Category Archives: Theatre

Things to do in Truro

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When the rain is pouring in London a place of sunshine and solace within reach seems like an impossibility. Cornwall really benefits from its Southern position – every time I visit I feel like the sun appears as soon as the train reaches the bridge welcoming you into ‘Cornwall’. First Great Western offer a number of services daily that transport you from dreary London into the picturesque Cornish countryside in under five hours.

Picking a place to visit in Cornwall can be tricky, St Ives is wonderful, Mousehole is adorable, Penzance is so pretty… there is something for everyone whether you want sports and activities, a family country holiday or a private cottage retreat. Long energising walks, seaside frolics and pasties are all a must though, wherever you choose to stay.

Take a trip to Truro, Cornwall’s capital and discover a wealth of historic interest and at least a weekend’s worth of activities and adventures. Here are a few of my suggestions for this part of the world:

1) Truro’s architecture is both varied and spectacular – wander through the cobbled Georgian streets and admire the city’s glorious Gothic cathedral.

2) Every Wednesday and Saturday you can enjoy the hustle and bustle of Truro Farmers Market on Lemon Quay – pick up some fresh fruit and veg and potter around the shops.

3) Visit Mylor, hire a canoe for an hour and work up an appetite before returning back to the harbour for a delicious breakfast and superb roast coffee at Mylor café.

4) Discover Rick Stein’s culinary delights at his fish & chips restaurant and takeaway. This renowned chef offers Cornish seafood at its very best.

5) Board the Enterprise Boats to Trelissick Gardens to see the four summer houses and find a perfect picnic spot.

6) The epic National Maritime Museum of Cornwall is currently celebrating its tenth anniversary and over its five floors and fifteen galleries it illustrates the past, present and future of this island nation. Kids go free.

7) If you are keen on sealife, the Orca Sea Safari is a must… on the boat trip you will be introduced to the wide range of wildlife on the Cornish coastline and, fingers crossed, you might see dolphins, seals or even basking sharks.

8 ) If you have a car and don’t mind the drive, the Minack Theatre is well worth the journey… a magnificent open air stage cut into the cliff edge promises an unforgettable performance beneath the stars.

9) Swanpool is often recommended by locals as the best of the many beaches in and around Truro. Small but friendly with excellent facilities including a watersport centre for you to give a surfing a try.

10) The Lugger is a very special little hotel on the idyllic Portloe coast overlooking a tiny harbour with crystal clear water. With immaculate sea facing rooms and a restaurant that serves wonderful fine food, this hotel will take your breath away ensuring your stay in Cornwall is as memorable and magical as possible.

Thoroughly Modern Milly travelled with First Great Western trains.

www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

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Photography by James Lidgett.

***My new travel book, CORNWALL by Weekend Journals is available to order here. Use the code TMM10 to get 10% off.***

Rocky Horror Show, Richmond Theatre

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There really is no other musical like it – Rocky Horror has a cult fan base that passionately support it wherever it goes. Richmond Theatre was looking glitzier than ever last week as an assorted bunch in sequins and silk excitedly arrived for their favourite show.

Here anything goes… shouting at the stage is permitted, phones are switched on for props and singing along is wholeheartedly encouraged! Even the grumpiest of visitors can’t help but toe-tap, sing and dance.

I first saw the glistening body of Oliver Thornton in Priscilla Queen on the Desert (he starred as Felicia for three years in the original cast at the Palace Theatre) needless to say he has a knack for playing transvestites. But there is more to Oliver than his impressive physique, with a training in dance, vocal versatility and wonderful comic timing, he was made to play this part. With legendary Philip Franks as narrator and soapstar Roxanne Pallett as Janet, the rest of the cast are equally impressive.

Our performance was BSL interpreted for the hearing impaired, which I thought would be a distraction but in fact was a fabulous additional entertainment by the very talented Paul, sadly no second name was given in the programme. Dressed in a black lace corset and panties, he had buckets of swagger and charisma.

This eccentric show is addictive and this production does not disappoint. So dig out your fishnets and make sure you learn the words prior to attending!

Continues until 2 November in theatres around the contact, more information here.

THOROUGHLY MODERN MAN: Ballo, King’s Head Theatre

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I must say I was hugely excited to receive the invitation to review again at the King’s Head, it being one of my favourite places to come and see what’s on offer.  This evening certainly did not disappoint. I was sceptical at the thought of an opera of Verdian proportions being done justice by the intimate settings of the King’s Head but with the stage being set wisely in thrust mode, the action managed to overcome the spatial limitations of its platform.

Now, if you have seen any of the publicity for this production, you will realise that it bears resemblance to a certain Swedish super-power home store.  Indeed, ‘Ballo’ is the famous Ikea’s retail rival in this version.  That is not to trivialise or undermine the storyline in any way; as all the drama, backbiting and tragedy that one would expect from Verdi is still very much present, just against a more humorous, light-hearted backdrop – kudos to Adam Spreadbury-Maher for striking this fine balance.  A healthy dose of Abba in the second act may have offended the sensibilities of some purists but an open mind will put paid to any such reactions – it certainly had the audience’s hips shaking and bottoms wiggling!

The roles have been double-cast; I was fortunate to catch the tragic lovers Riccardo and Amelia being portrayed by Edward Hughes and Becca Marriott respectively.  Hughes commanded the challenging score magnificently; sustaining repeated high B flats with impressive stamina and resonance.  Marriot’s athletic arias were performed with panache and intelligence, and the two had a lovely chemistry.  The casting surprise of the evening was the trouser role (Oscar) being sung by male coloratura soprano Martin Milnes.  This added great comedy and spark to the show, and if one had closed their eyes they never would have known the difference!  The greatest comic injection, however, came from Olivia Barry’s portrayal of the fortune-teller Ulrica.  She had the audience in stitches with her witty interpretation, and delivered the epic role with great control and a rich, velvety mezzo.

As ever, a theatre of this size limits the scope for orchestral accompaniment.  However, the lightning fingers of Ben Woodward more than compensated for this – he handled this tour de force of a score with great dexterity – top marks.

Ballo runs until 25 May – book tickets here.

Written by a Thoroughly Modern Man, Mark McCloskey.