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Cornwall Playhouse celebrates 500,000th visitor!

HALL FOR CORNWALL, TRURO, ENGLAND - December 29th 2023 : The 500,000th member of the public to buy a ticket for a performance at the Cornwall Playhouse, receives their prize from the cast of Peter Pan, on stage, photographed by HfC photographer in residence Hugh Hastings.

As Peter Pan enters it’s final week of magical performances, we’re delighted to welcome a very special guest.

Since our grand re-opening in October 2021 after a major £26m transformation, we welcomed our 500,000th visitor Kathy and her family. The milestone is a big one for us, as it’s the same number as the entire population of Cornwall!

During a matinee of Peter Pan, Kathy and her family were surprised by an exclusive meet-and-greet with the cast, and the presentation of a special prize which included a 500-day VIP membership, and a family ticket to Jack and the Beanstalk, our 2024 Christmas show.

Kathy Kirby and her family with the cast of Peter Pan – Photography by Hugh Hastings

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the loyalty and enthusiasm of our audiences since reopening, and this milestone marks a monumental moment for us. Thanks to the snowballing success of Peter Pan, that moment has come a month earlier than anticipated. And it feels fitting that it should have happened during our Christmas show, which is proudly made in Cornwall every year.”

– Julien Boast, our Chief Executive

Peter Pan – Photography by Hugh Hastings

Over the past two years, we’ve attracted visitors from far and wide to experience the best of the West End, world-class productions, and a showcase of breathtaking Cornish talent. Specialist funding allowed us to increase capacity of our Grade II listed building so that we could capacity for larger touring shows, including the sellout production of Mamma Mia, the riotous Rocky Horror Show, and next year’s productions of Life of Pi, Bluey’s Big Play and Jesus Christ Superstar, to name a few. You can read more about What’s On here.

Life of Pi – Photography by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

Our reopening also marked the birth of Cornwall Playhouse Productions, a brand-new in-house production company showcasing an array of ‘Made in Cornwall’ shows. Since 2021, the team behind Cornwall Playhouse Productions have dedicated themselves to producing and supporting new Cornish work. So far, we’ve produced proper Cornish renderings of Cinderella and Treasure Island, co-produced the smash-hit Fisherman’s Friends The Musical, and worked with world-class musician Carleen Anderson on Melior Opus Griot.

Fisherman’s Friends the Musical – Photography by Hugh Hastings

Our 2023 production of Peter Pan is the third Christmas show from Cornwall Playhouse Productions, which earned a glowing 4-star review from respected industry newspaper The Stage.

“When we reopened, we pledged to be a theatre for all, by improving our accessibility and reaching out to communities who have never visited the theatre before. With tickets starting at £15, a quietly revolutionary ‘Ticket’ Bank, donations from members, and support from our funders, we’ve been able to welcome visitors from all backgrounds to enjoy the magic of theatre.”

– Julien Boast, our Chief Executive

As we head into a brand new year, we continue to work with the community in a variety of ways. As well as improving access to our shows, our Get Creative practitioners, supported by DHL, are working hard to introduce new audiences to the world of theatre. Through school partnerships, youth performance programmes and work with community groups, our team have enthused over 20,000 young people since 2021.

Our Youth Celebration Weekend Showcase – Photography by Hugh Hastings

“The passion, grit and creativity of local performers has captivated us. It’s so important that we continue to show the world the talent thriving in Cornwall. Since 2021, we’ve worked with thousands of young people from nursery to further education, enthusing them to take to the stage and show the world what Cornwall has to offer.”

– Helen Tiplady, our Deputy Creative Director

One of our Youth Dance groups – Photography by Hugh Hastings

You can discover more about Get Creative’s work, and how to join their workshops, here.

As 2024 dawns on the horizon, we’re excited for the future (and the next half-million customers!) as we continue to work with Cornwall to provide the biggest shows, and a space for all.

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Uncategorised

‘CRACKING PANTO’ – PETER PAN FLIES HIGH WITH CRITICS

Second star to the right, and straight on ’til morning! ✨

Last Christmas, Peter Pan flew into Truro with a bang as press from far and wide piled into their seats and braced for a magical adventure. As Peter, Wendy and the Lost Boys (played by local young actors) took flight to Neverland, the audience gasped with joy – and for older members, childhood memories flooded back.

This year, we were pleased to welcome back our youth ensemble to take part in Peter Pan. To add a special Cornish twist to the show, we cast children from local schools as the Lost Boys and Wendy’s siblings John and Michael. We received over 200 applications for these roles, and we were blown away – as usual! – by the talent of young performers in Cornwall. Thank you to each and every one of you for applying, here’s our ensemble…

There’s been flying sweeties, Super Soakers, and more glitter than you can shake a wand at! So let’s take a look at some of our favourite reviews so far…

Complete with dancing Lost Boys, singing mermaids, a creepy crocodile and live music, Truro came alive with another ‘Made in Cornwall’ Christmas show from Cornwall Playhouse Productions.

Even our Green Room Café and Playhouse Bar had a magical makeover, with plenty of places to ‘snap’ a photo. Tinker Bell’s garden, the Lost Boys’ hideaway and the mermaid’s grotto were some of our favourites! And those who felt brave enough found out where that tail lead to…

If you loved Peter Pan last Christmas, join us this December for a GIANT festival tale…

Jack and the Beanstalk plants his magic beans on our stage this Christmas! Book your tickets now for the best prices.

Photos by Hugh Hastings.

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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.

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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.

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Get Involved Opportunities Royal Shakespeare Company Uncategorised

Call-out for Actors and Directors to work with Hall for Cornwall on the RSC’s 37 plays programme

37 Plays – Actor and Director Call Out for October 2023

We’re looking for 10 Actors and 5 Directors to work together this October to perform 3 Rehearsed Readings across Cornwall of 5 new scripts.

Hall for Cornwall are proud to be one of 12 Regional Theatre Partners of the Royal Shakespeare Company. We work collaboratively with the Royal Shakespeare Company across a number of programmes including The Associate Schools Programme and Shakespeare Nation.  Following on from their successful 37 Plays programme launched last year (you can read more about the project here: 37plays.co.uk), we are delighted to be producing 3 Rehearsed Readings of the new 37 Plays scripts this October.

Working with our colleagues at The Writers Block, we’re seeking 10 professional actors to read 2 Full Length scripts that have been selected by the panel from the Royal Shakespeare Company. You can read more about the panel and the plays here: 37plays.co.uk. We are also adding 3 extracts of 3 new scripts, written and submitted as part of the programme to the Writers Block and Hall for Cornwall. The evening will consist of sharing these 5 new plays and a facilitated post show Q&A with some of the writers and directors.

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for ‘teams’ to read the 5 plays (2 full length and 3 extracts).

The pay is £120 per day, plus travel to be arranged at the start of the contract. As per our environmental policy, we will be aiming to car share and use public transport where possible.

Actors 

If you’re interested in applying please email the following information to GetCreative@hallforcornwall.org.uk

  • Your CV, Spotlight or Showreel (whatever you have, don’t make one especially)
  • An email, voice note or film (from your phone is fine – it’s applying in a way that suits you) to tell us the following:
  1. Why you’d like to do this and your experience of delivering script/text.
  2. Your playing age and your accent range.
  3. Tell us if you’d like to be in team A,B or C (see dates below)

(Please note that films / voice notes need not be longer than 2 mins)

You’ll need to be free on the following dates:

7th, 11th,13th October (these are the 3 rehearsed reading dates in Truro, Redruth and Liskeard)

  • Team A: 1st , 6th October (10am-5pm) and 7th, 11th,13th October (3pm – 10pm approx.) – There is a fee of £600
  • Team B – 1st, 2nd, 6th October (10am-5pm) and 7th, 11th, 13th October (3pm-10pm approx.) – There is a fee of £720
  • Team C – 1st,2nd, 4th, 5th,6th October (10am-5pm) and 7th, 11th, 13th October (3pm-10pm approx.) – There is a fee of £960

Directors

If you’re interested in applying please email the following information to GetCreative@hallforcornwall.org.uk

  • Your CV or Showreel (whatever you have, don’t make one especially)
  • An email, voice note or film (from your phone is fine –it’s applying in a way that suits you) to tell us
  1. Why you’d like to do this and your experience of directing so far.
  2. Your suitability for directing a Rehearsed Reading (there will be no physical staging of the work, the sharings are to focus on the text and delivery. There will be no lighting or props or costumes)
  3. Tell us if you’d like to be in team A,B,C or D (see dates below)

Please note that films / voice notes need not be longer than 2 mins. The one day rehearsals are to work up a 10-12 minute extract. The 2 days are the full length pieces.

Rehearsal days are with the actors being called from 10am-5pm, and Rehearsed Reading days are approximately 3pm-10pm.

  • A  – 1st,2nd October– plus a pre planning meeting with the writer and attending 1 Rehearsed Reading (7th, 11th or 13th October) to take part in the post show Q and A – There is a fee of £670
  • B – 1st October  – plus planning meeting with the writer and attending 1 Rehearsed Reading (7th, 11th or 13th October) to take part in the post show Q and A – There is a fee of £470
  • C- 6th October  – plus planning meeting with the writer and attending 1 Rehearsed Reading (7th, 11th or 13th October) to take part in the post show Q and A – There is a fee of £470 (there are 2 Director positions available for these dates)
  • D – 4th, 5th October plus a pre planning meeting with the writer and attending 1 Rehearsed Reading (7th, 11th or 13th October) to take part in the post show Q and A – There is a fee of £670

 

The closing date for both applications is the 7th September at 12 noon.  We will let you know by the 9th September at 5pm .

 

How to Apply

Please send your application to GetCreative@hallforcornwall.org.uk

If you’d like to ask any questions or talk to anyone ahead of submitting an application please email HelenT@hallforcornwall.org.uk

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Uncategorised

Join the Cast of Peter Pan!

HALL FOR CORNWALL, TRURO, ENGLAND - August 4th 2023 : As part of the celebrations for the staging of Peter Pan in December 2023, 9-year old Woodie Grimwade flies by wire on stage; Photographed by HFC photographer in residence Hugh Hastings.

We’re looking for young people who love performing to be an important part of our Peter Pan company this Christmas at Hall for Cornwall!

Working alongside Cornwall Playhouse Productions and our professional company is a wonderful opportunity to gain experience of the theatre industry.

We’re casting two teams of young people to play the roles of John Darling, Michael Darling and the Lost Boys. Each role is open to applicants of any gender.

To apply, your child should be in school Years 5 or 6 in Primary school, or Years 7, 8 or 9 in Secondary school.

>  Applicants must be available for rehearsals and performances from MON 30 OCT – SUN 31 DEC 2023.

>  Rehearsals will generally be after school until week beginning MON 27 NOV 2023.

>  Auditions will be held at Falmouth University on SAT 16 SEP.

To apply on your child’s behalf, please fill out the following form:

APPLY HERE

The closing date for applications is FRI 01 SEP 2023. No applications will be accepted after this date. You will receive details about the auditions within a week of the closing date. 

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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/

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Uncategorised

Interview: Neil Gaiman Discusses Ocean at the End of the Lane

The National Theatre’s adaptation of the award-winning book The Ocean at the End of the Lane is coming to Hall for Cornwall from TUE 19 – SAT 23 SEP. Ahead of it’s much-anticipated arrival, we asked Neil Gaiman some questions about the story…

The book is loosely based on your childhood. What was the starting point?

The book began with me wanting to try and explain to my wife where I grew up and what that world was like. She could take me to her childhood home because it’s still the same, but I couldn’t take her to where I grew up [in East Grinstead] because the place had long since been demolished; lots of lovely neat little housing estates covered the gardens and the fields and lanes. So for me it was kind of an effort to try and evoke a past and a sense of place.  An interesting side of it for me too was that I realised that I hadn’t heard, for a very long time, the Sussex accent of my childhood. Mrs Weller came in and cleaned once a week and Mr Weller came in and did the gardens. They were probably in their 80s and they had proper Sussex accents – almost like a West Country burr. I resolved to write a novel with that in too.

How did you create the Hempstocks?

I was told by my mother – quite erroneously, I discovered, when I did my research – that the farm half-way down our lane was in the Doomsday Book. And that was the start of the Hempstocks in my head; who they were and what I wanted to do with them.

Do you find writing about family especially fascinating?

I don’t think I’ve ever been able to avoid writing about family, even when I thought I was writing about something else. Whether it’s biological family or the family we make. In the novel I created a semi-fictional family for myself, and in the play version it was one step further away from my family, which I think looking back on is incredibly healthy! But the boy is definitely me.

Credit-Pamela-Raith

The play received amazing reviews when it premiered. Without any spoilers, do you have any favourite moments?

There is something astounding about the moment when they enter the ocean. That completely fascinates me. And you’re going to see miracles made out of bits of rubbish and old plastic bags and nightmarish birds beyond your imagination. It still takes me by surprise every time I watch.

Is it true that you were so moved by the play when you saw it in rehearsals that you cried?

I saw the first full run through. About ten minutes from the end I had tears running down my face. I thought that this was terribly embarrassing and I was discreetly trying to flick them away.

You describe yourself as a storyteller. What inspired you to be a writer?

I’m not sure that all writers are frustrated performers, but for me it was the joy in getting to be all of the characters. As a writer you get to do that. Being a kid who loved books I could think of nothing cooler than giving people the pleasure that I got.

Come along and see this powerful story for yourself this September at Hall for Cornwall: click here to find out more!

Photography: (c) Brinkhoff-Moegenburg

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
Christmas Uncategorised

WE’VE ANNOUNCED THE CAST FOR OUR PETER PAN CHRISTMAS SHOW!

Is it ever too early for Christmas chat? ☃️ Not for us! We’re flying high with excitement as we reveal the cast for this year’s festive show, Peter Pan!?

Directed once again by acclaimed UK writer and theatre director Steve Marmion, Cornwall flies to Neverland as local actors Edward Rowe, Ollie McFarlane and Colin Leggo join a skilled set of actors with an array of accomplishments, from stand-up comedy and musical stardom to appearances on the big screen.

“Our mission is all about connecting Cornwall, and what better story than Peter Pan to do that. This is a story we all grew up with, it reminds us of the utter joy of childhood and the thrill of escaping into an adventure that stays with you for a lifetime. We’ve even given a Cornish twist to this much-loved story, so there’s something for everyone on this magical trip to Neverland, whether they’re young or young at heart.” 

– Julien Boast, CEO and Creative Director of Hall for Cornwall

Edward Rowe returns to the Cornwall Playhouse stage after a celebrated run as Long John Silver in last year’s Christmas show, Treasure Island. This year, he plays another fearsome but loveable role as the infamous Captain Hook! Edward is a writer, actor and comedian, performing professionally under the name of Kernow King. Audiences will recognise him from the BAFTA-winning film Bait, Fisherman’s Friends The Musical, and TV roles in Alex Rider, The Witcher, House of the Dragon, Strike and Beyond Paradise. Edward has written, produced and starred in Trevithick!, Hireth, The Cornwall Coliseum, and The Cornish Caretakers, and his recent short Cornish language film, Mab Hudel (Magical Son) was a local favourite. Edward is also a co-writer of BBC Radio 4’s sketch show Wasson Cornwall, where he appears opposite Dawn French.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back to the Cornwall Playhouse this Christmas.” He said. “Captain Hook is one of my favourite villains onscreen and of course in literature, so playing him this December is a bit of a dream come true.”

The Hall for Cornwall team looked all over the UK for the lead role of Peter Pan and found him right under their noses. Ollie McFarlane makes his debut at Hall for Cornwall, starring in the lead role of Peter. He grew up in Tanzania in East Africa before moving to the West country in 2010, graduating Falmouth University in 2019. Ollie has worked with a host of Cornish companies and artists including like Kneehigh, Wildworks, Golden Tree, Yskynna, Prodigal UPG, The Arc, Swashbuckling Cornwall, and of course, Hall for Cornwall. Ollie has toured nationally with Companies like Saltmine, Subtext Theatre and Oddments, taking theatre to prisons, council estates, and other disadvantaged communities.

“I’m delighted to see AMATA graduate Ollie McFarlane take a leading role in Hall for Cornwall’s festive production of Peter Pan. As a Falmouth Alum, he is a huge credit to the creative sector in the South West and it’s wonderful to see his career going from strength to strength. I look forward to seeing him sparkle this Christmas.”

– Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Falmouth University Prof. Emma Hunt

Taking up the role of Captain Hook’s right-hand man, Smee is local actor Colin Leggo.

He headlined the 2021 BBC Upload Festival and has performed at Edinburgh Fringe multiple times. ‘Leggoland’, his 2015 one-man with one-leg show about becoming a below knee amputee, received critical acclaim, including a 5-star review from the British Comedy Guide. In 2019, he won the title of UK Pun Champion, and his joke book, Jokes for the Punderdog, reached Amazon’s 2019 list of ‘Top 10 bestselling Joke and Wordplay Books’.

Joining these three Cornish actors are:

  • Dan Ball as Mr Darling (The Undeclared War, BBC’s Doc Martin and Beyond Paradise, plus many pantomimes including Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and Beauty and the Beast). Most recently Dan has been filming for new feature film The Salt Path with Gillian Anderson, an adaptation of the best-selling book by Raynor Winn. 
  • Kelise Gordon Harrison as Tiger Lily. She graduated from Alra North and Rose Bruford Wigan before making her professional theatre debut in A Midsummer Nights Dream with theatre company Not Too Tame. Since then, she has toured with the Theatre Company Wrongsemble in The Not So Big Bad Wolf as Little Red, and appeared in ITV’s Waco Untold: British Tragedy as Vanessa Henry. 
  • Jade Lauren as a self-assured Wendy. Jade performed in Rent at the Shaw Theatre before graduating from the Institute of the Arts Barcelona. She has since worked on a variety of productions across the UK and Spain., including Bill Russell’s revival of ‘Elegies for Angel, Punks and Raging Queens’ at the Kings Head theatre, and Barcelona’s premier of ‘Next to Normal immersive’, directed by Simon Pittman. 
  • Sara Markland as a fairy-godmother style Tinker Bell (Casualty, Doctors, Down to Earth and Jonathan Creek). She trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School where she won the Chesterton Award for Best Actress. Her theatre credits include productions in the West End, RSC, RNT, Royal Court, in repertory across the country, and touring shows nationally and internationally. Recently, Sara has been concentrating on her voiceover and audio drama career alongside teaching drama and running a community choir. 
  • Lucy Park as Mrs Darling. Lucy is an actor, singer and musician born and raised in South Korea, where she worked as a professional singer before moving to London to study acting. She graduated from Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts with an MA in Musical Theatre in 2018 and has starred on stage in Play AI, Come From Away (West End), and Tokyo Rose (Southwark Playhouse, UK Tour), to name a few.
  • Olivia Warren as Nana (La Maupin, The Unauthorised Breaking Bad Parody Musical, Estella UK Tour, Say my Name!). Olivia is an actor, musician and voiceover artist who trained at Rose Bruford College. Her experience includes an array of musicals, children’s theatre, short films and virtual reality experiences. As a voiceover artist, Olivia has worked with the likes of Netflix, CBBC, Legoland, Audi, and Williams Racing. 

When Sara was offered the role, she said: ‘I am thrilled to be making my return to the stage as Tinker Bell at the Hall for Cornwall this Christmas in a piece and place both dear to my heart.’

You can find out more about Peter Pan and purchase tickets here.

“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.