This summer the Rogue Theatre hosted their Wild Woodland Summer Ball in the depths of Tehidy Woods. It was magical beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. Dreamcatchers were suspended high up in the trees, fairies echoing soft tunes along the way and a floral door covered in books from long-ago serving as entry into the make-believe world of song and dance.
I tagged along with my cousins Archie, 4 and Max, 6, my little Sister, Natty and Nanny Sue; this was following a recommendation to pay a visit to the mysterious interactive show. It was truly spectacular, and as excited as I was to be greeted by actors in glittery costumes, I cannot imagine how real it seemed to little Archie who was, may I add, extremely overwhelmed to see a ‘real-life’ fairy.
The Rogue Theatre Walk-Through Experience
The experience began on the outskirts of the woods near Portreath. It was a narrow-path paved with a glitter ball, dreamcatchers and brightly coloured ribbons. We first met a young girl singing under a tree coated and hanging in cupcakes of all kinds. Archie tugged away at my jumper sleeve, with an excited “look… look… look!” pointing at this, that and everything in-between.
Something that reminded me of Alice in Wonderland was the numerous lamp shades hanging from the trees. It felt like we were en route to the Mad Hatter’s tea party.
Throughout the twisting and turning woodland path, we were blessed with bursts of singing, dancing and acting. I enjoyed the attention to detail as everywhere you glanced your eye, there was something fairy-like to look at. It was far too much to take in at once and so I was happy that this was also exit following the show. We attended the matinee because we had the boys in tow. However, I’d imagine that the evening walk-through and performance under torchlight would be worth experiencing under the woodland canopy.
A highlight for me was weaving in and out of the wedding dresses that were strewed amongst the entrance into the make-shift hay-bale theatre set-up. It really was what wild-magical-fantasy worlds are made of.
The Show Itself
The show lasted a couple of hours with a short-break halfway. It was filled with both adult humour that is likely to wash over any child’s head and endless interactive immersive elements. The show snack hunt sold drinks, hot and chilled, cakes, crisps and healthy alternatives at surprisingly reasonable prices.
I was a little worried before arriving at the performance area as I am highly allergic to hay. However, much to my delight they had several chairs available that I was able to help myself too. Although, they did recommended bringing a blanket or cushion for personal comfort throughout the performance.
A quote that I thought was overly fitting for life was, “Remember, the stories that you tell are the one’s that you tell about yourself, so make them good one’s, really good one’s”. This is definitely something that I will keep with me.
The show was underway in no time. With a small cast who seamlessly floated between multiple roles and a live band the show was just excellent. The Rogue Theatre were honestly phenomenal and far beyond my expectations.
The half-way point allowed for the opportunity to have one’s face-painted and to make a wand or sword out of woodland materials. There was no extra cost for either of these and we all had the carefree attitude of, well I’ll never be too old for face paint… So why not?
Nat and I became fairies of the forest decorated with flowers and glitter galore. Archie and Max went for the heroic pirate and ‘King’ look, whilst Nanny pranced around with a ‘wand’ made from twigs and ribbons.
The End
Following the show’s end, we headed off back on our journey to the carpark. However, this was after a massive hay-fight of course.
I had a wonderful time at the Rogue Theatre Wild Woodland Summer Ball and I cannot wait to return for their winter event set to be hosted over Christmas. It was all in all a fabulous experience that was worth every penny.
This post WAS NOT sponsored and all opinions are entirely my own.
