sea views.
The gardens are also acclaimed for their tropical plants nestled in one acre of flower beds.
At the top of the cliff there is an exhibition centre telling the story of the Theatre and how it has grown over the years.
Experiencing open air theatre in Cornwall
The funny thing about The Minack Theatre is that after a little while you forget about the cool grass seat under your bottom.
The quality of the performance is always good enough to draw your eyes away from the alluring view and refocus you on the storyline. We found this even with the children’s adaptation of ‘A Midsummer Nights Dream’ by storyteller Robin Goodfellow, aka John Brolly.
The sea, sky and cliffs magically blended to become a backdrop for this one man act on stage.
Four-year-old Tin Box Tot was enthralled throughout the 45 minute show, shouting back the answers to cheeky John Goodfellow’s questions and using her wriggly fingers to summon up magic on cue.
Shakespeare’s work is definitely as relevant today as it was 400 years ago and John Brolly was brilliant at bringing the storyline up to date for a young audience.
Tin Box Baby was a bit more wriggly and, to be honest, I wouldn’t normally have attempted to keep her still for so long. Some snacks and a bit of knee bouncing got us through the second half of the performance.
We have since returned to see The Railway Children, which was another brilliant performance cleverly put together for the venue.
How much does it cost to visit the Minack Theatre?
Tickets to walk around the theatre cost £8 for adults, £4 for under 16s. Children under two can visit for free.
If you buy show tickets you can also explore the theatre and its museum.
Check the website for the most up-to-date visitor information as opening times and prices may change.
Tips for visiting The Minack Theatre with children
- Bring a blanket for your knees and a picnic rug for the floor or your shelved seating.
- Keep hold of wriggley children when the show starts. If they decide to jump off their seat they could fall.
- Use a baby or toddler carrier to bring small children to your seats and hold hands with older ones as there are a lot of steps.
- Double check everyone has been to the toilet before you take your seats as it’s a long way back up to the loo next to the exhibition centre.
- Bring snacks to bribe smaller children to sit still. There is a cafe selling meals to eat in and take away at the top of the theatre and smaller takeaway half way down.
What happens at the Minack Theatre if it rains?
The show will go on! Performances only get cancelled in extreme weather and will go ahead in the rain.
You can check if the conditions are too extreme by looking at the Minack Theatre’s website.
So, plan ahead. If rain is forecast wear full waterproofs and wrap up warm. Umbrellas are not allowed.
Is the Minack Theatre dog-friendly?
Dogs are welcome if you are visiting to look around the Theatre but not during performances.
My advice would be if you are planning on attending a performance on anything but a cool day please do not leave your dog in your vehicle.
There is no shade in the car park and dogs die in hot cars. The Theatre website recommends a boarding service for pets.
I’ve written a guide to more dog-friendly Cornwall days out.
When is the Minack Theatre open?
The Minack Theatre is open on selected dates all year round. If you would like to visit just to see the theatre you still need to book in advance.
Shows sell out fast so always need to be booked in advance.
Where is the Minack Theatre?
The Minack Theatre is located in Porthcurno near Penzance in Cornwall.
Close by you’ll also find Porthcurno beach and PK Porthcurno Museum (formerly The Telegraph Museum) which is a fascinating place to visit with kids.
Have you visited The Minack Theatre in Cornwall or attended an open air theatre with children? I’d love to hear about the shows and venues that have entertained your family.
To find out about shows happening at The Minack Theatre this season visit the theatre’s website.
If you’re looking for more holiday and days out inspiration check out our essential guide to family holidays in Cornwall.
If you’re planning a visit to The Minack Theatre in Cornwall why not pin this post for later?!
Liz Walsh
Friday 23rd of June 2017
Very good through review. I have been to Cornwall lots of times but never come across the theatre. Good luck with the Brilliance in Blogging awards finals, I will send you my vote.
Claire Hall - Tin Box Traveller
Sunday 25th of June 2017
Thanks Liz, much appreciated!