the classic guide

A guide to the West Country from the people that know…

Minack Theatre

The Cornish theatre with real ‘wow’ factor is the Minack. Perched on the cliffs at Porthcurno, the Minack is an open-air theatre-in-the-round – and a triumph of vision over reality.

Minack Theatre
Porthcurno
PENZANCE
Cornwall
TR19 6JU

Telephone

01736 810181

01736 810471

5 Stars

Oct 2022

Wow!

Breathtaking setting and unique theatre experience. Thank you.

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5 Stars

Aug 2022

Not to be missed

You will need to book ahead but if you are in the vicinity this is a must to visit. The gardens and overall experience are a great "big tick" on the bucket list

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5 Stars

Aug 2022

Oh wow!

Stunning location and a fantastic production of The Merry Wives of Windsor. A unique and very special experience that should be on everyone's bucket list. Remember to bring lots of cushions and blankets and a picnic. Oh and more cushions! 😆

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5 Stars

Jul 2022

Simply breathtaking!

We visited the Minack Theatre for the first time

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5 Stars

Jun 2022

Fantastic setting

Beautiful, what a setting! Take a cushion and blanket and it’s a great way to spend an evening.

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2 Stars

Oct 2020

Bev

Magical

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5 Stars

Sep 2020

Mischief Movie Night at the Minack

Fantastic setting and a very entertaining show. The staff were brilliant and the social distancing worked well. If you have the opportunity to visit (for a tour or with tickets for a show) don't miss it. It's an amazing place.

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5 Stars

Aug 2019

Minack theatre

Brilliant, a must, the play was excellent

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5 Stars

Jun 2019

Best open-air theatre ever

I came here back in the 1970's and was fascinated. I came again now and nothing has changed. Where can you say that? Unique place, great artists (we enjoyed Shakespeare), incredible atmosphere. Out of this world! But take warm clothes, it can be cold later!

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5 Stars

Sep 2018

Amazing place !

We had booked to see a performance months ago as a friend recommended it. We were not disappointed. This is an amazing place.

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5 Stars

Aug 2018

A wonder to see

£5 each to view a theatre seems steep but when you go through the doors and see the view on a sunny day its well worth it. One of the best views Ive ever seen in Cornwall.

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5 Stars

Aug 2017

Beautiful

Stunning views, gardens, ammenities and the actual theatre itself is worth the trip down alone. Recommended to anyone visiting Cornwall, add the MinackTheatre to your itinerary.

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5 Stars

Oct 2016

An Absolute Must!

The views from this magical place are gorgeous and all the gardens that are painstakingly laid out between the seats are a real pleasure to see,but the theatre itself is so spectacular that it almost takes your breath away.We have been to Cornwall lots of times and have always promised ourselves a visit to the Minack but this was the first time that we had made it.I have to say that having been once we will certainly be returning.Thank you Rowena Cade for starting this truly magical place!

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5 Stars

Sep 2015

An absolute must!

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5 Stars

Jun 2013

Worth a visit. Wonderful views, sea birds amazing to watch. Warm welcome good cafe, great cakes!

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5 Stars

Jun 2013

A unique experience!

What can one say? This was my second trip to The Minack, but my partners first. She was utterly enthralled - the production of "Mack & Mabel" was fabulous! But, let's be honest, the real star of the show is the theatre itself - absolutely tranquil setting, looking out over the sea and Porthcurno Beach while the production unfurls before you (there is something truly magical about the sound of the sea drifting in during the quiet parts of the show). Really - if you do one thing whilst in Cornwall, please make it a trip to see a play at The Minack Theatre. You surely will not regret it - and it's outstanding value for money too (less than a tenner for a seat)!

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5 Stars

Nov 2012

Minack Theatre – Spectacular

The story about how the theatre was created is fascinating.

The views from inside the theatre and out to sea are stunning.

Once you have visited the theatre either walk down the footpath or go to the car back at The Telegraph Museum and walk down to Porthcurno Beach. What a way to spend a day.

Anne Gage

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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5 Stars

Sep 2012

Amazing

Have wanted to visit Minack for ages & it lived up to expectations, fantastic views & what an amazing story.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
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5 Stars

Aug 2012

Wonderful evening at the Minack Theatre

Wonderful evening at the Minack Theatre performance of David Copperfield. The weather on Bank Holiday Monday afternoon had been appalling - pouring rain- but we received text updates from the Minack, and in line with the BBC weather forecast the rain stopped in time for the show and later on the moon shone over the sea. The play was very well done and we all enjoyed it, even the teenage boys. We wrapped up warmly and invested in hire of the Minack padded seat cushions with backs. This year we had stone seats with backs which were much more comfortable than sitting on the grass terraces. I booked the seats online about a month in advance, and I believe they were sold out for the week's run of the play.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
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5 Stars

Aug 2012

Squashbox Theatre - Craig

If Squashbox repeats in 2013 ...you must go and see it. Morning shows for children - but equally enthralling for Adults.
Craig is a fantastic performer and you get the chance to see the Minack.

But you will need to book - performances in August are usually sold out a few days in advance.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
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5 Stars

Jul 2012

Amazing and great value

I rang the theatre to ask for advice and they were incredibly helpful.Unfortunately the weather was rubbish - but the show went on and we enjoyed a great play in an amazing location - even the weather couldnt ruin the evening. Well worth a visit and good value for money.

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5 Stars

Jun 2012

Worth every penny - the history about how the theatre was created is fascinating; the views from inside the theatre and out to sea are stunning.

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5 Stars

May 2012

Excellent attraction with fantastic views.

We tried to book tickets online prior to our visit, but the theatre was fully booked. However, when we visited during the day, we found that the booking office had received some cancellations and we were delighted to be able to get tickets for two days later . Worth checking with the booking office when you visit!

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5 Stars

May 2012

MINACK THEATRE

This is truly uplifting, the story about it is amazing ,the views are simply wonderful. No plays on when we visited but truly a great place to spend some time, free car-park!! decent reasonably priced cafe, friendly staff.

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5 Stars

Apr 2012

Mesmerising

We got tickets to see Titanic The Musical which was being performed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the sinking. Adult tickets were a very reasonable £8 for the upper terraces, which gave a decent view. We all wrapped up warm with blankets and foam sit mats (essential) and thoroughly enjoyed the show. The backdrop of the sea and cliffs on the opposite side of the bay gave this show special significance. The real water gushing down the steps and the marine distress flare illuminating the sea made this a truly emotional and memorable experience.
Go to the Minack Theatre - you won't be disappointed

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5 Stars

Oct 2011

Spectacular!

Read the story of Minack Theatre before visiting and then marvel at what you see there!

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5 Stars

Oct 2011

Worth Going

Saw Pirates of Penzance in Sept and was fab. Do take warm clothes even if the weather seems mild and totally exposed to elements! My partner nearly had frost bite on his ears so had to buy a silly hat! Some people who were not dressed for cold weather left at the interval.

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5 Stars

Sep 2011

Wonderful - everyone should visit this place, truly amazing.

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5 Stars

Aug 2011

A wonderful place to visit, for all the family. Attended chidren's storytelling session on a Tuesday morning (on Tues. & Thurs. morning during summer holidays), which was a great hit with both children and adults. Enjoyed some delicious Cornish pasties in the cafe on site before heading down to Porthcurno beach below - a great day out!Superb views when the weather is fine.

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5 Stars

Jul 2011

Fantastic. Super setting for The Death of Sherlock Holmes which was funny and very entertaining. Wrap up warm, even on a summer's evening, and take cushions to sit on. Plenty of opportunity in the break to wander round and explore,taking photographs, up and down the steps. We bought fish'n'chips in Sennen to eat there which were lovely rather than have the hassle of carrying a picnic round all day.

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5 Stars

Jul 2011

Great Evening

A superb location, made even better by a great performance.
Will return.

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5 Stars

Jun 2011

Marvellous Minack

We loved the Minack: the turquoise sea as a backdrop to the action on the stage. We were there for a matinee on a hot September day in 2010. A traditional production of Gilbert and Sullivan's Mikardo by actors from Cambridge University. Many years ago, a friend had performed in this at the Minack.

Words of warning: the tiers are very steep, and the sun can be very hot: not a venue for the very elderly (who were there when we were, but a couple were overcome by heat). Recommend the canvas seat covers which make the narrow tiered seats, cut from the rock, more comfy.

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5 Stars

Jun 2011

The Minack Theatre

A wonderful venue. Attending at least one event is a must. Take plenty of warm clothing along with a picnic and something hot to drink because you really are exposed to the elements. Early booking is essential for many events. If you love the theatre then a visit to the Minack is not to be missed. Plenty of easy access parking.

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5 Stars

Mar 2010

A stunning location for this original open air theatre. Fantastic views with the possibility of fabulous sunsets. If you are lucky you may also see dolphins. Book early for the summer time plays as it is very popular and remember to take a picnic and lots of warm clothing!

Jean Speake

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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5 Stars

Oct 2008

Minack Theatre

Open air theatre built by Rowena Cade in the most stunning cliff top setting near Penzance at Porthcurno.
Whether you attend a performance or simply visit the site (there's the Rowena Cade visitors' centre and a cafe), you'll find the setting utterly breathtaking. I'm still in awe of the determination of Rowena Cade to create this utterly unique theatre where a great variety of imaginative performances take place. The weather is important, so it's a good idea to check the forecast before you book.

- J Wallwork

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
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5 Stars

Jul 2008

This must be the most dramatic setting for an open air theatre in Britain. Book early if you want to go to a performance.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
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5 Stars

Jul 2008

Wow is not enough

To say that it has 'wow' factor is not enough. No photograph does it justice. People walk in through the gates for the first time and their jaws hit the floor. Daytime visitors can enjoy the exhibition about Rowena Cade, the single lady who built the theatre with her own hands, and take refreshments in what must be the most spectacularly appointed coffee shop in the country. But it's even better to come on a summer evening when there is a show on. No trip to Penwith is complete without experiencing this unique and wonderful theatre.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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