Families Rush to Book Tickets as Percy Pengelly Returns to Helston This Easter – Don’t Miss Out

Published On: 30 March 2025Last Updated: 30 March 2025By CornishStuff

📷 Photo credit Gordon Scammell

Back by popular demand after a sell-out run in 2023, Percy Pengelly is making a triumphant return to Cornwall this Easter – and families across Helston and the Lizard Peninsula are being urged to book early to avoid disappointment.

Percy’s enchanting Big Top will once again be pitched at Coronation Park, Helston, bringing professional theatre with a strong Cornish heart to families during the Easter holidays.

A Magical Day Out for All Generations

Written in Cadgwith by local author Jenny Steele Scolding, Percy Pengelly tells the tale of a world-famous tightrope walker who trades circus life for a new beginning on the rooftops of a Cornish fishing port. With scenes packed full of Cornish charm, the story is suitable for children, parents and grandparents alike.

“What makes our shows so special is seeing families connect through shared laughter,” said Guy Watson, the Helston-based director. “Parents appreciate the clever storytelling, grandparents enjoy the traditional theatrical elements, and children are just captivated by Percy’s journey. The show brings families together in a way that’s increasingly rare in our digital age.”

📷A performance of Percy Pengelly and the wibble wobble. Cousin Jack's Theatre Company - Photo credit Gordon Scammell

Percy’s Big Top Experience

Held in-the-round inside a beautifully reimagined circus tent, the performance creates an intimate experience where audiences feel part of the action. With high-energy performances and familiar faces from Cousin Jack’s acclaimed adaptation of The Mousehole Cat, this is not your typical panto-style production.

“Our work is not your average ‘hello boys and girls…’ style offering,” Guy explained. “We create our own little community for just over an hour where families strengthen bonds while sharing a heart-warming story.”

Get to Know Percy Before the Show

Families can dive even deeper into Percy’s world by visiting The Helston Bookshop, where both Percy Pengelly books are available. It’s the perfect way to introduce children to Percy’s story—or find out what happens next after the show. There will also be opportunities for book signings with Jenny at the venue.

📷A performance of Percy Pengelly and the wibble wobble. Cousin Jack's Theatre Company - Photo credit Gordon Scammell

More Easter Fun at Coronation Park

The show is part of a wider line-up of events at Coronation Park this Easter, including:

Book signings and readings
Silent Discos (one for families and one just for the grown-ups)
Big Top Bingo
A Ceilidh inside Percy’s tent

This marks the beginning of an exciting season at the park, with more family theatre, big screen films and the return of the Helston Water Carnival in July.

Elsewhere around town, families can also enjoy:

Crafting sessions at the Museum
Easter Nest making at CAST on 12th April

These events build on the success of Helston Spring Thing, which helped position the town as a vibrant, creative destination for family-friendly fun.