Top Picks
Summer Family Theatre Top Picks
Happy Holidays! Here are 20 family theatre shows you can catch in Cornwall this Summer
From live music and theatre to puppet shows – there is plenty of entertainment for all the family this July and August. Jump on a steam train and take on the identity of a WW1 soldier, learn about the myths and monsters of ancient Greece or enjoy all the classics of Shakespeare and Austen retold in an open air setting. With curious creatures to dragons and mermaids, to princesses, pirates and puppets galore – celebrate the Summer Season by experiencing the magic of Cornish theatre.
1. Cornwall Regimental Museum: The Trench
Mon 18th June — Sun 15th July, 2018
Cornwall’s Regimental Museum, Bodmin
Come and take part in an immersive theatre experience at Cornwall’s Regimental Museum this Summer.
The Trench Bodmin tells the true and personal stories of local Cornishmen who fought in the First World War – brothers, fathers, sons, a motorcycling clergyman, a talented composer, a heroic bandsman…Follow in their footsteps, enlist at Bodmin Keep and take on a real soldier’s identity. March off to board a steam train at Bodmin & Wenford Railway and head to a replica WW1 trench to experience the chaos of battle. Return and discover your fate, before entering the Trench Exhibition at Cornwall’s Regimental Museum.
This experience is not for the faint of heart!
2. Toy Symphony: Peter and the Wolf
Sun 1st July, 2018
St Mary’s Church, Penzance
Bring your children and loved ones along to meet the instruments of the orchestra and some wild animals at this fun, family matinee. Zeb Soanes, familiar to millions as the honey-toned voice of the BBC Shipping Forecast, presents a spectacular double bill. First there’ll be a performance of the famous Toy Symphony, a pint-sized treat from the age of Mozart featuring a cuckoo, a quail, a nightingale, a toy trumpet and… well you’ll just have to crane your neck to see!
Then Zeb narrates Prokoviev’s evergreen musical tale of a Peter and the Wolf, an exciting, funny story in which a resourceful little boy outwits a savage wolf, ably assisted by a silly duck, a sly cat and a very brave (and conceited) little bird.
3. Miracle Theatre: The Cherry Orchard
Fri 15th June – Sat 25th Aug, 2018
Multiple Venues across Cornwall
This summer, Miracle unpacks Chekhov’s bittersweet comedy about a once-wealthy family, whose idleness and extravagance have brought them to the brink of bankruptcy.
Obstinate and self-absorbed, they are deaf to the rumblings of change which surrounds them, and unable to accept help when they need it. Will it take a revolution to destroy their cosy world of privilege and entitlement – or will their own stupidity be enough? Bill Scott’s new adaptation treads a tragicomic tightrope, bringing out all the humour and pathos of Chekhov’s masterpiece which, more than a century after it was written is as popular as ever.
Audiences of all ages can enjoy the full ‘open air theatre experience’, by bringing along cushions and blankets along with a well-stocked picnic or sample the delicious food and drinks provided onsite. Prepare for all weathers and arrive early for a special night of theatre performed under the stars!
4. TAODS: Little Women The Broadway Musical
Tues 26th June – Sat 7th July, 2018
Multiple Venues across Cornwall
A glorious musical adaptation of the classic novel
Truro Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society presents ‘Little Women‘, a timeless and captivating story, based on Louisa May Alcott’s critically acclaimed book. This glorious musical is brought to life with a beautiful score by Jason Howland (composer ‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical’) ‘Little Women‘ follows the adventures of the four March sisters – Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy.
The Civil War is in full swing, and the March sisters — Meg, the oldest, a romantic, the spirited and tomboyish Jo, sweet and loving Beth, and irascible, playful Amy — live in Concord, Massachusetts with their Marmee while their father is on the battlefield. Filled with adventure , heartbreak, and a deep sense of hope, the struggle of these “Little Women” to find their own voices mirrors the growing pains of a young America. With buoyant, joyful melodies, memorable characters, and a big-hearted message, Little Women reminds us that “sometimes when you dream, your dreams come true.”
5. RAOSTys: Seussical The Musical
Sat 7th — Sun 8th July, 2018
The Regal Theatre, Redruth
RAOSTys proudly present Seussical a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza family show based on the works of Dr Seuss. The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many “thinks.” Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.
6. John Brolly: The Lonely Lighthouse Keeper
Sun 15th July, 2018
Penlee Park Open Air Theatre, Penzance
Percy moves to a lighthouse to find peace and quiet away from his noisy knitting obsessed neighbour. But when disaster strikes can either of them save the day? Children aged from 5 to 100 can learn something from this cautionary tale:- You can’t keep a horse in a lighthouse…
7. Illyria: Dr Dolittle
Tues 24th July – Sat 1st Sep, 2018
Penzance, Newquay & Falmouth
A funny, exciting and much-loved adventure, with a strong message about responsibility towards animals and the environment.
8. Quantum Theatre: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Wed 25th July, 2018
Penlee Park Open Air Theatre, Penzance
Shakespeare’s popular comedy of love and intrigue, magic and mayhem, brought to life in a wonderfully funny and exuberant production of the Shakespeare classic. Come and be enchanted by this exciting, funny and intriguing new production designed to appeal to the whole family.
9. Wenna’s Wonderful World
Wed 25th July, 2018
Acorn Penzance, Penzance
Come and play with Wenna and her friends as they set off on a magical journey. Let’s start with some art and then sing and dance together in Wenna‘s World. And we’ll finish with a Wenna cup cake party!
10. Quantum Theatre: The Reluctant Dragon
Fri 27th July – Thu 23rd Aug, 2018
Penzance, Falmouth & Newquay
Everyone knows St George has to do battle with the dragon, but what happens when the dragon simply won’t fight St George? In this beloved classic story, a young boy befriends a poetry-loving dragon living in the Downs above his home. When the town-folk send for St. George to slay the dragon, the boy needs to come up with a clever plan to save his friend and convince the townsfolk to accept him.
A classic retelling of St George and the Dragon from the author of The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame, The Reluctant Dragon is a funny, touching and enchanting story of bravery, friendship and derring-do.
11. Squashbox Theatre: The Sea Show
Fri 27th July & Sun 5th Aug, 2018
Falmouth & Penzance
Meet crazy characters like Morwenna the ‘beautiful’ mermaid, Ruan the reformed seagull and salty seadog Captain Pemburthy, as well as a cast of mischievous sea-squirts, anemones, limpets, crabs and pilchards. Celebrate the sea with tall tales, silly slapstick, fantastic facts, live music and songs – unmissable fun for children and adults of all ages!
12. Squashbox Theatre: Myths & Monsters
Sun 29th July & Sat 25th Aug
Penzance & Falmouth
Where can you find a creature that is half eagle and half lion? Or one that is half goat, half fish! Or half horse, half human? Or half lion, half goat and half snake? Wait, that’s impossible… or is it?
The myths and legends of ancient Greece have been passed down through the generations, entrancing and fascinating people for thousands of years…Now join Craig Johnson from Squashbox Theatre as he explores these legends of old, using a quirky and ingenious blend of puppetry, storytelling, live music and comedy.
13. Little Trebiggan Theatre: Diggory Piper
Mon 30th July, 2018
Penlee Park Open Air Theatre, Penzance
Join Diggory Piper as he takes to the seas, will he be victorious in assisting Queen Elizabeth I in her quest to vanquish the Spanish Armada or will his chronic sea sickness win over? A heart-warming true story of an Elizabethan Robin Hood that will charm children from 3 upwards and their families.
14. Folksy Theatre: The Princess & The Giant
Thu 2nd August, 2018
Penlee Park Open Air Theatre, Penzance
Princess Sophie is fed up. She’s exhausted and it’s all because the grumpy old giant can’t sleep – his stomps and stamps keep everyone awake. But Princess Sophie is a resourceful sort of girl and she wonders if she might just have the answer! Filled with music, puppetry and wonderful characters, based on the children’s book by Caryl Hart.
15. Squashbox Theatre: Stones & Bones
Sun 12th August, 2018
Penlee Park Open Air Theatre, Penzance
A marvellous mix of history and mystery! Find out all about archaeology and fossils, say hello to one of your stone-age ancestors, hear stories of giants and wizards, see a volcano erupting before your very eyes, and maybe even glimpse a dinosaur or two…
16. Trebah & Gaggle Haus: SCRAWW
Tue 14th August, 2018 — Sat 25th August, 2018
Amphitheatre at Trebah, Falmouth
The birds of the world have gathered; join the flock on an epic quest through the garden to find the legendary Simorgh bird. A feather fuelled, technically immersive journey into Persian poetry… prepare to elect your new king!
An original production commissioned by Trebah and created by artists from Cornwall, London and New York.
17. Boxtree Theatre: Treasure Island
Fri 17th August, 2018
Penlee Park Open Air Theatre, Penzance
When Jim Hawkins discovers a treasure map, it hurtles him in to a cat and mouse game with dangerous pirates, taking him across the World to ‘Treasure Island’. Will Jim find the treasure? Should he trust the mysterious ship’s cook, Long John Silver? With inventive staging, original songs and magical storytelling this is a classic tale of adventure, treasure and, of course, rum!
18. Carnon Downs Drama: Punch and Judy LIVE
Sat 18th August, 2018
Amphitheatre at Trebah, Falmouth
Carnon Downs Drama brings you the real thing, a live performance of murder and mayhem. It’s just the show, you must bring the kids to, appallingly funny and dreadfully frightful.
19. Squashbox Theatre: Curious Creatures
Sun 19th August, 2018
Penlee Park Open Air Theatre, Penzance
Welcome to the ‘Curious Creatures’ wildlife park, established by Jeremiah Johnson: explorer, zoologist and animal collector. Unfortunately, Jeremiah Johnson is currently lost somewhere in Africa, so he has handed the running of the park over to his inexperienced nephew Craig… and things don’t quite go as planned.
20. Folksy Theatre: Love's Labour's Lost
Sun 19th August, 2018
Penlee Park Open Air Theatre, Penzance
The King of Navarre and his lords swear off food, women, and sleep in order to study for 3 years. No sooner have they made their oath when the Princess of France arrives with her ladies-in-waiting. How will the King and his Lords resolve hold up? This wonderful Shakespeare comedy is filled with live music, audience interaction and downright silliness.
21. Heartbreak Theatre: The Railway Children
Mon 27th August, 2018
Penlee Park Open Air Theatre, Penzance
Attention passengers! We are sorry to announce that all services out of Gigglesworth Station are delayed! Gather around Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis on platform one as they pass the time by sharing the classic tale of The Railway Children. All aboard! Full steam ahead! A classic children’s tale by Edith Nesbit.
22. Smoking Apples: Arbor
Wed 29th August, 2018
Amphitheatre at Trebah, Falmouth
Part Man. Part Tree. 18 feet tall. Meet Arbor.
Follow Arbor as he strides around the garden, vanishing between trees and emerging with his cart full of tree saplings. Arbor tells the story of a tree pushed from his home and his fight to preserve his future. Encouraging the audience to plant and nurture their own trees, Arbor will give each person a sapling to take home, leaving a legacy that will last for generations. Arbor is an interactive walkabout performance, suitable for the entire family. Created by award-winning puppetry and theatre company, Smoking Apples.
23. Heartbreak Theatre: Pride & Prejudice
Thu 30th August, 2018
Penlee Park Theatre, Penzance
We are pleased to announce that the Prince Regent is coming to visit. You are required to attend an etiquette lesson hosted by The Association of Higher Etiquette and Manners (A.H.E.M.). Join the Bennet sisters, a host of charming, young bachelors (yes, Mr Darcy will be there. No, really, yes, that Mr Darcy), for an evening of comedy, romance, and more than one come-uppance, as we learn how to behave, ahem, properly.
