Minack Theatre

A place like no other, the world-famous Minack theatre is a must-see for visitors to Cornwall.  Perched on rugged cliffs over-looking the spectacular panorama of Porthcurno Bay, you might think ancient Greeks had carved it from the granite.  In fact, less than a century ago it was a rough gully of gorse and heather dropping dizzily down to the sea.

Today the theatre welcomes you to discover the extraordinary story of how it was created and experience the magic of live performance in this iconic space.

We aim to make our site available to everyone as far as we can, however the steep, rocky geography of The Minack does create some access limitations.  We have ramped access to all the visitor facilities on the site, however the main auditorium and stage are only accessible via long flights of steps.

The Minack stages a full programme of live performances including audio described & BSL signed performances and when there is no show on you are welcome to explore the dramatic site and enjoy the glorious sub-tropical gardens full of exotic plants.

A hearing loop is available in the Lower Terraces and on our Accessible Balcony.

We can also provide Assistive Hearing Headsets, suitable for users with or without hearing aids, who may need a little extra boost from our sound.

If you’re coming to a performance and would like to use the accessible balcony, please call our Box Office on +44 (0)1736 810181. Spaces are limited, so please book as early as possible.

Our car park has accessible parking bays adjacent to the theatre entrance and there is a ramp for wheelchair access to the visitor centre. Within the site there is ramped access to the exhibition centre and café, and there is an accessible toilet.

Visits

During opening hours when no performances are in progress, visitors are free to explore the theatre auditorium, stage and backstage areas at their own pace.

For visitors who are unable or do not wish to descend steps, we offer a virtual reality tour of the theatre, via a VR headset, which will enable the wearer to experience the view of the theatre from many places around the site.  Ask about the use of VR headsets in advance or when you arrive.  Unfortunately, we are not currently able to offer this facility, due to Covid restrictions.

Performances
The theatre holds up to maximum of 600 people for performances (270 for socially distanced performances). Audience members are directed to the appropriate area by our team and assisted where appropriate.

Level access to the accessible balcony is via a permanent ramp. The route is at least 1930mm wide. Please request step free access on arrival.  The balcony offers a good view of the theatre and stage. We provide chairs with arm rests for the less mobile and the balcony is accessible to wheelchairs.  Carers and friends can sit with wheelchair users.

Theatre Tours

We offer a range of theatre tours which include walking around the site and up and down steps.  However, it is also possible to enjoy some of these tours from a stationery position at the top of the theatre via an earpiece.  This means you can hear the tour guide’s commentary live, though you will not be able to interact with him or her until they return to the top of the theatre.  Not all tours are suitable for stationery participation, so please check at the time of booking.

Exhibition Centre (currently closed due to COVID)

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. The door is 780mm wide.  The Exhibition Centre has reasonable lighting, and a level, easily negotiable surface with a separate entrance and exit.  The doors are secured open when the site is open for visitors.
In extreme weather, the doors may be left closed, but a member of staff will be available to assist customers as appropriate

Mobility vehicles

We provide an area to charge mobility scooters and battery powered wheelchairs.  Scooters or wheelchairs can be charged within one of our buildings if they charge via a 13 amp plug.  You can hire mobility equipment from HSC Mobility by calling 01736 755927.