The Cornwall Playhouse played host to a triumphant community showcase this summer, the culmination of a scheme designed to enabled under-represented groups from across the duchy to enjoy their first cultural experiences.

The Let’s Create Showcase celebrated phase 1 of Hall for Cornwall’s (HFC) Community Culture Club (CCC). The initiative has facilitated more than 3,000 captivating cultural experiences over the past two years, challenging barriers including isolation, poverty and rurality, and deploying culture as a tool for wellbeing and community development.

A cast of hundreds gathered at the end of July, with many taking their very first steps on the stage. There were performances by Cornwall Deaf Community Centre, Drama Express, HFC’s Playhouse Players, Inner Ground Dance Company and Emily Alden, Painted Horses, Propeller, Shallal, Sing Choir, Trelya Dance, VIVA and Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change, and Vocal Presence. 

Over the last decade, and through a pilot project backed by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, HFC identified and engaged with groups across Cornwall, inviting them to enjoy positive mental health benefits, building confidence and sparking creativity.

Thanks to funding from the Shared Prosperity Fund and a Crowd-Funded Ticket Bank, CCC members were able to meet artists and experience live performances from the likes of Rambert Dance, Motionhouse, West End touring companies and the annual Christmas show. 

The theatre then hosted workshops and masterclasses, allowing CCC groups to collaborate with artists on new work, inspired by their journey through the CCC programme.

HFC chief executive and creative director Julien Boast said: “As a charity, we’re here for everyone in Cornwall, and the Community Culture Club is part of our commitment to that pledge.

“It isn’t an initiative we tend to shout about – we just want to connect under-represented members of our community with the positive benefits of our stage programme. I’m delighted to see the impact, and the showcase event was an absolute triumph.” 

Cllr Louis Gardner said: “The Community Culture Club at Hall for Cornwall is transforming the way people connect with theatre by breaking down barriers and ensuring the magic of live performance is accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstance.”