Wheal Martyn China Clay Museum and Country Park..

Garden Opera comes to Wheal Martyn

For the very first time the atmospheric grounds of Wheal Martyn will play host to fantastic and vibrant Garden Opera performed by the fabulous Garden Opera Company on 23 July 2011.  The performance of Verdi's La Traviata is set to be the highlight of our 2011 events programme and promises to bring to life the former Victorian clay works as well as help to raise funds towards the museums various projects which are designed to safeguard the heritage of Cornwall's important China Clay industry for us all.

The opera is arguably Verdi's most popular and accessible masterpieces.  Set in Paris, the universal classic tells the moving story of lonely Violetta's transformation from a hedonistic courtesan into a tragic heroine.  Fuelled by the unstoppable fire of repression, this production promises to unravel the dark tragedy of Violetta's poverty, illness and dispear in a Meditteranean tour de force.

Director Saffron Van Zwanenberg, inspired by an era of French cinema known as Poetic Realism, has brought the action forward to a morally ambiguous 1930's Paris with stark design, haute-couture costumes and an exquisite tailor made score.  It is a tale of hope, despair and romantic love at its most eloquent - just the sort of intimate drama the Garden Opera excels at!

The show has been tremendously well received at numerous venues during 2010.  Sung in David Pountney's acclaimed English translation, accompanied by a band of renowned chamber musicians armed with a musical arrangement that wins plaudits every year, the outstanding singers - who include soloists from Covent Garden, Scottish Opera and English National Opera Have been unleashed to deliver a heart-rending performance.

Tickets can now be reserved at a special earlybird rate of £25.00 each until 15 March.  To book please call Verlaine Jane on 01726 850362.  We anticipate that demand will be high, so do book early to avoid dissapointment.

Warm up this winter at Wheal Martyn

We have a new wood burner in the cafe!  So if you want to take the chill off why not pop in and warm up by the fire and enjoy a large cup of freshly gorund coffee or a delicous homemade soup!l   The cafe and gift shop will be open Tuesdays through to Sundays from 10.00am to 4.00pm and can be accessed without paying the admission charge to the museum.  The cafe also offers an array of homecooked lunches includinig traditional homemade meals such a steak and ale pie made from local beef.  On Wednesdays Thursdays and Fridays a fantastic meal offer is being run on selected homemade dishes where you can buy two main courses for just £10.00 with the option of a delicous dessert as an extra, why not treat yourself!!  We are also offering a special two for the price of one offer on soup during January and February.

The cafe at Wheal Martyn is also perfect for group functions and parties and now with the wood burner to set the scene and create that cosy atmosphere it is even better!  Three course meals can be provided for groups of up to 50 and as many as 150 can be catered for with a range of delicious buffets.  We have a wide selection of choices from finger buffets, hot or cold fork buffets, cream teas and high teas.  For larger events and parties the cafe combined with the large reception area and, in the summer, the outdoor patio to make it the perfect setting for entertaining.  Groups can be accomodated during evenings throughout the year and daytimes out of season.  For more information please contact Colin Vallance on 01726 850362 or email cvallance@swlakestrust.org.uk