Carved into the granite cliff face with the Atlantic Ocean as its backdrop, the Minack Theatre presents one of the world’s most spectacular performance venues. This remarkable open-air amphitheatre, constructed largely by hand by Rowena Cade and her gardener beginning in the 1930s, sits perched above Porthcurno Beach just a short drive from Tregenza.
Between April and September, the theatre hosts a varied programme of drama, musicals and storytelling that take on magical dimensions as performances unfold against the setting sun and starlit sky. Even without attending a show, daytime visits offer fascinating insights through the exhibition centre and the chance to marvel at the subtropical gardens featuring plants from across the globe that thrive in this sheltered microclimate. The views alone justify the journey, with the turquoise waters of Porthcurno Beach visible below and, on clear days, the distant Isles of Scilly on the horizon. Book performance tickets well in advance during summer months and bring cushions plus warm, waterproof clothing – performances continue in all but the most severe weather, adding to the adventurous spirit of this unique cultural experience.
