Chyan Dome Reveals 2026 Summer Theatre and Circus Programme

There is a show coming to a geodesic dome near Penryn this summer where a woman falls in love with a vacuum cleaner. And that is just one date in a packed line-up.

Rural Theatre at Chyan Dome has revealed its 2026 summer programme, a run of theatre, circus, comedy and family shows staged inside the iconic Cornish dome. The season runs from May through to September and leans into imaginative storytelling, physical performance and creative experimentation, with shows aimed at audiences of all ages.

Where it starts

The programme opens on 28th May with FailFailFailFailWin!, a family circus-theatre show from Mark and Loz built around resilience, creativity and the art of embracing failure. Expect juggling, hula hoop, diabolo and a fair bit of comic chaos, with entertainment pitched at children and adults alike.

Then comes the vacuum cleaner. On 17th June, Split Ends arrives, a critically acclaimed dark comedy that blends physical theatre, puppetry and multimedia storytelling. It follows a woman who falls in love with a vacuum cleaner, using absurdity and humour to dig into themes of control, obsession and abusive power disguised as love.

Revolution, balloon animals and a puppet called Goldie

On 20th June, Ha Hum Ah Productions bring The Scarlet Pimpernel, a fast-paced romp through revolutionary France featuring wigs, opera houses, balloon animals and what the venue describes as a mountain of comic invention.

For younger creatives, the Circus Summer Camp runs from 28th to 30th August during the school holidays, giving young participants the chance to build circus skills, creativity and confidence in a playful, supportive setting.

The season closes on 12th September with The Mushroom Show from Scratchworks Theatre, a family production following Augustine Fogwoode and her puppet companion Goldie on a whimsical scientific adventure celebrating fungi, nature and curiosity.

Set within the atmospheric dome near Penryn, Chyan Dome continues to champion accessible rural arts in Cornwall, making room for adventurous theatre, circus and community creativity.

Summer schedule

• 28th May, 3pm, FailFailFailFailWin!
• 17th June, 7.30pm, Split Ends
• 20th June, 7.30pm, The Scarlet Pimpernel
• 28th to 30th August, Circus Summer Camp
• 12th September, 3pm, The Mushroom Show

For tickets and information, visit chyan.org or swamptrust.co.uk.