Theatre changes with the seasons in Cornwall.  We get really excited for the outdoor performances by Kneehigh Theatre, Miracle Theatre and at the Minack Theatre, which never ever fail to deliver a magical atmosphere and stunning performances.

With the summer season closing in now, we are coming to the end of these performances – however, if you are just back from your holiday and planning your next one, I beg you to check out these companies, where theatre is not always based around a venue.  We are so lucky to be the home of two outstanding theatre companies who travel extensively and pop up in village halls, gardens and in their own tents. 

Please look up www.kneehigh.co.uk .  They perform all over the world, in traditional theatres and their own ‘Asylum’ tent which is sometimes at The Lost Gardens of Heligan.  Their performances are unique and unforgettable; telling stories with comedy and magic which also hold a serious edge.  Edgy is the word.

Also we are unbelievably lucky to have www.miracletheatre.co.uk who tour village halls, gardens and beaches in the summer.  They are more than great; take a blanket and picnic and you will have a real treat.

And if we are to talk about venues, one of the most amazing venues ever to be visited is The Minack.  You’ll probably have heard  about it already.  It’s an open-air theatre, constructed above a gully with a rocky granite outcrop jutting into the sea.  How cool is that?  You watch the performance with the sea behind the actors. Their website has webcams so you can see the view.  They have a huge variety of day and evening performances.  Take a blanket and picnic.

It’s 4 miles from Land’s End and next to the beautiful Porthcurno beach and the Telegraph Museum (there you go – a complete day out planned).

As autumn comes to us we start to think about indoor, cosy treats.  Mike has always been a big film lover (hence the extensive library of DVDs available to borrow at Lower Barns) so the cinema has a big draw for us.

There are two main cinemas locally at St Austell, great if you are tying it in with walking on the Clay Trails, a trip to the Eden Project, Lanhydrock House or the Lost Gardens of Heligan for example and Truro, if you are heading west.   There are also two absolutely cracking little tiny traditional cinemas at Padstow and Wadebridge, with plenty of sites to see and walks to enjoy in either of these towns and surrounding coastlines.

We are all excited about Poldark Series 2 starting on Sunday.  The St Austell White River Cinema is hosting a Premier red carpet event before the TV screening on Sunday with all the main cast attending!

The Hall for Cornwall hosts a massive calendar of events and being in the centre of Cornwall is very convenient.

The Princess Pavilion in Falmouth, is so totally ‘Falmouth’.   It’s charming and beautiful, with a  blend of vintage and modern, offering a really varied programme of entertainment all year round.  Falmouth is really young and arty, since it’s home to Falmouth College of Art and the quaint town is full of little galleries and museums.  Falmouth harbour is the deepest natural harbour in Western Europe, the river is always busy and entertaining with pubs and cafes so you can sit and enjoy.  The Maritime Museum hosts a fabulous collection.  All in all, plenty to see, do, eat and enjoy here!

Cornwall Film Festival – happens every November in Cornwall and creates film events, special screenings and produces an education programme every year.  It’s really diverse range of film associated things and celebrates lots of independent work.  If you are a film buff I would recommend taking a look at what they do.

All in all, we never feel short of entertainment from film and theatre in Cornwall.  The question is ‘what have I forgotten?’.  Please remind me and share your favourite things too!

If you would like to stay and play at Lower Barns while you absorb some of the top knotch Cornish culture, call me on 01726 844881 or email janie@lowerbarns.co.uk.  Take a look for your favourite room on www.lowerbarns.co.uk.

Love Janie x