Categories
Events Live Performance Theatre Truro Uncategorised

Meet our Youth Ensemble!
Jack and the Beanstalk cast announcement

Budding local young performers cast in 2024 HfC pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk 

  • 130 young Cornish hopefuls audition to bag dream roles in major HfC pantomime 
  • 18 young people from Cornwall have been cast in Youth Ensemble 
  • Youth ensemble casting follows announcement of Edward Rowe starring as The Dame in cast dominated by Cornish talent 
  • Cornwall Playhouse Production, presented in association with Falmouth University opens on 6 December and will be seen by 35,000 

Eighteen talented young stars-of-the-future have been cast in Hall for Cornwall’s 2024 Christmas pantomime following an open audition held at Falmouth University’s AMATA theatre. 

The news follows recent creative and casting announcements with Edward Rowe starring as Dame Trott and Cornish comedian Colin Leggo returning in a cast packed with West End and Cornish talent and led by pantomime expert director Joyce Branagh at the helm. The Cornwall Playhouse production promises a handful of heritage, bucketfuls of bean gags and song-and-dance-laden festive fun for the whole family.  

Director Joyce Branagh commented “It just wouldn’t be pantomime without some amazing young people on the stage and we’re really chuffed with the sheer starry talent we saw in auditions. We were looking for flair in every area – singing, dancing and acting. It was quite a big ask and we really put them through their paces in auditions but I’m thrilled with the youth ensemble we’ve cast and we can’t wait to get them into rehearsals.” 

Commenting on the cast announcement, Helen Tiplady, Producer on Jack And The Beanstalk said “What’s so great for these young people is they’re getting a  professional experience on the Cornwall Playhouse stage, being part of a full rehearsal and performance schedule all over Christmas is just so exciting. It’s a great introduction into the world of professional theatre and an important part of our drive at HfC to nurture and support young Cornwall-based artists of the future.” 

For many of these performers, this will be an unforgettable Christmas experience, and for one or two it could even be the launchpad into showbusiness – one of last year’s Peter Pan young performances, Joel Molin is about to take to the stage in the West End as Little Micheal in MJ the Musical at the Prince Edward Theatre.

Introducing our Youth Ensemble… 

Treading the boards throughout December in Jack And the Beanstalk at the Cornwall Playhouse will be Jessica Bailey, Ella Baker, Amelia Jane Banks, William Bell, Eva Rose Carhart, Evangeline Dear, Archie Grafton, Hollie Grose, Julia Guttridge, Daisy Hudson, Sandy McCutcheon, Kensa Parker, Isla Rennie, Mia Rivas, Lyra Shephard, Bella Vicary, Tula Star Walker and Chloe Webster.  

Huge congratulations to everyone who auditioned. Look out for our final eighteen at Hall for Cornwall throughout December. 

Helen Tiplady, Deputy Creative Director and the Jack and the Beanstalk Producer added “And for those brilliant performers who didn’t get through this year, we’ve said please keep in touch! We’ve got a whole range of  opportunities coming up over the next 12 months and would love each and every one of them to be involved–honestly all the young people were complete super stars. We could have cast it 10 times over with these brilliant Cornish kids. Auditions are tough, but a valuable part of realising what its like to be an actor.” 

 Book now for Jack and the Beanstalk (Fri 06 – Tue 31 Dec) at the Cornwall Playhouse: https://www.hallforcornwall.co.uk/whats-on/jack-and-the-beanstalk/

Categories
Events Opportunities Theatre Truro What's Hot

JOIN OUR PANTOMIME CAST!

HALL FOR CORNWALL, TRURO, ENGLAND - December 21st 2023 : Stage side and BTS images of a performance by the Cornwall Playhouse of Peter Pan; Photographed by HFC photographer in residence Hugh Hastings.

Well here’s a giant opportunity to gain real theatre industry experience! We’re putting a casting call out to young people across our region who love performing. Here’s a chance to get in on the fee-fi-fo-FUN (get it?). Be the sparkle on our stage, performing with professionals, in the youth ensemble of this year’s Christmas show at Hall for Cornwall… 

It’s panto’ time, and Cornwall Playhouse Productions 2024 festive extravaganza will be a giant production of Jack And The Beanstalk. We’re casting two teams of young people to make up our Youth Ensemble, joining our professional cast for the production which runs 06-31 Dec 2024. Availability for rehearsals required from 04 Nov, auditions will take place on 07 Sep, and we’re looking for brilliant youngsters from school years 5-10 or equivalent ages.  

We’re unable to audition anyone going into Year 11 GCSE or who is 15 or older at 01 Aug 2024.  

Interested? Grab your beanstalk climbing gear and click below to apply. 

Closing date for applications 19 Aug 2024. No late applications accepted. We’ll share audition info’ around 2 weeks out from auditions.   

Categories
Staff Theatre

Hall for Cornwall strengthens senior team with appointment of
Jack Morrison

HALL FOR CORNWALL, TRURO, ENGLAND - May 30 2024 : HFC staff member Jack Morrison, photographed by HFC Photogrpaher in Residence Hugh Hastings.

Jack Morrison has been announced as Deputy Theatre Manager, as Hall for Cornwall (HfC) continues to strengthen the team which operates the Cornwall Playhouse.

Photo by Hugh Hastings

Jack Morrison joins the Cornwall Playhouse team, led by Theatre Manager Polly Dent, supporting our busy stage programme which sees more than 300 performances each year and audiences of up to 300,000. Previously, Jack has worked with artists and creatives across the region, including Kneehigh Theatre, Eden Project, The Works and most recently Creative Kernow, where he oversaw the FEAST programme.

HfC Chief Executive and Creative Director Julien Boast commented: “I’m glad to welcome Jack to HfC. This is a crucial moment for us, as we look to reward the loyalty of our audiences by continuing to develop and strengthen our team. We’re excited to enjoy that really rounded body of experience that Jack brings from across our creative industries.”

Jack Morrison commented: “HfC has always been an important place in my life and an iconic venue for our region, the team are top notch. As a proud Cornishman I’m thrilled to be getting stuck in as we work to further-develop the theatre’s fabulous reputation, delivering cultural experiences for everyone in Cornwall.”

Jack will take up his post in the summer following Glastonbury Festival, where every night he’ll be overseeing performances in the Circus Fields.

Categories
Theatre Truro Uncategorised

THINGS TO DO THIS OCTOBER HALF TERM

Looking for something to do this October Half Term? ??

From children’s workshops to shows for the whole family, there’s something for all ages happening in and around Hall for Cornwall…

For the little ones…

This October Half Term, you can find us hiding in your local Cornwall Council Library! Join us for some Peter Pan themed fun in one of these locations from MON 23 – FRI 27 OCT!?

? MON 23 OCT – Falmouth Library (10am – 12pm) and Camborne Library (1.30pm – 3.30pm)

? TUE 24 OCT – Wadebridge Library (10am – 12pm) and St Columb Library (1.30pm – 3.30pm)

? WED 25 OCT – Torpoint Library (10am – 12pm) and Bodmin Library (1.30pm – 3.30pm)

? THU 26 OCT – Newquay Library (10am – 12pm) and Hayle Library (1.30pm – 3.30pm)

? FRI 27 OCT – St Agnes Library (10am – 12pm) and Penzance Library (1.30pm – 3.30pm)

And don’t forget Toddler Time! ??

Join us for a Halloween themed Toddler Time in our Green Room Cafe! ? There will be arts, crafts, games, stories and even some spooky dancing!

? TUE 24 OCT / 10AM

Find out more here.

Fans of McFly and Monsters Will Love…

Tom Fletcher’s much-loved book series comes to life in There’s a Monster In Your Show!

 

This high-energy 50-minute adventure is packed full of beautiful, colourful puppets and live instruments! You can expect plenty of playful fun for your littlest ones as their favourite characters come to life in a show that is packed with interactive moments to enjoy together. Complete with brand-new original music composed by Tom Fletcher himself, this is the perfect introduction to live theatre.

? MON 23 | 1PM / 3.30PM

? TUE 24 | 11AM / 2PM

Come and feel the fire!

The Waterboys take the to Cornwall Playhouse stage for one evening of live music!

Sadly, this show is now completely sold out, but we hope everyone who managed to get tickets has a memorable time!

? WED 25 OCT | 7.30PM

Things are hotting up in the kitchen…

James Martin is turning up the heat with his brand new live show!

The proud Yorkshire-born chef is planning to make the new tour even hotter with fun, laughter, food and even some live music in this exclusive gastronomic experience.

? THU 26 OCT | 7.30PM

Sha La La, Ha Ha!

Join legendary pioneers of UK Rhythm and Blues, The Manfreds as they celebrate a remarkable 60 years in the business.

Celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the band that defined a decade with their unique sound and hits.

? FRI 27 OCT | 7.30PM

Finally, close half-term with a bang…

Britain’s most-successful dance group DIVERSITY are set to raise the roof with their explosive new production SUPERNOVA!

Expect a thrilling night out with Ashley and Jordan Banjo and the whole team. This production is almost completely sold out so grab your tickets while you can!

? SAT 28 OCT | 2.30pm / 7.45pm

? SUN 29 OCT | 2.30pm / 7.45pm

Other things happening at Hall for Cornwall this October…

Our Green Room Café will be open as usual throughout the October Half Term, serving up delicious sandwiches, hot drinks and sweet treats.

Relax in a cosy atmosphere, surrounded by tropical plants and the warm scent of coffee in the air. Dig into a wholesome pie from Peck and Strong followed by a tasty treat from BB’s Gluten Free Bakery (pictured) and many more…

And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not take a wander through our Ope Way and explore the auditorium?

If you’re spending an evening in Truro, pop into our Playhouse Bar for cocktails and chilled vibes. Open most evenings and around showtimes, this is the perfect place to unwind in the bustling city.

However you choose to spend your October Half Term in Cornwall, we hope to see you here at Hall for Cornwall.

Categories
Theatre Uncategorised

THE QUEEN OF CRIME RETURNS TO HALL FOR CORNWALL…

On 15th September 1890, the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie, was born. Author of at least 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, including And Then There Were None, The Mousetrap, and The Murder on the Orient Express. Christie is celebrated around the world for her genre-defining work. The Guinness Book of World Records names Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, as her novels have sold more than two billion copies!

As a creator of mysteries, it’s no surprise that this sensational writer was an enigma herself…

“Very few of us are what we seem.” – Agatha Christie

Image © The Christie Archive Trust

Surfing in Hawaii, an obsession with fast cars – her life was filled with one surprise after another. Born into a wealthy upper-middle classic family in Torquay, Devon, Christie was mostly home-schooled. At age 5, she taught herself to read, and found a love of storytelling – it was around this time she began writing her own tales. As she grew up and found her voice, her early stories received a total of 6 rejections, but finally, in 1920, her talent was recognised when The Mysterious Affair at Styles – featuring Belgian detective Hercule Poirot – was published.

As her fame began to take off, she longed for a way to explore other writing styles, inventing the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. Under this name, which she wrote 6 semi-autobiographical novels exploring human psychology in greater depth. Her daughter Rosalind Hicks described them as “bitter-sweet stories about love”, and nobody made the connection between Christie and ‘Mary’ for over 20 years.

She married her first husband in 1914 – and had one child – before divorcing in 1928 when he met somebody else. Following the breakdown of her marriage and her mother’s death in 1926, Christie’s mysteries became a reality when she made international headlines by going missing for eleven days. Her car was discovered in a quarry, and after an anonymous tip, police discovered her in a hotel in Harrogate, where she is alleged to have been staying under the name of her husband’s mistress. She claims to have had amnesia, and cannot remember the period of disappearance – to this day, historians argue about where she went and what happened to her.

Articles from the Surrey Advertiser and Surrey Times at the time of Agatha Christie’s disappearance in 1926 (Image: Surrey Advertiser)

In 1930, she re-married an archeologist, and spent several months each year visiting him in the Middle East. Her time here further fueled her first-hand knowledge of this profession which makes an appearance in her stories. During both World Wars, she worked in hospital dispensaries, discovering the uses of poisons that featured in many of her novels, short stories, and plays.

In 1955, Christie became the first person to win the Mystery Writers of America’s Grand Master Award – and in the same year, Witness for the Prosecution received an Edgar Award for best play. Then in 2013, 600 professional novelists from the Crime Writers’ Association voted her as the best crime writer of all time, and The Murder of Roger Ackroyd as the best crime novel ever.

Her novel And Then There Were None is one of the best-selling books of all time (approximately 100 million copies have been sold!) and has been adapted for TV, Film and theatre. In 2024, we welcomed a new adaptation to the Cornwall Playhouse, directed by Lucy Bailey (Witness for the Prosecution, now in its 6th year in London).

Continuing along the Hall of Fame, her stage play The Mousetrap holds the world record for the longest theatre run. It opened in the West End on 25 November 1952 and ran until September 2018 with more than 27,500 performances! In 2023, we were thrilled to welcome the production to Hall for Cornwall in it’s 70th year of touring.

We’re delighted to welcome yet another Christie classic to the Cornwall Playhouse this year.

Her beloved thriller The Murder on the Orient Express, one of Agatha Christie’s greatest literary achievements – and starring the one and only Hercule Poirot – storms on our stage from TUE 19 – SAT 23 NOV 2024!

Agatha Christie has inspired generations of crime writers, and countless adaptations of her work, for television, radio, video games, graphic novels, and more than 30 feature films.

Whether you’re new to Christie or love a good mystery, we’re delighted to continue to welcome her greatest works to the Cornwall Playhouse.

Categories
Theatre Uncategorised

101-Year-Old Kate takes flight as a Cornwall Playhouse record-breaker

HALL FOR CORNWALL, TRURO, ENGLAND - August 4th 2023 : As part of the celebrations for the staging of Peter Pan in December 2023, 101-year old WWII veteran Kate Orchard from Camborne, becomes the oldest person ever in the UK to take a wired stage flight. Photographed by HFC photographer in residence Hugh Hastings.

On Friday 4th August 2023, we hit a Peter Pan themed peak by ‘flying’ the oldest person on our stage – and setting a new record in the process!

After a callout to find the oldest person in Cornwall to fly on our stage, we discovered Kate from Camborne, Cornwall, who was nominated by her granddaughter Kyra. As a WWII RAF plotter, Kate has a true passion for flying. In 2022, she met astronaut Tim Peake during his sell-out appearance at Hall for Cornwall, and in the same year she took flight from RNAS Culdrose in a glider to raise money for charity  ?️

Kate is the oldest person in the UK to fly in wires on stage

When she visited the Cornwall Playhouse, she found lift-off in a whole new way – with a pinch of fairy dust and happy thoughts ✨ Kate Orchard, 101, was connected to stage wires and flew to dizzying heights on the Cornwall Playhouse stage alongside the stars of our 2023 Christmas Show, Peter Pan.

Guided by Flying 1st Class, Kate rose gracefully before gliding across the stage without a care in the world. The support team had prepared for a leisurely flight, but to their surprise and delight, Kate called out to ‘go faster!’ and ‘go higher!’ ?

And in the process, she broke a record by being the oldest person in the UK to fly on a stage in wires ?

A proud Camborne resident and great Grandmother, Kate is a WWII veteran, has met King Charles and attended Westminster Abbey to mark milestone WWII Anniversaries. She recently received a bottle of Royal Champagne from the King to mark her 100th Birthday. She is a regular church goer to Camborne Church and is still running the Scrabble club after 15 years. 

“She is the pinnacle of our family. I know she is my gran, but she is the most inspirational person I have ever met and is always so happy and positive about life with a wicked sense of humour. She is an absolute charmer to anyone that meets her – and it’s been her lifelong ambition to fly!”

-Kyra Orchard.

And there’s a granddaughter that should be proud!

Actor Ollie McFarlane, who will play the role of Peter Pan this Christmas, watched on in awe.

‘Kate was such a great sport – she fearlessly flew into the air! I think I could learn a thing or two from her!’

-Ollie McFarlane, Peter Pan

Find out more about Ollie and the cast here.

 “Watching a smiling Kate soar into the air brought us so much joy, and was a reminder to me of the enduring appeal of Peter Pan to all ages – none of us ever really grow up! We’re thrilled that we could sprinkle magic over Kate, it felt like a fitting tribute to her lifetime of heartfelt and meaningful contributions.”

–Julien Boast, Chief Executive and Creative Director at Hall for Cornwall.

Kate was joined by 9-year-old Woody, a brave young boy who received life-saving treatment from Great Ormond Street Hospital. She was so delighted to meet Woody, that she took the opportunity to throw a handful of ‘fairy dust’ over him as they flew side-by-side. 

You can read more about Woody’s magical day here.

With the 101-year-old back on terra firma, Julien invited Kate and her family to attend the VIP Press night when Peter Pan opens in December. Kate will have the chance to meet the cast again, and see the show, alongside other special guests.

 This was a truly magical day for us all and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house as she sprinkled us all with fairy dust (glitter!) ✨

We are honoured to have met lovely Kate ❤️  What an inspiration!

“Peter Pan” is a Cornwall Playhouse Production, sponsored by First Kernow.

“Peter Pan” is presented by arrangement with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity and Concord Theatricals Ltd. On behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk. 

You can find out more about Peter Pan, starring Edward Rowe (Kernow King) and written/directed by Steve Marmion here: https://www.hallforcornwall.co.uk/whats-on/peter-pan/

Categories
Theatre Uncategorised

9-year-old Great Ormond Street Patient Takes Flight as Peter Pan on Cornwall Playhouse Stage

Peter Pan might be the most magical story there is, and ahead of the show opening at the Cornwall Playhouse in December 2023 we spent a few hours in August 2023 bringing the story to life for one brave little boy.

In August 2022, Woody was admitted to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) with bone marrow failure. After a successful procedure, the boy and his family are relishing the second chance that the GOSH intervention has provided.

J.M Barrie, author of Peter Pan, gifted copyright of his story to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), which means that all royalties are donated directly to the charity to fund their life-saving work. This unforgettable gift is one that keeps on giving, and when we heard Woody’s story, we felt it was our duty to invite him for the experience of a lifetime.

He even came dressed as the boy himself!

Little did Woody know that the actors who will play Peter Pan, Wendy and Tinker Bell were waiting in the wings in full costume, ready to guide him through the starry skies of their magical set.

“When Hall for Cornwall asked my son if he’d like to fly like Peter Pan his face lit up. Coming to the theatre and seeing a show is a magical experience but being able to meet the cast and crew and fly was just incredible.”

-Laurie, Woody’s Mum

Woody was taken backstage where he met the cast of our Christmas Show, before stepping into his harness and taking flight. Flying company Flying First Class were joined by Tinker Bell to help him fly.

Tinker Bell sprinkles fairy dust to help Woody fly…

After the flight, Woody exclaimed: “That was probably the most exciting thing I’ve ever done in my life!” 

Woody was also joined by Kate Orchard, 101, who broke the record for being the oldest person in the UK to fly on the stage on wires. Kate was delighted to meet Woody, taking the opportunity to throw a handful of ‘fairy dust’ over him as they flew side-by-side. 

You can read more about Kate’s magical day here.

Woody’s mum told us later that day: “Woody has suffered with a lot of anxiety over the past year and flying made him feel very special and brave. Theatre has been a huge part of Woody’s recovery, so this experience was so important. Thank you to Hall for Cornwall, the flying crew, Peter Pan, Tinker Bell and Wendy for making my little boy feel so special and thank you for giving him (and me crying from the wings!) this opportunity. We can’t wait to come back to the Cornwall Playhouse to watch Peter Pan.” 

Woody and his family will return in December to watch Peter Pan on an invitation-only VIP evening with other special guests.

You can find out more about Peter Pan, starring Edward Rowe (Kernow King) and written/directed by Steve Marmion here: https://www.hallforcornwall.co.uk/whats-on/peter-pan/

“Peter Pan” is a Cornwall Playhouse Production, sponsored by First Kernow.

“Peter Pan” is presented by arrangement with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity and Concord Theatricals Ltd. On behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk. 

 

Categories
Theatre Toddler Tuesday Truro

THINGS TO DO WITH THE FAMILY IN CORNWALL

Are you searching for something fun to do with your little ones this summer and beyond?

There’s something special about visiting the theatre with the whole family – and it’s not just the sweet treats, magical merchandise, and the well stocked bar (for the adults!) It’s a whole experience. The excitement of choosing a show, the counting down of the days until it arrives, the moment before the curtain rises to reveal a magical set…

Whether you’re 3, 93, or anywhere in between, you’re invited to dress up and join us for an adventure into a magical world where anything can happen. Our stage is a spellbinding place filled with special effects, music, and famous faces from the worlds of film, TV and even books.

So whether you’re delighted by Dragons, fond of fairies, or you dig a dog called Duggee, there’s something for everyone this year at Hall for Cornwall. Set in the heart of Truro, a stone’s throw from Falmouth, Newquay and St Austell, we’re the hub of entertainment in Cornwall.

Come and see what’s happening in our theatre in 2023…

Toddler Time!

Every Tuesday at 10am in our Green Room Cafe

Join us for stories, crafts, music, games and more with our friendly and energetic Get Creative Team! Each week has its own theme, and is often related to the productions on our stage, so you can experience the magic of the theatre with our experienced creative practitioners!

Recommended for ages 2-6 years, this workshop is £4 per child, and it’s free for adults and younger siblings.

Find out more about this fun workshop in Truro here.

Crafternoons ?

Every Wednesday through August 4.30pm-6.30pm in our Green Room Cafe

Get stuck into some serious free-flow Peter Pan-themed crafting fun!

Perfect for creators ages 4-9 and we’ve even thrown in yummy afternoon snacks for an adventure to Neverland. Tickets are £10 with packed tea or £4 without.

Led by our creative band of brilliant buccaneers, get ready for paper, pencils, gems, glue and – of course – a sprinkling of pixie dust (by which we mean glitter!).

Dragons and Mythical Beasts ?

TUE 29 – THU 31 AUG

Calling all brave heroes! Enter into a magical world of myths and legends From the creators of the international smash hit Dinosaur World Live…

Dragons and Mythical Beasts is packed full of magical creatures and magnificent monsters, like the colossal Stone Troll, the not so friendly Tooth Fairy and even a unicorn! Don’t miss this spell-binding adventure, live on stage in Truro, Cornwall for one week only.

Tin Man ?

WED 13 SEP

Joss Arnott Dance presents a magical new retelling of a classic story, seen through the rusty eyes of the Tin Man and their journey to finding their heart and happiness. This magical show for all the family is the perfect way to cap off the summer in Cornwall. You can even meet the cast and get some magical photos, so you can take a piece of the show home with you!

The Ocean at the End of the Lane ?

TUE 19 – SAT 23 SEP

If you’re searching for something for teenagers and yound adults, don’t miss this thrilling production. From the imagination of Neil Gaiman, best-selling author of Coraline, Good Omens and The Sandman (now a major Netflix series), comes the National Theatre’s major new stage adaptation of The Ocean at the End of the Lane.

This five-star spectacular from the producers of War Horse and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a thrilling adventure of fantasy, myth and friendship, taking audiences on an epic journey to a childhood once forgotten and the darkness that lurks at the very edge of it. It’s giving us serious Stranger Things vibes!

There’s a Monster in Your Show!?

MON 32 – TUE 24 OCT

Tom Fletcher’s interactive adventures for big imaginations are leaping from page to stage, as the beloved Who’s in Your Book? series makes its debut as a brand-new musical show in the Cornwall Playhouse!

With an invitation to his friends, Dragon, Alien and Unicorn to join him, you can expect comedy and chaos as they help to create a magical show, learning about the joy of books and friendship along the way. A high-energy 50-minute adventure featuring lively original music, this show is the perfect introduction to live theatre.

Peter Pan ?

By J.M. Barrie

MON 04 – SUN 31 DEC

Looking for a way to make Christmas in Cornwall extra special?

Following the fizzing festive fun of 2022’s Treasure Island, we’re getting ready to sprinkle fairy dust through Cornwall with Peter Pan! Journey with us to naughty Neverland where dangerous pirates and a certain crocodile are lurking…

Come fly with us! Stuffed full of pesky pirates, freewheeling fun and a gaggle of lost boys and girls, take flight with Peter, Wendy and of course Tinker Bell too!

“Peter Pan” is presented by arrangement with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity and Concord Theatricals Ltd. On behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk.

And if this wasn’t enough, check out our What’s On page for our full programme of events. There’s musicals, dramas, comedy, films, talk shows and live bands to knock your socks off.

Hall for Cornwall is the place to be in 2023 – and beyond!

Photos by Hugh Hastings

Categories
Cornish Roots Redevelopment Project Theatre

FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS: THE MUSICAL MADE US PROUD TO BE CORNISH

Time flies when you’re having fun, and we’ve been having plenty since our grand re-opening!

In October 2021, we flung open our doors to eager audiences as Fisherman’s Friends: The Musical made its world premiere on our stage, and marked the beginning of a new era for the Cornwall Playhouse.

As we look back on that time when the stage fell silent while we worked hard behind the scenes, it seems like only yesterday that our auditorium swapped out audiences for workmen, and the sound of music for the sound of drilling… but it was all worth it in the end!

And after that quiet time (that lasted a little longer than we’d hoped because of a worldwide pandemic), we welcomed you back into the Cornwall Playhouse to celebrate more than just our transformation, but the joy of being together again.

As audiences filed in with audible gasps and words of praise for the newly improved Hall for Cornwall, the evening continued to be filled with surprises, as Fisherman’s Friends: The Musical took to the stage – and the real Fisherman’s Friends joined them for the final song! This was a monumental moment for us all, as this was our first Cornwall Playhouse production, and a co-production with ROYO.

‘Every night the audience was packed and on their feet and singing, it was the most extraordinary experience, and this just brings it back.’

– Robert Duncan who plays Jago reminisces of the first tour

After a sellout world tour, we welcomed the return of this feel-good, life affirming story to our stage again in April 2023, to the delight of Cornish folk everywhere!

Let’s take a look back on the day Fisherman’s Friends: The Musical came home to Cornwall, 18 months after its debut performance at the newly renovated Hall for Cornwall.

Tuesday 11th April…

The celebrations began in our local pub, The Old Ale House, where some of the cast met the Fisherman’s Friends band for a drink and a sing-along – much to the surprise of locals popping in for a pint!

BBC Spotlight joined in with the occasion and interviewed some of the cast while they were there, which you can watch below…

IFrame

Afterwards, the cast went back to their dressing rooms to prepare for opening night. And what a night it was!

As our audience welcomed the return home of this beautifully Cornish production, our auditorium was filled with laughter, tears, and cast-iron sense of community.

Whether you know the music, you’ve seen the films, or this is your first time ever hearing a shanty, you can’t help but be moved. There’s something magical about the way the songs have been passed down from generation to generation. The words transport you through time, like a lyrical history book, reminding you of the hardworking communites that form the backbone of Cornwall’s history – and continue to thrive today!

As the storyline explores the challenges of the modern world to fisherfolk and our small seaside villages, there is a constant reminder that we have something in Cornwall that nobody can take away. Our communities are more like families, and no matter how much time goes by, you’ll always find us, singing our stories, in a village by the sea.

‘When I’m not here, it’s Hereth, that longing for the place where you belong.’

– Susan Penhaligon who plays Maggie

With each song, the words had us floating across timezones and generations, like a lyrical history book, bearing witness to the hardworking communities that form the backbone of Cornwall. We could hear our ancestors singing their hearts out, out on the waves as they raised their nets, and deep underground, carving their tools into the earth, searching for copper and tin. These songs keep them alive, and remind us of where we came from.

And of course – there were a few Oggy Oggy Oggy’s!

The evening drew to a close when the Fisherman’s Friends band took to the stage in a special appearance. Their beautiful, sping-tingling rendition of Cornwall My Home made us proud to be Cornish 〓〓

‘One of the reasons I’m doing this is to play the Hall for Cornwall… I think they just get it, they get the jokes, they get the accents, they get the expressions…they just get it all.’

– Susan Penhaligon

Thank you to the cast and crew of Fisherman’s Friends: The Musical for another spectacular production, and to the real Fisherman’s Friends for inspiring so many with their story.

And above all, thank you to you, our devoted audiences, for reminding us time and time again of the joy of live performance.

Photos by Hugh Hastings Photography

Categories
Theatre

MANCHESTER CAMERATA: MOZART TO MENDELSSOHN AND BEYOND

Celebrating the work of classical greats Mozart and Mendelssohn, and a special piece by one of Cornwall’s own, the Manchester Camerata arrives at Cornwall Playhouse on Tuesday 2nd May for its debut performance.

Founded in 1972, Manchester Camerata has gained international recognition for its innovative and dynamic approach to classical music performance. Renowned for its diverse programming, collaborative ethos, and commitment to community engagement, Manchester Camerata has become a leading force in the UK’s classical music scene, captivating audiences with its exceptional performances and creative initiatives. Their short film, ‘Untold – Keith’ has recently one the storytelling category of the prestigious RPS awards, capturing the how dementia affects the everyday life of Keith, who lives with onset dementia, and his wife Joan, and how music provides light in difficult times.

Alongside the world premiere of a brand new piece from Cornish composer Paul Saggers, co-commissioned by Manchester Camerata and Hall for Cornwall, this concert features extraordinary masterpieces written by two great composers who both reached astonishing heights of creation and inventiveness in their short lives.

Mozart’s Innovative Style…

Mozart’s great Clarinet Quintet dates from 1789, the same year as his opera The Marriage of Figaro and just two years before his untimely death. He wrote it for the Viennese clarinettist, Anton Stadler, the leading virtuoso of his day and a pioneer of the recently invented instrument. The clarinet is joined by a string quartet in one of Mozart’s most profound and beautiful pieces of chamber music. There are four movements, covering a wide range of emotions and dynamics, from intimate conversation between the clarinet and the strings to the joyful and elegant set of variations that form the finale.

Meets Mendelssohn’s Musical Masterpieces…

Felix Mendelssohn wrote his brilliant and virtuosic String Octet in 1825, when he was just 16 years old. It remains one of the few masterpieces for this relatively rare combination of four violins, two violas and two cellos and has been described as “one of the miracles of 19th-century music”.  Mendelssohn’s own performance instructions state: “This Octet must be played by all the instruments in symphonic orchestral style; pianos and fortes must be strictly observed and more strongly emphasized than is usual in pieces of this character.”

The Octet’s four contrasting movements abound with melody, invention and counterpoint, culminating in a breathtaking fugal finale, which quotes part of the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s Messiah.

Listen to Paul Saggers as he talks about his brand-new composition ‘Dear Nan’…

IFrameIf you are searching for a evening of classical celebration with a Cornish flair, come along and submerge yourself in the spectacular sounds of Manchester Camerata, filling our auditorium with their breathtaking music on Tuesday 2nd May.

Learn more bout Paul Saggers, taken from his biography:

Paul Saggers (photo taken from www.paulsaggersmusic.com)

‘Paul Saggers (b. 1985) was born in Cornwall. He started playing the cornet at the age of 12, more recently playing for the Camborne Town Band and the Flowers Band. At the age of 25 he decided to pursue a career in the Royal Marines Band Service and is currently based in the Plymouth Band. His interest in composition started later in life after enrolling in the BMus degree programme through the Royal Marines. His first work to be performed by a brass band, entitled The Great Storm Cat, was premiered by The Cornwall Youth Brass Band of which he was a former member. His work The Roar of the Khamsin was shortlisted for the 2017 RWCMD composer competition and was premiered by the Cory Band. In 2019, Paul became a finalist at the European Brass Band Association composition competition in which his work Ironbright was awarded 2nd place. Paul has written extensively for Wind Band and in 2019 completed an MMus in Composition through the Royal Marines in partnership with Plymouth University where he was tutored by English Composer Simon Dobson.’