Minack Theatre Announces 2026 Season Programme

The Minack Theatre has unveiled its full programme for 2026, with a season that brings together Cornish legends, major music names and large scale musical theatre.

Easter Opens With Myths, Legends and Dinosaurs

The season begins at Easter with a new production of Giants, a family show first staged in 2023 and inspired by the legendary giants of St Michael’s Mount. The daytime performances feature the Minack Youth Theatre alongside former Kneehigh actors Mary Woodvine and Craig Johnson.

Evenings during the Easter period will include two Cornish stories. Widdershins is a new one man show written by Carl Grose and performed by David Mynne, telling the legend of a long forgotten village that is difficult to find and even harder to leave. Bec Applebee will also return with her one woman show Oh Mary, which recounts the true story of Mary Bryant and her remarkable escape.

The Easter programme also includes two live performances from Steve Backshall, who teams up with Dinomania to present a dinosaur adventure combining action, science and prehistoric creatures.

Music Takes Centre Stage in Spring

Music features heavily in April and May, with performances from Cornish favourites including Fisherman’s Friends and Mevagissy Male Choir, alongside shows from Passenger and violinist and broadcaster Anna Phoebe from BBC Radio 4’s Add to Playlist.

Shantify will also appear, offering a sea shanty twist on show tunes, rock classics and pop songs.

Powerful Stories and Comedy for Summer

May half term sees Redruth Amateur Operatic Society Trust stage Come From Away, the musical telling the true story of 7,000 air passengers stranded after the 2001 attacks on the Twin Towers and the community that welcomed them.

Family and comedy performances continue into the summer. Le Navet Bete return in June with their version of the legend of King Arthur, while Illyria bring Pinocchio to the Minack stage. In July, comedy duo Living Spit present Too Many Greek Myths, aimed at adult audiences.

A Packed Musical Theatre Line-Up

Musical theatre continues throughout the season. The British Theatre Academy will present Dear Evan Hansen in July, followed by Anything Goes by BROS Theatre Company in August. September will see OVO stage a musical version of The Importance of Being Earnest.

One of the highlights will be a new staging of Goodnight Mister Tom, running from 17th August to 1st September. The play was previously performed at the Minack in 2017.

Rebecca Thomas, Director of the Minack, said:
“Outdoor theatre is a special part of the summer and we’re thrilled at the season we’ve put together for 2026. There is definitely something for everyone and we’re especially excited to be creating a new staging of Goodnight Mister Tom, running from 17 August to 1 September. We presented this play to great acclaim in 2017 and are delighted that Cornish actor Steve Jacobs will reprise his role as Tom Oakley in the new production.”

Booking Dates and Further Information

Booking for Fisherman’s Friends and Passenger opens on Wednesday 21st January.
Booking for Sam Palladio, Steve Backshall vs Dinomania and Newton Faulkner opens on Wednesday 28th January.
Booking for all other events opens on Monday 9th February.

Priority Booking members and Minack Supporters are advised to check the Minack website for priority booking dates. Advance booking is essential during school holidays and recommended at all other times.

The full season brochure and details of future performances are available via the Minack Theatre website at www.minack.com.