Minack – Possibly The Coolest Theater in The World
by R J Evans on 14/03/10 at 11:30 am
The Minack Theatre near Land’s End in Cornwall was the vision of one redoubtable woman – Rowena Cade. Her tenacity and love of the theatre led to the creation of possibly the coolest theatre in the world – perched precariously at the edge of the sea and made of stone.
When you first come across the Minack Theater your first impression is that perhaps it was something left behind by the Romans. After all, four hundred and odd years is a long time to occupy a country without finding some occupation for leisure times. However, those ideas are soon dispelled when you learn a little about the place and discover that – amazingly – the theatre is less than a hundred years old. It may not be as old as you first imagine but most people leave the place with the idea that this is definitely one of the coolest theaters in the world.
Cool is certainly the word for it – freezing might be the better word for at times the Cornish weather is inclement to say the least. However, the Cornish are hardy folk and the stupendous views to be had from the seating at the theatre is the perfect back drop for performances – especially ones which suit the environment such as Shakespeare’s The Tempest. The theater was the brainchild of a woman – Rowena Cade – who had made Porthcorno Bay, which the theater overlooks her home. Stirred no doubt by the breathtaking scenery she started something which survives to this day.
In fact it was The Tempest which was the first play to be performed at the theater – even though it looked somewhat different then than it does today. Miss Cade offered her house’s garden next to the sea after the local village theater group had put on two successful performances of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream the previous two summers. She felt that the meadow in which they had staged their production did not have the necessary grandeur for an open air performance. At the very least the edge of her garden would give any production a backdrop that no theatrical designer could hope to imitate.
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27 Comments
Sourav
Mar 15th, 2010
I really enjoyed this article! Lovely pics! Very inviting indeed! Thanks RJ!
Michael Eboh
Mar 15th, 2010
Wonderful pictures of places indeed. I like it.
Peter Cimino
Mar 15th, 2010
Antoher incredible piece…it’s always like going to school! Well done as always.
James DeVere
Mar 15th, 2010
Shoot ! You did it again . Great work , j
Diverseblogger
Mar 15th, 2010
What a interesting piece! Lovely pictures and thank you for sharing
Joie Schmidt
Mar 15th, 2010
Gorgeous.
Blessings.
Sincerely,
-Liane Schmidt.
patampar
Mar 15th, 2010
i want to explore the world of theatre
sambhafusia
Mar 15th, 2010
nice share..
Lord Banks
Mar 15th, 2010
Superb pictures and article, what a treat it would be to see a play in that setting! LB
CHAN LEE PENG
Mar 15th, 2010
Thanks for sharing! This is a COOL and Great piece! Great post as usual.
Michael Eboh
Mar 15th, 2010
Good review!
tutuffi
Mar 15th, 2010
Very interesing article. Thanks for sharing.
Wiggles18
Mar 15th, 2010
I wish more things were made of stone. Stone structures just have a better feel to them than steel and wood.
Pigazzo
Mar 15th, 2010
Beautifull picture
willyonline
Mar 15th, 2010
Nice to see you on Triond. I just started my way to Triond. I hope it will be a great experience to see others writings also
Sachin Gadgil
Mar 15th, 2010
Beautiful Pics , Good Article written
Karenne
Mar 15th, 2010
I am glad you enjoyed the Minack Theatre and Porthcurno, they are among my favourite places in the world.
subhashlaxmin
Mar 15th, 2010
attractive article with good photos
Anuradha Ramkumar
Mar 15th, 2010
Wow…I enjoyed reading your article as well as the associated pictures.
thehappypig3
Mar 15th, 2010
I’m from Cornwall. Firstly thanks, we are hardy folk. Secondly I’m glad your taken away by the minack, I’ve been there a few times to see plays (my fav being the pirates of penzance)
although nowadays if you want to go and just look around the minack you have to pay – which stands against the whole point of its creation.
also i dont think the romans actually took over cornwall…possibly north cornwall but not as far south as the lizard or penzance.
once again brilliant piece of writing on an amazing place
overwings
Mar 15th, 2010
Definitely a place to visit.
bjoumaa
Mar 15th, 2010
it is an amazing picture!
this camera man is significant!
evviesands
Mar 15th, 2010
An excellent article as usual, and great pictures, too. But the best feature is the subject itself, of outstanding beauty and character, not to mention originality! Well done!
ranoryap
Mar 15th, 2010
Wow Marvelous! Cool Indeed! That was an amazing theater.
RS Wing
Mar 15th, 2010
The placement and construction of this theater couldn’t have been any better. On the shores of this sea, it gives the play goers an added ambiance and wonderous setting. Very elegant place. The night time photo is awesome. Another great article with fascinating photos.
Netty net
Mar 15th, 2010
Wow I wish could go see a play there. I like how made of stone, How cool is that.
Travelphant
Mar 22nd, 2010
Yes I live in Cornwall and have been to the Minack many times, it’s an amazing place, I highly recommend to anyone to take a trip there if you are in Cornwall. Love the pictures….you can’t fail to take a lovely photo here…unless its raining like it often does in Cornwall, especially in the summer months. If you go, try April, May or September for the best weather.
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