Echoes of Gonamena: a dramatic playreading - the arc
Barn Theatre, Sterts Arts & Environmental Centre, Liskeard, PL14 5AZ
Saturday 18th July 2026
Echoes of Gonamena by Simon Parker
ABOUT THE SHOW
Minions Moor 1837. The Cornish copper boom. Inward migration tops three thousand. Shacks, ale shops, whorehouses, missionaries; filth, danger, poverty. A farming family divided. Will the mines deliver opportunity or wreak destruction? A universal story of change, and our individual response to it.
Original cast members from the hit 2009 production of Gonamena reunite for a special one-off ‘dramatic reading’ celebrating South East Cornwall’s mining heritage and the 20th anniversary of Cornish Mining’s UNESCO World Heritage status.
No props, no set, no costumes – just words to ignite the imagination.
Capturing the true and dramatic story of the Caradon mines’ boom and bust years, Echoes of Gonamena combines a carefully researched script with the talents of community and professional performers. Written by Simon Parker, directed by Olivier Award-winning Kneehigh director Simon Harvey, produced by Sarah Pym, and with a live performance by the Boilerhouse choir.
‘As well as being funny and charming and heartbreaking in equal measure, Gonamena unfolds in the language of the people, rich in authentic Cornish dialect, bringing to life the very human side of the Industrial Revolution’ – Jackie Butler Western Morning News
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Running Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including 20 minute interval)
ABOUT THE COMPANY
East Cornwall-based production company, the arc (thearctheatre.com), makes original theatre with strong and universal themes that reflect an authentic contemporary Cornwall. Combining the talent and experience of professional and community artists with a professional production team, the company has staged large-scale shows at The Minack, Theatre Royal Plymouth, and Sterts Arts & Environmental Centre. Founded in 2009, its productions include Gonamena (2009), Third Light (2014 and 2018), Poltroon (2021) and The Last Shout (2024).
SUPPORT
Echoes of Gonamena is supported by Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, Sterts Arts & Environmental Centre, o-region, Linkinhorne History Group, Linkinhorne Parish Council, St Cleer Parish Council, Liskeard Town Council, Cornwall Council Community Chest Fund.
ABOUT STERTS
Originally a pig farm, Sterts is a four acre site where nature and creativity collide and is home to the Barn Theatre (400 seats), multi-purpose Sturrock Studio (50-70 seats) and Community Hub. Following a period of major redevelopment in 2024, the original amphitheatre is now covered by a solar powered barn, which is run solely off renewable energy.
The Barn Theatre has retained the original amphitheatre bench seating, so we recommend bringing a cushion to sit on.
The Barn Theatre is wind and rain proof but is not a heated space. Therefore, we encourage you to dress for the weather and embrace the elements. Wrap up warm and bring a blanket – especially in the spring and autumn.
FOOD AND DRINK
Our on site bar stocks drinks from The Cornish Wine Company, snacks from Redmoor Snacks and Ice Cream from Treleavens Luxury Cornish Ice Cream. Our bar opens one hour before Barn Theatre performances. Sterts does not have an onsite cafe, so we recommend visiting one of our local pubs, restaurants or farm shops for pre-show food. Our bar is staffed by our wonderful volunteer team throughout the year. Audiences are welcome to bring a picnic to site but please do not bring alcohol to the premises.
HOW TO GET HERE
Sterts Arts & Environmental Centre is in Upton Cross, just six miles from Liskeard, eight miles from Callington and ten miles from Launceston. Sterts is within easy reach of the A30 and A38, a one hour drive from Truro and 45 minute drive from Plymouth.
Public Transport is limited. Want to limit your carbon footprint or save money on fuel? Check out the national Liftshare network and find someone to share your journey with.
PARKING
We have free onsite parking, including disabled parking. From January 2026, we will have to 2 EV car charging points on our site. We recommend arriving in good time for each performance.
ACCESSIBILITY
We have a registered Changing Place on site.
The Barn Theatre is a 150m walk from the car park with level access to seating at the top of the theatre.
Hand rails are installed on the far left and right of the seating. Our Barn Theatre does not have a lift or hearing loop, however there are plans to install these in the future. Our seating is unreserved, however we will always reserve seating for audience members with access needs and are happy to provide chairs if needed. Please contact us on 01579 362382 or [email protected] and our team will be happy to help.
ABOUT THE SHOW
Minions Moor 1837. The Cornish copper boom. Inward migration tops three thousand. Shacks, ale shops, whorehouses, missionaries; filth, danger, poverty. A farming family divided. Will the mines deliver opportunity or wreak destruction? A universal story of change, and our individual response to it.
Original cast members from the hit 2009 production of Gonamena reunite for a special one-off ‘dramatic reading’ celebrating South East Cornwall’s mining heritage and the 20th anniversary of Cornish Mining’s UNESCO World Heritage status.
No props, no set, no costumes – just words to ignite the imagination.
Capturing the true and dramatic story of the Caradon mines’ boom and bust years, Echoes of Gonamena combines a carefully researched script with the talents of community and professional performers. Written by Simon Parker, directed by Olivier Award-winning Kneehigh director Simon Harvey, produced by Sarah Pym, and with a live performance by the Boilerhouse choir.
‘As well as being funny and charming and heartbreaking in equal measure, Gonamena unfolds in the language of the people, rich in authentic Cornish dialect, bringing to life the very human side of the Industrial Revolution’ – Jackie Butler Western Morning News
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Running Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including 20 minute interval)
ABOUT THE COMPANY
East Cornwall-based production company, the arc (thearctheatre.com), makes original theatre with strong and universal themes that reflect an authentic contemporary Cornwall. Combining the talent and experience of professional and community artists with a professional production team, the company has staged large-scale shows at The Minack, Theatre Royal Plymouth, and Sterts Arts & Environmental Centre. Founded in 2009, its productions include Gonamena (2009), Third Light (2014 and 2018), Poltroon (2021) and The Last Shout (2024).
SUPPORT
Echoes of Gonamena is supported by Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, Sterts Arts & Environmental Centre, o-region, Linkinhorne History Group, Linkinhorne Parish Council, St Cleer Parish Council, Liskeard Town Council, Cornwall Council Community Chest Fund.
ABOUT STERTS
Originally a pig farm, Sterts is a four acre site where nature and creativity collide and is home to the Barn Theatre (400 seats), multi-purpose Sturrock Studio (50-70 seats) and Community Hub. Following a period of major redevelopment in 2024, the original amphitheatre is now covered by a solar powered barn, which is run solely off renewable energy.
The Barn Theatre has retained the original amphitheatre bench seating, so we recommend bringing a cushion to sit on.
The Barn Theatre is wind and rain proof but is not a heated space. Therefore, we encourage you to dress for the weather and embrace the elements. Wrap up warm and bring a blanket – especially in the spring and autumn.
FOOD AND DRINK
Our on site bar stocks drinks from The Cornish Wine Company, snacks from Redmoor Snacks and Ice Cream from Treleavens Luxury Cornish Ice Cream. Our bar opens one hour before Barn Theatre performances. Sterts does not have an onsite cafe, so we recommend visiting one of our local pubs, restaurants or farm shops for pre-show food. Our bar is staffed by our wonderful volunteer team throughout the year. Audiences are welcome to bring a picnic to site but please do not bring alcohol to the premises.
HOW TO GET HERE
Sterts Arts & Environmental Centre is in Upton Cross, just six miles from Liskeard, eight miles from Callington and ten miles from Launceston. Sterts is within easy reach of the A30 and A38, a one hour drive from Truro and 45 minute drive from Plymouth.
Public Transport is limited. Want to limit your carbon footprint or save money on fuel? Check out the national Liftshare network and find someone to share your journey with.
PARKING
We have free onsite parking, including disabled parking. From January 2026, we will have to 2 EV car charging points on our site. We recommend arriving in good time for each performance.
ACCESSIBILITY
We have a registered Changing Place on site.
The Barn Theatre is a 150m walk from the car park with level access to seating at the top of the theatre.
Hand rails are installed on the far left and right of the seating. Our Barn Theatre does not have a lift or hearing loop, however there are plans to install these in the future. Our seating is unreserved, however we will always reserve seating for audience members with access needs and are happy to provide chairs if needed. Please contact us on 01579 362382 or [email protected] and our team will be happy to help.
