Hall for Cornwall celebrates Millionth visitor through the doors of transformed Cornwall Playhouse

Hall for Cornwall (HfC)  has announced its millionth audience member since reopening. The announcement was made during a performance of Cornwall My Home by local folk artist Will Keating. Will is best known as part of Falmouth-based folk group, The Oggymen, His music leans into the history, heritage, and heart of the Duchy - what better moment to welcome the millionth visitor to the Cornwall Playhouse, a venue that champions Cornish creativity and connects audiences across Cornwall and beyond with world-class cultural experiences.

Davina Mann was sat in the audience for the show when, just ahead of the interval, the spotlight fell on her as Will Keating made the announcement and called her to join him on stage to receive an HfC Membership and a family ticket to the upcoming Cornwall Playhouse Production, Aladdin. Harry Glasson, the Cornish songwriter who penned Cornwall My Home, joined them for the presentation. Davina and her partner were then welcomed into the Playhouse Bar for a celebratory glass of fizz.  

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.”  

Just over 4 years ago, in October 2021, HfC threw the doors open to the Cornwall Playhouse following a multi-million pound transformation. That first night they welcomed Fishermen’s Friends The Musical to the stage in a show co-produced by their producing arm Cornwall Playhouse Productions. The show went on to tour the UK and North America to packed houses and critical acclaim. 

Their producing arm has gone from strength to strength, proudly producing new work for Cornwall and beyond. To date this has included HfC Christmas shows Cinderella, Treasure Island, Peter Pan, Jack And The Beanstalk and, now their latest Christmas show, Aladdin. Other notable productions and co-productions include Carleen Anderson’s Melior Opus Griot.  

HfC is committed to nurturing Cornish talent, producing work in Cornwall and shining a light on new work by Cornwall-based artists and companies. 

They’ve also welcomed world-class artists and companies through the doors – from Rambert to Matthew Bourne, to the RSC who return to the Cornwall Playhouse this February, opening their national tour of Hamlet.  

Recent successes include SIX the Musical, which set a record with over 10,000 people through the doors in a week for a single show. HfC also facilitated a meet and greet with students from Richard Lander and the professional cast of SIX – this moment cut right to the heart of their mission as a charity – Hall for Cornwall connects our region to the world through culture. Whether it’s a student stepping onto a star-laden stage, or young eyes being opened, through their Get Creative programme and the programme of shows on the Cornwall Playhouse stage, HfC is there to open doors, spark ideas, and show the transformative power of the arts.   

Looking ahead to next year, alongside the premiere of the RSC’s tour of Hamlet audiences can look forward to smash-hit musicals direct from the West End including the return of The Bodyguard and MAMMA MIA!, leading dance companies, top names in comedy and of course, the very best in local talent, from artists like Will Keating and The Oggymen to the stars of the future who are finding their tribes and growing in potential through HfC’s Get Creative programme.