If you go down to Tehidy Woods today. You’re sure of a big surprise. For there you’ll cross over into the land of fae.
Adventure awaits!
We arrived in a field. An ordinary field. An extraordinary audience formed of a merry band of knights, fairies and other woodland creatures. Lots of the adults as well as the kids had made an effort and dressed for the occasion (you’re just as welcome not to but if, like me, you love fancy dress my advice is to let it rip. I was a little cautious. Bad idea. Nothing about these guys is cautious).
Rogue Theatre weave a web of wonder in the woods.
I’ve seen Rogue Theatre once before, performing their Dancer and the Devil in Blackpool. Last time I travelled 250 miles to see this Cornish company, so the short drive to the woods along the beautiful North coast path from Hayle was a delightful breeze.
The last show was far more adult in content, whereas this one is designed for families (but don’t be discouraged if you don’t have kids, it’s for anyone who loves an adventure). The wellies were perfectly at home in their woodland surroundings.
Step through the looking glass and into another world with Rogue Theatre
What I remember from Blackpool was an incredibly imaginative use of the route to the theatre with some beautiful set design, multi-talented actors and singers and a rip-roarer of a story. But would Rogue deliver again? Hell, yes! Shout it from the rooftops. And they impress me more at every turn.
Enter the forest in small groups and follow a trail of lanterns. Encounter mermaids, fire throwers and kings before reaching the heart of the woodland and crossing over into the land of fairy for five tales from the book of fae.
A king sings in the forest. All the characters you encounter on your trip in feature in the main show.
Pull up a straw bale (a blanket or cushion is a good plan) for the main event in a dappled woodland glade. Guided by the storyteller (played by the beautifully named and incredibly warm Company Director Ollie Oakenshead) and Moon (stunning, ethereal artistic director Angelina Boscarelli is a shimmering, white wonder) you’ll travel through five tales from the land of fae.
Meet the alluringly familiar, yet refreshingly different Cindy, Pop Princess, with her ugly sisters and jelly slippers. Encounter bandits and law-men inspired by the fairy legend of the wild hunt – sworn enemies eternally united by their love of being free. Get lost in yarns of warring brothers, spider headmistresses and the last dragon as the energetic company gallop and spin you through their merry and breathtaking ride.
Refreshingly reasonably priced stew served up in the interval by members of the cast. An after-show disco DJ’ed by a nine year old with everyone invited to dance on the stage (it is a ball, after all). This is so much more than just a show. It’s an experience.
Look out for some fabulously imaginative use of props, levels, movement and music in this hum-dinger of a show that’s difficult to put down. I studied theatre at university and I know how hard it is to make something a performance look this simple, graceful and effortless. Great job, guys. I’ll be back again soon.
Absolutely magical.
Pull up a hay bale for the main event and bring your own food and drink – or buy some very reasonably priced stew (£2) and wine (£2.50)
The 2014 Wild Woodland Summer Ball runs until August 31 so you’ll need to get in quick – buy a ticket now!
Rogue Theatre can also be found in the woods throughout the year with similarly imaginative immersive theatrical treats. Look out for circus-inspired Madame Lucinda’s Wonder Show in Autumn and Spring, a spooky Halloween show and their magical Winter Wood.
Adventures in Cornwall 