Photo courtesy of Cornwall Live

Benjamin Luxon CBE, who died in July 2024, was a torchbearer in the campaign for a hall in Truro, and a founder of Hall for Cornwall. Considered one of the nation’s greatest opera singers, Ben was a champion of culture in Cornwall, and an HfC cornerstone, he will be greatly missed.

During the theatre’s transformation, Ben was celebrated as an HfC ‘Local Hero’. As part of this tribute, a seat was dedicated to him in the new Cornwall Playhouse. Commenting at the time Ben said “I am so delighted and honoured to have a physical presence in this beautiful new Hall For Cornwall, especially as my involvement in creating the old Hall was one of the high points in my life…”

Sarah Smith, Director and General Manager during the transition from City Hall to Hall for Cornwall said

“He was a larger than life character who always has a twinkle in his eye even if he was annoyed with something……..he did so much to open doors for us but actually started the campaign for the Hall for Cornwall coming to the County whenever he could to support the campaign.  He was a wonderful baritone singer who was so famous in his day and certainly got us the national focus which we needed.”

– Sarah Smith

Sarah Smith during the ‘A Space for You’ campaign for Hall for Cornwall, 1994

Sarah Smith helped to establish the HfC Trust, and ran the ‘A Space for you’ campaign. Read more about Sarah Smith’s story here.

Chris Warner, the first Artistic Director of Hall for Cornwall in 1997, commented:

“He gave so much of his time to the Hall when he didn’t have much time to give. He chewed on that bone and helped us push and shove for nearly ten years until finally he stood on the stage on the opening night, declaring it to be a ‘haze of euphoria…disbelief that we’d actually done it.'”

 

– Chris Warner

Chris Warner with Benjamin Luxon CBE and Ann Jennings. Photo courtesy of Derek Williams, read more here.

Finally, Bert Biscoe, Gorsedh Bard, poet, historian and Truro City Councillor, reflects on Benjamin Luxon’s strong Cornish roots:

“Above all his stardom, his acclaim and his wonderful voice, Ben Luxon was,  in essence, a Cornishman, and a Camborne boy for whom a chorus of Trelawny would awake the deepest emotion, even when he was ensconced in the Arctic or in Japan, or in an opera house anywhere. He was also a deeply imbued Methodist, whose musical skills were awoken in Chapel – he never forgot that. He was a generous and knowledgeable man who wanted whatever he was working on with others to be the best everybody could make it – he threw his passion, reputation and charm into the battle to save Truro City Hall and to create the theatre – Gwariji Kernow – we have today. I worked with him once or twice – the last time in Milwaukee – his musicality led him to suggest that a seventh became a minor – and there was the song, transformed. He was a brave and steadfast man, and Cornwall, music , Methoidy, gardening, the World is a poorer place without him – his recordings and films however will inspire and move for as long as they are able to be seen. Rest in Song, old pard!”

 

– Bert Biscoe

Operating from HUSA – our office space here at Hall for Cornwall – Tec Girls is non-profit organisation inspiring girls to engage with the worlds of Technology, Engineering and Creative Digital (TEC).

By CAITLIN GOULD, TECgirls Founder and Director

Like many, I aspire to the idea that every child can be anything they want when they grow up. However, the reality is children as young as four are already forming in their minds what jobs are available to them based on
gender stereotypes. This is especially true in Technology, Engineering and Creative Digital (TEC).

At Bluefruit Software, we did everything we could to hire a diverse team of software engineers, but we struggled to find female engineers. This is because girls are opting out of a technical education.

In the last 20 years much has been done to encourage more girls into science and maths. Girls are now almost equal to boys and excelling in these subjects too. However, when it comes to computer science, engineering and design technology girls are still woefully underrepresented. In Cornwall only 4% chose GCSE computer science and only 5% chose design technology. I created TECgirls to inspire more girls to opt in!

Since 2019 TECgirls has run events in museums and schools across Cornwall, teaching children digital skills and that a digital future is open to all. We’ve also learnt that women feel they’ve missed the boat, wishing that TECgirls was around when they were children. So I set up TECwomen CIC, a Community Interest Company that provides training and support for women who work or want to work in technology, engineering and digital industries.

With inclusivity at its heart, I wanted to find us the right home – somewhere that shared our values. When we heard about HUSA, HfC’s co-working space, we wanted to be part of it. TECwomen has been based at HUSA for over a year. During this time, we’ve engaged over 3,000 children in 60 schools across Cornwall. We’re now running a free 8-week online digitalUPLIFT programme for women.

In the last three months alone, seven women from the first programme have found new careers in digital roles. And where TECgirls is active, schools are reporting an increase of girls taking up computer science, which is brilliant.

In February 2024, we hosted the Ctrl Alt Del Summit at HfC as a part of the Cornwall Festival of Tech.

We’re successfully changing the ratio of women in tech in Cornwall. And in case you are in any doubt TEC is a girl thing!

Images by Hugh Hastings.

The team behind the smash hit Peter Pan are back with a GIANT pantomime extravaganza! Jack and the Beanstalk is going to be bigger and better than ever before. And we’re kicking things off with our widest Access provision yet, including a new Assisted Performance format – a Chilled Performance.

The Cornwall Playhouse Production of Jack And The Beanstalk runs throughout December 2024 and promises to be a festive feast for Cornish audiences.

Assisted Performances for Jack And The Beanstalk will include BSL Interpreted, Captioned, Audio Described, Touch Tours, Relaxed Performances and, for the first time, a Chilled Performance, designed to allow for noise and movement in the theatre, with a re-entry policy allowing anyone who may need time away from the performance at any time.

Alongside the new Chilled Performance on Sunday 8th December at 11am there will also be Relaxed Performances available for family audiences and, for the first time, a dedicated Relaxed Performance for schools. Relaxed Performances take a similarly flexible approach to audience noise and movement, but also includes technical changes with adjustments to lighting, sound and pyrotechnic effects for those with sensory sensitivities.

 “We’ve listened to representatives from Cornish disability groups, schools and our community and are really pleased to be presenting a broader range of Assisted Performances this year. We’re committed to providing a supportive atmosphere for our audiences, enabling the greatest number of people in Cornwall to experience the magic of theatre. We’ll keep working on this, continuing dialogue with audiences and advocacy groups, deepening access to, and enjoyment of, what HfC does. And for anyone who hasn’t booked tickets yet, I can tell you, I’ve read the script and Jack And The Beanstalk is going to be a giant festive celebration for everyone… oh yes it is!”

– Jack And The Beanstalk Producer and HfC Deputy Creative Director, Helen Tiplady

 

Full Assisted Performance Schedule

Sat 07 Dec 5pm – BSL Interpreted Performance – Book Tickets Here

Sun 08 Dec 11am – Chilled Performance – Book Tickets Here

Sat 14 Dec 2pm – BSL Interpreted Performance – Book Tickets Here

Sun 15 Dec 11am – Captioned Performance – Book Tickets Here

Mon 16 Dec 11am – Relaxed School Performance – Book Tickets Here

Mon 23 Dec 2pm – Audio Described Performance – Book Tickets here

 

We’re forging a path towards greater accessibility for audiences, users and staff – because live performance should be for everyone. Join us this Christmas for another fun-filled family spectacular with Jack and the Beanstalk … a GIANT adventure!

A Q&A with Craig Revel Horwood, Director and Choreographer of NOW That’s What I Call A Musical.

Image credit: https://www.craigrevelhorwood.com/index.php

What sort of night are audiences in for when they come to see NOW That’s What I Call A Musical?

They can expect some fantastic tunes, a blast from the past, some amazing dancing, some great singing and a great story. It’s a little bit like Stephen Sondheim’s Follies in the fact that it’s set at a reunion and there are flashbacks. The main characters flash back to how they were as teenagers, the music they listened to back in the 80s and the things that led them to live their lives the way they have. It explores all of that and we also have a twist towards the end where we go ahead in time too. It goes through various time zones [laughs] so it’s a little bit like Back to the Future.

 

How does it tie in with the ‘NOW’ brand?

The flashbacks are all about the time when the NOW albums were so famous and so beloved, and the story is about two girls exploring how they’ve lived their lives through music. So those albums and that music were a big part of the leading characters’ teenage years.

 

The show is written by Pippa Evans. How is it collaborating with her?

She’s fun and she’s funny. She’s got a really great sense of humour and she’s a fantastic writer, not to mention a fantastic comic writer. She’s come up with some great twists in the tale and she’s quite sensitive as a writer towards young teenage girls and their relationship with their parents whilst they’re growing up.

 

It’s a brand new musical. That must be an exciting thing to be a part of?

It’s really exciting because with a brand new musical there’s nothing to really base it on, so when you get into the rehearsal room you can be really creative and you have an open mind. That’s what I love about doing new work. With this it’s about weaving all the great songs through the story. That’s one of the challenges, as well as making sure the story is strong. Comedy is a huge element in the show as well as a lot of heartfelt moments, and we’re using songs from the 80s to help push the story forward. There are so many creative opportunities with a new show and when I’m directing I really let everyone have a bit of a say. We all create the show together in the room and I think that’s really important. The actors can bring their creativity and their thoughts and ideas for the characters, then it’s about structuring it.

 

How is the guest artist Carol Decker weaved into the story?

[Laughs] It’s sort of a moment of madness really, where the musical goes into a little bit of fantasy. The singer the girls idolised and were totally in love with come to life to offer them wisdom and advice. It’s a bit like Beauty School Dropout from Grease only the advice she gives is much kinder!

Why do you think pop music is so important to everyone’s lives?

The 80s was a great time for pop and music in general helps people through lots of emotional journeys in their lives, especially with teenagers because their hormones are running riot. As an older person you look back to those moments that made you happy and music is a huge part of that. This show taps into that nostalgia but it will also appeal to younger audiences because a lot of the 80s tunes are coming back or they’ve been covered by other artists. There’s something in it for absolutely everyone and I think teenagers will associate with the two girls – how they’re living their lives, their hopes and their dreams, and their aspirations – as much as adults will. Those are themes that are universal.

 

NOW That’s What I Call Music is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Why do you think it’s such an iconic brand?

Again it’s because music is so important to people’s lives and also the NOW albums first came along at a time when people would make compilations for friends and lovers. They were like ready-made mixtapes, where you’d get so many amazing hits on one album, cassette tape or on CD whereas before you’d have to buy individual singles or albums. I think a lot of teenagers now will be shocked and surprised that we had tape decks back in the day! Before the NOW albums you’d wait for a song to come on the radio, then record it onto a cassette, and you’d never manage to get the full version of it.

 

What was the first single and the first album you ever bought?

The first single I ever bought was Monster Mash, bizarrely, when I was growing up in Australia. And I think the first album I totally fell in love with was Dare by the Human League. I loved all the songs on that album, the tone of it and the freedom of it. It was like a whole new experience because it was so modern.

 

Which pop pin-ups did you have on your wall during the 80s?

Coming after ABBA and going into the 80s it was Whitney Houston because I thought ‘How can someone sing like that and look like that?’ She was like a supermodel with this incredible voice. I loved Annie Lennox and The Eurythmics as well, plus Duran Duran.

 

What were your 80s fashion choices?

I used to have headbands and I had a long side parting, sort of like curtains. Looking back, my fashion was pretty bad actually but of course at the time I thought I was cool. I used to tie rags around my feet as well, around my calves, over my boots. It was a bit weird. I never got completely punky with it but I used to love that trendy headband and long hair combination. That and baggy jeans.

 

Have you ever met any of your popstar idols? And who would you most like to meet?

I’ve met Boy George, who was a real inspiration to me growing up. I just loved how outspoken he was and how he dressed. I’ve met him a few times actually and he’s great company. I got to meet Whitney Houston before she died, which was amazing, and Olivia Newton-John. I’ve also met Liza Minnelli, Bette Midler, Annie Lennox… quite a few people, in fact. I haven’t met Barbra Streisand yet but I’d really like to because I’ve been listening to her music my entire life.

 

You work a lot on TV but what do you most love about the theatre?

I grew up with theatre and the first show I saw was Jesus Christ Superstar. Then I became a professional dancer and my first musical was West Side Story. I’ve been in the theatre all my life really and I’ve never, ever given it up. I’ve either been directing, choreographing, dancing performing or whatever. My favourite thing is directing and choreographing. I only started performing for panto, then in 2015 I was asked to do Annie and this year I’m doing The Wizard of Oz as the Wicked Witch. I love performing but, as I say, directing and choreographing is what I enjoy the most.

 

What do you hope people take away from seeing NOW That’s What I Call A Musical?

I think people will learn something about themselves. The story will prompt them to reflect on their lives to date and how it’s all worked out for them – what their hopes and aspirations were and how that fuelled whatever passion they had to help them become who they are today. People will see themselves in the show and that’s one of the many things that’s really great about it, along with the story, the costumes, the dancing, the comedy and all that fantastic music.

  |   See the musical for yourself this November at Hall for Cornwall!

Written by award-winning comedian Pippa Evans, and directed and choreographed by Strictly Come Dancing legend Craig Revel Horwood, this heart-warming and funny story takes us on an uplifting journey down memory lane. See the musical in Truro, Cornwall this winter!

BOOK NOW by clicking here.

“Volunteers are the backbone of our organisation… They’re part of our big Cornish welcome to our building.”

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

It’s National Volunteer’s Week, and we’re taking a moment to thank every single one of our 200 volunteers who give their time to Hall for Cornwall.

As a charity, we simply wouldn’t be here without our volunteers. As Cornwall’s only largescale theatre, we’re proud to provide a warm Cornish welcome to everyone who walks through our doors – and that starts with the people who greet you the moment you arrive.

Whether it’s scanning tickets, showing you to your seats, or supplying you with your very important interval ice cream, our volunteers are always here to help, with a kind word and a familiar smile.

Photo by Hugh Hastings

   | At the heart of the community

We’re passionate about providing an inclusive and diverse environment, and that extends from our stage programme, to our auditorium, and right through to our volunteers. We’re proud to welcome members of the community from all backgrounds, ages and walks of life – our youngest volunteer is 16, and our eldest is in their late 80s!

Front of House Manager Alex Laidlaw with Volunteer Usher Penelope, photo by Hugh Hastings

One of our longest standing volunteers, Penelope, takes care of any patrons with access needs. We asked her what it means to be a part of Hall for Cornwall.

“Money cannot buy what we give and what we get in return. It’s about those connections you have, maybe they’re really short connections, but it makes the difference. Kindness to strangers is a very powerful thing.”

‘Six’ opening night, photo by Hugh Hastings

“Every night is different, it can add so much to your life, it can enrich it. Hall for Cornwall is such an asset to Cornwall and we’re really proud to be a part of it.”

‘Rocky Horror Show’ opening night, photo by Hugh Hastings

   | Thank you to volunteers everywhere

We’re so proud of our volunteers, and we couldn’t do what we do without them – and the feeling goes both ways! Many of the wonderful people who’ve joined us as volunteers are proud of their role and the value that it adds to their life. Meeting new people, making new friends, and having the chance to socialise with theatre-lovers like them are just some of the reasons why our volunteers give their time. For others, it’s a moment of respite from caring duties and challenging home lives in an environment full of joy and the buzz of live entertainment.

So whether it’s a chance to give back to the community, or experience live theatre with likeminded people, we’re proud to provide a place where they can be themselves.

As part of this week’s celebrations, we invited our volunteers to a special evening in the Cornwall Playhouse.

The attendees were offered an insight into the projects that we’re working on and plans for the future, before heading off for a social in our Playhouse Bar. There were plenty of great questions, and it gave us the opportunity to say a big THANK YOU in person to the people who make us who we are.

“They’re an asset to the team – we couldn’t run without them… I can’t thank them enough.”

– Alex Laidlaw, Front of House Manager

   | Discover more on BBC Sounds

Our Front of House Manager Alex Laidlaw is joined by volunteers Penny and Gavin to chat about the 200 people who give their time to Hall for Cornwall. Listen here (skip to 2.40pm)

Chief Executive and Creative Director Julien Boast joins volunteers Jenny and Suzi to talk about why they chose Hall for Cornwall. Listen here.