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White Horse: A Spellbinding Tale of Cornwall’s Past and Present
What happens when ancient myths collide with modern Cornwall? o-region’s latest production, White Horse, brings Michael Morpurgo’s The White Horse of Zennor to life in a breathtaking fusion of theatre, music, and folklore. Set against the wild Cornish landscape, this gripping tale follows a city teenager thrown into an unfamiliar world—one shaped by stories, spirits, and a past that refuses to be forgotten.
With stunning puppetry, live music, and an evocative sense of place, White Horse is a production that lingers long after the curtain falls. Read on to discover how this spellbinding show captures the essence of Cornwall and why it’s a must-see event.
o-region has brought its brand-new production, WHITE HORSE, to the heart of Cornwall in Redruth. Adapted from The White Horse of Zennor by Michael Morpurgo, the show masterfully weaves contemporary Cornwall with folklore and fable, creating a rich, immersive sense of place.
The story follows teenager Annie Veluna (Chloe Endean), who is sent to spend the summer in Cornwall with her father, Arthur Veluna (Darcy Vanhinsbergh), a stoic farmer of few words. Stranded without a working phone, Annie initially resents her rural isolation, forced to endure long walks along the cliffs and endless stories from farmhand Samuel Trelochie (Ed Rowe) and the wild, enigmatic Marnie (Mary Woodvine). But as the tales of Zennor unfold, the power of the landscape begins to seep into her, drawing her into a world deeply rooted in heritage and myth.
Throughout the show, a host of vivid characters bring Cornwall’s history and folklore to life. Haunting miners cross paths with a lost little girl, a shipwrecked Spaniard, and bullying schoolboys. A standout moment comes from Mary Woodvine’s brilliantly comic turn as neighbour Molly. The puppetry, directed by Rachael Leonard, is breathtaking—particularly in a deeply moving scene where a young boy swims freely with a playful seal.
Film and projection are seamlessly woven into the production, heightening its emotional depth and reinforcing its strong connection to Cornwall’s landscape and culture. Music plays a vital role in WHITE HORSE, with live musicians performing on stage, enriching the atmosphere and grounding the production in a powerful sense of place. The songs, evocative and deeply tied to Cornwall’s traditions, feel organic—like echoes of the landscape itself. Hearing them performed live adds an emotional immediacy, drawing the audience further into the story.
This feels like truly Cornish theatre—authentic, lived-in, and deeply resonant. In the programme notes, director Simon Harvey reflects on the role of theatre in Celtic nations, drawing comparisons to the National Theatre of Scotland. Based on this production, o-region is well-positioned to claim the mantle of a National Theatre of Cornwall.
O-REGION
o-region works across theatre and film telling stories that raise smiles, punch guts, broaden horizons and affirm lives. o-region producse work for local, national and international audiences, and provide talent development and showcasing opportunities for all ages and backgrounds.
