When researching my trip to Cornwall and stumbling across pictures of the Minack Theatre, I knew I just had to visit this little open-air amphitheatre built on the cliff tops. On further discovering some performances were coinciding with my time in Cornwall, my tickets were booked immediately.

It was a bit of an adventure getting to the Minack Theatre. Dad thought he knew better than the sat nav; and decided to ignore it and just follow the road signs to Land’s End, since he remembered seeing the theatre signposted near there the previous day. The problem with his wonderful plan was that his fantastic route was a tourist route. We spent the majority of the trip praying not to meet oncoming traffic on the narrow lanes; navigating around cows wandering aimlessly on to the road; getting struck behind a tourist bus and a tractor, which were almost impossible to pass; and frantically worrying if we were going to make the performance on time despite when starting out having ample of time.

Watchout for Cows!

Dad’s wonderful navigating meant we got to the Minack Theatre with only a few minutes to spare. We arrived slightly flustered and were guided to the last 3 remaining seats, but small mercies, it actually worked in our favour. Being right at the back of the theatre, we had a wall behind us to lean against throughout the performance.

Welcome to the Minack Theatre

On taking our seats I took in the absolutely stunning view directly behind the stage; the rugged British coastline contrasting with the turquoise waters of the sea. I think this is the most spectacular backdrop for a theatre I have ever seen in my life. The Google images had not lied.

Stunning Views

We watched a play, “The Mill on the Floss” by George Eliott. It was cleverly done, but neither my parents nor I would be in too much of a hurry to watch it again. Instead of watching the performance, my mind would drift to the dots bobbing up and down on the sea, which I could just make out as surfers.

Me in the Minack Theatre

This late in the year and being perched on the side of the cliff, we were expecting it to be cold and rainy. However, we couldn’t have asked for better weather. The Minack Theatre was a little sun trap. As a result, as well as the picturesque view, the other distraction to the play, was the people dropping like flies. Due to the unexpected heat, 3 people fainted and had to be carried out of the audience.

Who would have thought Cornwall being too hot in September! 

The End

Even though the play wasn’t really much my cup of tea I thoroughly loved the experience and would love to come back, maybe next time to see some Shakespeare and also ensuring I take the main roads to get to the Minack Theatre.

Info: The Minack Theatre can be found in Porthcurno, Cornwall.  The best way to get to the Minack Theatre is by car, but on certain days there is a limited bus service from St Ives.  The suggested route by car is to follow the A30 almost to Land’s End before following the signs at Trevescan to Porthcurno and Minack.  We took the B3306 from St Ives, even though a pretty scenic route, if your time is limited, I would strongly recommend against it! 

If there are no performance, the Minack Theatre is open to the general public from 9:30am – 5:30pm in Summer and 10am – 3:30pm in Winter.  However, do check out their web site as you don’t want to go all that way to find out it is closed due to a live performance.  I would highly recommend you try and coincide your trip to the Minack Theatre with a play, I promise you won’t be disappointed!  It is very reasonably priced, Adult £5 | 15 & under £2.50 | 11 & under 50p | Under 2 free.