Hall for Cornwall celebrates their millionth audience member
Earlier this month, as Will Keating performed his heartfelt show Cornwall My Home, Hall for Cornwall celebrated their millionth audience member walking through the doors of the reimagined Cornwall Playhouse. The lights dimmed, the music paused, and Will called Davina Mann onto the stage alongside Cornish songwriter Harry Glasson. She'd been sitting in the audience with her partner, completely unaware she was about to become part of HfC history.
Image courtesy of Hall for Cornwall
Back in October 2021, Hall for Cornwall threw open their doors after a multi-million pound transformation, designed by Burrell Foley Fischer. That first night Fisherman's Friends The Musical took to the stage - a show co-produced through Cornwall Playhouse Productions that went on to tour the UK and North America to packed houses and critical acclaim. Since then, their producing arm has created show after show for Cornwall and beyond: Cinderella, Treasure Island, Peter Pan, Jack And The Beanstalk, and this Christmas Aladdin. They have shone a spotlight on Cornish talent, produced new work in Cornwall, and championed artists and companies making waves in the region.
They have also welcomed world-class names through their doors. Rambert, Matthew Bourne, and the RSC, who return next February opening their national tour of Hamlet at the Cornwall Playhouse.
When SIX the Musical came to town, over 10,000 people were welcomed through the doors in a single week for one show. They also made sure students from Richard Lander got to meet the professional cast. The new hall for Cornwall is connecting the region to the world through culture, opening doors, sparking ideas, and showing young people the transformative power of the arts.
HfC CEO & Creative Director Julien Boast commented:
“This is a huge moment for us at HfC, and for Cornwall, as we celebrate the beating heart of creativity in our region. A whole combination of things have led us to this point of celebration. Through our transformative regeneration project 4 years ago we were able to really make a mark on the wider UK cultural scene. We’ve welcomed bigger shows onto our stage, become a respected name on the regional touring circuit, and most importantly we’ve been able to do it all with the warmest Cornish welcome, thanks to our staff and, of course, our team of fantastic volunteers. And it’s our audiences who make us - meur ras, thank you to all who’ve joined us on this magical journey so far. We’re ready and waiting to welcome the next million.”