Nothing beats nature, especially during summertime, and what better way to immerse yourself into Cornwall’s world-class landscapes than by combining a spot of the sublime with some top-notch entertainment?
Whether your thing is to take the kids to see a show or challenge yourself with a sweat-inducing sporting event, the county is awash with things to do with an alfresco twist.
Your summer of outdoor loving starts here…
Theatre
All ages adore the chance to lose themselves to the theatre, and with Cornwall’s array of open spaces providing the perfectly picturesque backdrop, it’s a crowd-pleasing combination.
Outdoor Theatre at Bedruthan (6th July – 3rd August)
Bedruthan Hotel’s spectacular sea-gazing lawn is the venue for two performances: Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves! By Illyria and Wind in the Willows by Quantum Theatre. Both are ideal for ages 5+ and commence at 5pm (arrival 4.30pm).
Miracle Theatre’s ‘A Perfect World’ (8th June-24th August)
Combining writing and direction by Bill Scott with an original soundtrack from Tom Adams, this “rollicking adventure touring the great outdoors” follows the antics of our protagonist through jungles, treasure maps, campfires and paradise. Staged at multiple events including The Old Vicarage in Hayle, Indian Queens Pit, Porthtowan, Trebah Amphitheatre, Cardinham Woods Café, Launceston Castle, Gyllyndune Gardens, Scorrier House, Minack Theatre, Trerice House, Carn Marth Amphitheatre and Penlee Park in Penzance.
The Minack Theatre
One of the world’s most famous outdoor theatres presents an assortment of shows, from Romeo and Juliet (22nd-26th July) to Sunset Boulevard (12th-16th August) and Stones in His Pockets (10th-19th September) in addition to expansive Atlantic panoramas and spellbinding sunsets.
Trebah Amphitheatre
Set amongst a stirring sub-tropical garden, Trebah’s amphitheatre is a dreamy locale for anything from live music to dance and theatre. This summer will see A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Quantum Theatre (3rd July), as well as musical, Shearing Gang (25th July), The Legend of King Arthur (27th July), Skillywidden (3rd August), The Wind in the Willows (9th August), Tales From the Trees (17th August) and Gangsta Granny (18th August).
Sports
Sprint your way across ocean and land for a unique and arenalised adventure through the county’s famed scenery as you opt for a sensory-heightened experience of Cornwall’s outdoors.
St Ives Biathlon – 6th July
Run from the harbour to Carbis Bay and swim back for one of the season’s most-anticipated events in the super scenic St Ives, or seek out something to suit at a location near you – from Padstow to Rock swim (14th July) to St Michael’s Mount swim (10th August) or sign up for a Mad Hatter Sports event including Aquathlons, Swim Festival and Castle Triathlon.
Open Air Cinema
Film fans should flock to any of the beautiful locations in Cornwall that will be sunset screening the latest blockbusters including beaches, castles and coastally located hotels.
Tregenna Castle will show Bohemian Rhapsody on 23rd June followed by cult classic Pulp Fiction in its grounds on 12th July, with food and a bar also available.
Catch Bohemian Rhapsody on 21st July with Open Air Cinema UK at St Ives’ stunning Porthminster Beach, which will also provide the apt venue for Pirates of the Caribbean on 28th July and Castaway on 4th August. With The Greatest Showman scheduled for 11th August, Finding Nemo on 18th August and Moana on 25th August.
Porthmeor Beach teams up with The Cornish Cinema Club to present Mamma Mia 2 on 12th July, The Greatest Showman on 31st July, Moana on 14th August and Mary Poppins Returns on 28th August. Alternatively, they’ll be showing the following movies at Caerhayes Drive-In: Grease (1st August), Aquaman (8th August), Bohemian Rhapsody (15th August), The Greatest Showman (22nd August) and Dumbo (29th August).
Admire sweeping sea views as you lounge in the grounds of Falmouth’s Pendennis Castle for Bohemian Rhapsody on 1st August, Pirates of the Caribbean on 8th August, A Knight’s Tale on 15th August, Shrek on 22nd August; or stake a patch on the grounds of The Falmouth Hotel for Bohemian Rhapsody on 26th August.
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Tags: Theatre