All-Female Cast to Star in Wildworks Theatre’s Autumn Blockbuster ‘Stranger Beasts’

Epic Drama Set to Unfold on the Clifftops of Cornwall

Wildworks Theatre has announced the cast for its upcoming autumn blockbuster, Stranger Beasts, and it’s making headlines for all the right reasons. The show, which is set to run from 18th September to 6th October, will feature an all-female ensemble, bringing a unique twist to the epic drama set against the stunning backdrop of Cornwall’s Geevor Tin Mine.

A Mythical Tale Unfolding in a Legendary Landscape

The production is a testament to Wildworks Theatre’s reputation as Britain’s leading landscape theatre company. The performance will be a promenade event, allowing audiences to traverse multiple stages across the clifftop site, all set against the breathtaking Atlantic Ocean as the sun sets.

Stranger Beasts tells the story of Belerion, a girl born to a cosmic mother and an earth-born father, destined to change the fate of her land and her people. The narrative is deeply rooted in myth and fairytales, drawing inspiration from stories like Cupid and Psyche, Beauty and the Beast, and Angela Carter’s The Tiger’s Bride.

Stellar Cast Takes Centre Stage

The role of the narrator will be performed by Mary Woodvine, known for her work in Mark Jenkin’s critically acclaimed films Enys Men and Bait. Belerion, the central character, will be portrayed by three talented actresses: Charlotte Merriam, Catrin Walker-Booth, and Hannah McPake. The all-female cast is rounded out by Bec Applebee, Agnieszka Blonska, Antonia Kemi Coker, and Kyla Goodey, ensuring a dynamic and powerful portrayal of the story.

The drama, co-written by Wildworks Theatre’s Artistic Director Mydd Pharo and Founding Artist Mercedes Kemp, is described as one of the company’s most ambitious productions to date. Pharo has expressed a bold intention to embody Cornwall and its incredible landscape in human female form, promising a theatrical experience that is both visually and emotionally powerful.

A Love Song to the Land

Stranger Beasts is more than just a story; it is a celebration of Cornwall’s rugged beauty and a reflection on the transformative nature of strangers. According to Mercedes Kemp, the character of Belerion embodies a land scarred by mining, a ravaged landscape seeking to rediscover its strength. The arrival of a mysterious Stranger/Beast offers Belerion a chance to reclaim her wildness and face the future with newfound resilience.

The nature of the Beast remains a closely guarded secret, but Wildworks Theatre is confident that its reveal will leave a lasting impression on the audience. The drama will explore the Thin Place, a liminal space between land and sea where the veil between worlds is at its most fragile—an area where anything could happen.

A Community-Driven Spectacle

The show will feature a supporting cast of around 90 local performers, ranging from a ten-year-old child to an eighty-year-old woman, all drawn from communities across Cornwall. These performers have been rehearsing at Pendeen in the weeks leading up to the event, contributing to what promises to be a deeply rooted and resonant production.

Tickets for Stranger Beasts are priced at just £5, making it accessible to a wide audience. The show is part of the broader We Are Shining programme, a large-scale theatre engagement initiative celebrating Cornwall’s long traditions of welcoming strangers and community-driven outdoor performances.

For more information and to book tickets, visit Wildworks Theatre.

Wildworks Theatre, headquartered in Truro, continues to be a vital part of the UK’s cultural landscape, supported by public funding from Arts Council England, made possible by National Lottery players.