Minack has had its wettest season in many years; as long as Phillip Jackson can remember. By the time we arrived at the theatre on Saturday 6 September they had lost six performances and several had to be stopped because of the inclement weather.
It was good weather that greeted us that weekend. Our move into the theatre, the rehearsal that day and Sunday’s dress rehearsal took place in the sun. Regrettably this was not to last. Monday and Tuesday’s performances were given in an intermittent drizzle. Wednesday’s matinee was performed in a fierce southerly wind and by the interval of the evening performance driving rain made continuing that performance impossible. Thursday evening was gloriously clear with a bright moon. By the Friday matinee we were back with intermittent drizzle but at our final performance on Friday we were blessed with another clear moonlight sky.
Thus are the trials and joys of performing at Minack.
2) A SUCCESSFUL MINACK RUN
We were confident when we chose ‘They Came to a City’ for Minack that this was the right play in terms of the stage there, the groups resources and the time of year. The reaction of the trustees and staff after the dress rehearsal bore out confidence. They were grateful that Gatehouse Theatre had brought a ‘Play’ to Minack after all the blockbusters, epics and musicals that season. Their reaction to the play was much as we had experienced in the London performances. It caused a lot of discussion and debate.
This reaction was repeated during the week and our front of house team reported that audiences were leaving the theatre talking about the play having been profoundly affected by it.
We had been concerned that our small cast would be lost on the large stage but this was not the case. The simplicity of the setting, the authentically striking costumes, the atmospheric lighting effects, well chosen music and the ensemble playing of the cast, now well versed in the foibles and idiosyncrasies of their characters, led to one of the most enjoyable and well-received of Gatehouse Theatre’s recent performances at Minack. What is more, the local press critic was appreciative too!
Many thanks and congratulations must go to John Wheeler for his excellent direction, the cast for their fine performances and all involved in the production.
3) MEETING FRIENDS
It was a great pleasure to meet up with friends old and new who were able to see the play. Among them were Roger and Annie Mortimer down from Devon, who met up with daughter Katherine Manners, and locals Ian and Patsy Gibson.
Minack has delivered its magic once again. Those who were new to this very special theatre have been enchanted, as we all are. Never mind the weather, Minack Theatre always triumphs.
