November 2019’s Ambassador of the Month: Paul Mullin

This November we’d like to welcome Paul Mullin as our Cultural Ambassador of the Month. Paul is the Chair of Trustees at The Acorn in Penzance, a lively community space that has just celebrated its 50 year anniversary. We went along to the first of three nights of celebrations to hear stories and memories about its amazing history. Find out more about this great venue and Paul’s favourite places in Cornwall below.

Q1. Please tell us about yourself and the work you do in Cornwall to promote heritage and culture:

I’ve been Chair of Trustees at The Acorn Theatre, Penzance for four years now, during which time we’ve gone from 80 events a year to around 180 and an incredibly diverse programme, largely thanks to our wonderful team of volunteers and Richie, our indefatigable Theatre Manager.

Q2. What do you like about The Acorn, and what has it meant to the people of Penzance over the last 50 years?

Whatever the genre, live performing arts enrich people’s lives. The Acorn’s mission is to bring a diverse programme of live events to local people at affordable prices. I would hope some of them have inspired, challenged and entertained a couple of generations over the years.

Q3. What has been your favourite performance at The Acorn to date?

I loved listening to Roger McGough’s humorous and insightful poetry when he was last down – and I can’t wait for this year’s Christmas Show, ‘A Cornish Carol’ (apologies to Mr Dickens), which we are co-producing with Ed Rowe. It’ll be touring Cornwall, so do get along to see it for some seasonal festive jollity

Q4. What is special about Penzance?

It’s quirky, has an off-beat, end of the line feel and fabulous location. For a town of its size, it punches well above its weight.

Q5. What is the most unusual performance space you have been to in Cornwall and why?

The Miners’ Chapel, St Just for Hireth was amazing – though the set design was a big part of the experience.

Q6. Where is the best place in Cornwall to eat food?

There are so many, but The Shore in Penzance takes some beating.

Q7. What is your favourite walk in Cornwall?

Kynance Cove, via the Lizard to Cadgwith Cove (and a shellfish lunch).

Q8. Name one, really different excursion?

The Murder Mystery and Treasure Trails are a fun way to explore a new area with kids: https://www.treasuretrails.co.uk/

Q.9 You have free tickets to a performance of your choice. Who would you take with you living or dead?

I am a big opera fan and used to go to the Coliseum regularly, and occasionally Covent Garden, when we lived in London. I’d therefore go to see Tosca, probably at La Scala or The Met (both up country) with Heather, my wife, to avoid divorce proceedings. If she declined the offer, I’d invite Ian Hislop, editor of Private Eye and star of ‘Have I Got News For You?’

theacornpenzance.com

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram