Dare you brave the enchanted woods? For an immersive theatrical experience like no other, follow the twisty, winding paths with innovative Cornish company Rogue Theatre, as they present their summer season of wild woodland shows at Tehidy. True theatre warriors, Rogue entrance and enthral with their tales of loss, longing, love, life, death and everything in between. For a memorable outing that will last long after the holiday snaps have faded, don’t miss this magical spectacle.
Listed as one of the top 2 things you must do in Cornwall in the Guardian Travel Supplement 2013, and winners of What’s On Cornwall’s WOCA Award 2015 for “Best Theatrical Event”, plus rave reviews, this trailblazing, multi-talented team have taken up residency in the woods once again, to create a rich, sensual feast of storytelling accessible to all. This year they bring a double-bill of excitement to the stage: Blackbeard’s Heart and King Arthur. Expect wild music, powerful narrative, humour and pathos, imaginative dance, swashbuckling swordplay, explosive acrobatics, stunning costumes, captivating installations, wisps of campfire smoke, the smell of adventure, starry nights and bubbling cauldrons of heart-warming stew.
New from the Book of Fae, Blackbeard’s Heart is based on the true story of Blackbeard’s lover Arabella Drummond, who abandoned her Bristol life for piracy and adventure on the high seas. A dark and dangerous tale of love and daring, where a daughter’s revenge is less than sweet, come sail with the motley Rogue crew as they uncover a cutthroat world of sea rovers, buccaneers and corsairs. Pirate attire is encouraged, but not essential. Shows take place at 2.30pm daily.
While Rogue’s epic new rendition of King Arthur, sees the return of Celtic myth and magic to these ancient woods once more. Arthur, Lancelot and Guinevere’s ill-fated love triangle, the evil sorceress Morgana, chivalrous knights of the round table, damsels in distress and the omnipresent Merlin – it’s all so familiar, but the Rogue treatment brings fresh insights and interpretations. You’ll be taken on a journey through the shrouded mists of Avalon, looking for heroes and finding universal truths unchanged by the passing of time. On the way you’ll witness brave battles, love’s passions, joyous song and dance, and some awesome glittery leggings. Performances take place 7.30pm nightly.
Part of the adventure experience is walking the winding pathway, through the hidden doorway and into the heart of the woods. Be mindful of twisty tree roots, and look out for magical happenings, mystical creatures and beautiful objects along the way. And being the great outdoors, be sure to bring warm coats and blankets, chairs and cushions if you don’t mind carrying them (but there is hay bale and log ring seating) provisions for the journey like a picnic, snacks and treats, and an open mind. Refreshments will be available as well, not forgetting Rogue’s legendary Woodland Stew, cooked on the campfire to warm the cockles of your soul.
During the performance intervals, children can take part in a free workshop to create their own woodland keepsake, or have their face painted, while at the end of each show you are warmly invited to get up and dance. It is a woodland ball after all!
Shows go ahead in all but the most extreme weathers, as the trees provide a surprising amount of shelter, while they also have a stretch canvas to cover the audience if it does rain. Access to the woods and the show is via Tehidy Woods North Cliffs Entrance (Nr Portreath) which is on the North Cliffs Road between Gwithian and Portreath. Follow the signs to the dedicated separate parking area.
For further information please visit www.roguetheatre.co.uk
Show days in August:
14th, 15th, 16th (not 17th) 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd (not 24th)
25th, 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st.
All tickets are £7.50 with under 3’s free (max 2 under 3’s per adult)
Booking in advance strongly advised to avoid disappointment.
Box office www.crbo.co.uk or tel. 01726 879500
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