Unique Cornish theatre gets a global audience
15th Jun 2009

The Minack Theatre on Cornwall's wild and rugged south-western tip is regarded as one of the finest open-air theatres in the world, with fans across the globe as well as in the UK. Although on first appearance it seems as if the amphitheatre is a relic of Roman occupation, it was in fact created by Rowena Cade in 1931. Her determination, dedication and sheer visionary insight helped to establish the theatre as a landmark on the Cornish coast and one that has inspired artists, performers and audiences alike for nearly 80 years.

The theatre seats 750 in an open-air amphitheatre that benefits not only from superb acoustics, but a stunning backdrop provided by the Cornish coastline and the Atlantic ocean. "Minack" in Cornish means a rocky place and the black headed crag below the theatre has always been used by local fishermen. The location provides a suitably dramatic backdrop to productions ranging from modern musicals such as 'Evita' to Shakespeare's 'The Tempest', which was the first full production to be staged at the site in 1932.    

In 2008, the Minack decided to enhance its existing Internet presence by installing a live stream webcam. Although the theatre already had several static cameras in place, a live stream camera would allow fans all over the world to see the theatre and the surrounding countryside in 'real-time', raindrops and all! Phil Jackson, the manager of this unique theatre, was delighted with the results:    

"Static cameras are great for selective images, but the live cam gave our website visitors a real feel for the atmosphere of the location. The camera is placed in such a way as to show not only the theatre itself, but the bay and dramatic cliffs that surround us."     

The stunning images may also be viewed at the live video site www.checkitlive.com, among an array of other fascinating live camera streams.    

Traffic on the Minack site has increased to more than 70,000 visits per day since the new camera was installed and visitors have been suitably impressed:    

"…with regard to your live video, we think it is marvellous!"    

"It's brilliant! I really enjoy having a look every day at one of my favourite places."    

"Love the new webcam – so nice to see my favourite place when 5 hours away at home…"    

"I've been sitting here watching the waves…breaking away across towards Logan's Rock. What a treat it all is."    

"We just wanted to say how brilliant your new webcam is and look forward to logging on on a stormy day."    

The Minack Theatre is preparing for a busy summer, with a new programme of productions just beginning and set to run until September. Although very much dependent on the weather, the open-air theatre is reporting more interest than ever before, thanks in part to the addition of the live stream webcam by Finetra to the website.     

"A unique site such as the Minack is a perfect location for a live stream camera," said Mark Welch of Finetra. "The website visitors not only get a chance to see some of the most dramatic countryside in Britain in real time, but they see its changing faces, the life and buzz of the theatre and its visitors and a real connection with a very special place. We consider the live stream camera at Minack as one of our biggest success stories."     

ENDS    

For more information on the Minack Theatre, including their 2009 Summer season productions, please visit their website - www.minack.com    

For more live video streams, please visit www.checkitlive.com     

For further details about live video stream feeds, contact: enquiries@finetra.co.uk