The Minack in July: nine shows from a thriller to Orwell

The Minack has unveiled its July programme, and it spans just about every mood you could want from a night above the sea. A psychological thriller, a riot of Greek myths, Orwell’s Animal Farm, a wartime comedy and a Tony-winning musical all share the cliff-top stage across the month. Here’s the full run.

What’s on at the Minack in July

The Girl on the Train

Presented by Ilkley Playhouse, 29 June to 2 July, 3pm and 7.30pm. Adapted from Paula Hawkins’ best-selling novel, this is a psychological thriller that keeps you guessing to the final moments. Suitable for ages 14 and over, with strong language and adult themes. More information and tickets.

Five Beacons of Light

Sonoro with Cornwall Youth Choirs, 3 July, 7.30pm. A new choral work by Cheryl Frances-Hoad and Di Sherlock, performed by Sonoro’s professional singers alongside Cornwall Youth Choirs, directed by Angela Renshaw. The young voices become the fifth beacon. More information and tickets.

Too Many Greek Myths

Presented by Living Spit, 6 to 9 July, 3.30pm and 7.30pm. Twenty Ancient Greek myths squeezed into one chaotic show, taking on everyone from Hades to Heracles with harebrained humour and a complete disregard for historical accuracy. Suitable for ages 8 and over. More information and tickets.

Once Upon A Musical

Presented by the Minack Musical Theatre Academy with Rising Stars, 10 to 11 July, 3.30pm and 7.30pm. A celebration of the musicals inspired by classic stories and literary greats, moving from the page to the stage. More information and tickets.

Bal Govenek

Presented by the Minack Theatre and Cornwall Music Service Trust, 13 to 14 July, 6pm. A new musical performed by students and youth choirs from West Cornwall. The spirit of Dolly Pentreath returns with a warning for the young folk of Mousehole. Should they remember the past or look to the future? More information and tickets.

Animal Farm

Presented by the Minack Theatre Acting Academy, 15 to 17 July, 3pm and 7.30pm. George Orwell’s classic in Tatty Hennessy’s award-winning adaptation, following the animals of Manor Farm as their revolution curdles into dictatorship. Suitable for ages 10 and over. More information and tickets.

Jack Absolute Flies Again

Presented by The Miller Theatre, 20 to 23 July, 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Sheridan’s comedy The Rivals gets a Battle of Britain makeover by Richard Bean and Oliver Chris. Pilot Officer Jack flies home in 1940 to find his old flame Lydia at the barracks and rather less impressed than he’d hoped. More information and tickets.

Davina and the Vagabonds

24 July, 7.30pm. A band drawing on a century of American music, with influences running from Fats Domino and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band to Aretha Franklin and Tom Waits. More information and tickets.

Dear Evan Hansen

Presented by The British Theatre Academy, 27 to 31 July, 3pm and 8pm. The Tony-winning musical with a score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the Oscar-winning team behind The Greatest Showman, and a book by Steven Levenson. More information and tickets.

Planning your visit

The Minack is popular and advance booking is strongly advised. Full dates, prices and tickets are on the Minack what’s on page.

When you head down, ignore your sat nav. Stay on the A30 to Sennen, carry on to the junction with the B3315, then follow the signs for the Minack Theatre and Porthcurno.

One last thing about those famous stone seats. The theatre is built of rock and concrete and faces south east, so it becomes a suntrap on a hot day. For a matinee, take sunscreen, a hat and a water bottle you can top up onsite, and keep covered up in light clothing. For an evening show, pack a coat or a rug, because the seats cool fast once the sun drops.