A couple of weeks ago we saw a repeat of a holiday programme featuring our beloved Cornwall on one of the satellite channels and it mentioned a theatre called the Minack Theatre, which had been built by a woman more-or-less singlehandedly. I was intrigued, not just because this seems like such an unlikely possibility but also because in the 10-12 years since I first came to Cornwall, I'd never even heard of it despite 2-3 visits every year.

Anyway, the notion fascinated me so much I sought out reference to the Theatre in the guide books - interestingly it barely gets a mention despite my view, having visited it, that it's one of the most wonderful bits of architecture created in the 20th Century. After a bit of searching, I discovered it's near Lands End, in a small village called Porthcurno.

The place is truly breathtaking - I've got some more pictures of it which will appear on PBASE soon (when I've had time to sort all my holiday photos into some sort of order). A jewel of a place, set in the most incredible scenery. I can't wait to go back and see a play there. A quick check on their website suggests a varied programme throughout their mid-May to mid-September season and the price of a seat? A mere £7!

Anyway, back to Rowena Cade.......she started work on the theatre in 1931, in order to stage a play there in 1932. She was 38 years old when she started and built it by carrying sand up from the beach in sacks, mixing it with cement to make mortar terraces, a stage, steps and ornamentation. The whole thing is basically made from sand and cement, with a little help from the cliff face that she built on. She carved the decoration into the wet mortar using an old screwdriver - this photo is of her compass, made using this method.

The theatre was almost completely destroyed in the war and she started again, working on it until she was well into her eighties, with the help of two gardeners over the fifty year span of construction. She never made any money out of it - indeed she subsidised it heavily throughout her life. Now there is a charitable trust set up to ensure the place survives and flourishes on into the next century.

I urge you to visit this magical place. You will not regret it.

I'm not interested in theatres or plays really on anything more than a passing basis - this is so much more. It's a testament to the strength of will and determination of a woman who wanted the Minack to succeed.

I take my hat off to you, Rowena Cade. You achieved something completely priceless. A thing of such unutterable beauty I really feel as though my superlatives don't do it justice.