The Theatres Trust

Minack

  • Theatre ID
    1088
  • Built / Converted
    1933
  • Dates of use
    • 1949 - 1939: continuing
  • Current state
    Extant
  • Current use
    Theatre (Seasonal open-air theatre)
  • Address
    Porthcurno, Cornwall, TR19 6JU, England
  • Website

Details

The creation in every sense of Rowena Cade. Hewn out of granite cliffs on the farthest rocky tip of Cornwall, a wildly romantic theatre where the backdrop to the circular stage is the moody Atlantic. Work began in 1932 on what is probably one of the finest and most skilfully adapted open-air playhouses. Seating is amphitheatre style, with the stone decorated with celtic designs. Visited by companies from all over the country, productions are from June to September, and range from Shakespeare and Restoration comedy to Ayckbourn.


Hide further details

  • Events
    • 1932 Owner/Management: Rowena Cade, owner
    • 1933 Design/Construction:
      • Rowena Cade - Architect
    • 1949 - 1939 Use: continuing
    • 1951 Owner/Management: National Council of Social Science
    • 1954 Owner/Management: Rowena Cade
    • 1976 Owner/Management: Minack Theatre Charitable Trust
  • Capacities
    • Original: 600
    • Current: 750
  • Listings
    • Grade Not listed
  • Stage type
    • See assessment
  • Dimensions
    • Proscenium width: N/A
    • Height to grid: N/A
    • Inside proscenium: N/A
    • Orchestra pit: N/A
  • Unreliable anecdotes
    Miss Cade was reputed to have fired a gardener when he refused to help!

Of the period

Stage and Wurlitzer organ at Worthing's Assembly Hall, from rear of balcony, May 2011.
Assembly Hall (Worthing)
Worthing

Have you seen?

Proscenium arch detail, Tyne Theatre & Opera House, 2000
Tyne Theatre & Opera House
Newcastle upon Tyne

Protecting theatres for everyone

The National Advisory Public Body for Theatres