Author Archives: Lisa

1. 14 August 2026 2:20 pm Leave a Comment

   How Josh made us think differently about work experience

   Often, the people who come to intoBodmin looking for support are the very same people who leave a lasting impression and change your perspective for the better.

   Josh is one of those people.

   Not only because of his infectious smile and warm, friendly energy, but because of his vision, creativity and determination.

   And maybe some of that comes from his lived experience.

   How it started

   Josh first came into contact with intoBodmin when he recorded a track for the Ruinarte album with Jen, and later performed at Open Stage here at The Old Library.

   So when his Job Coach at St Austell College suggested getting back in touch with us about a work experience opportunity, it all made sense.

   Mimi, our Events & Creative Projects Co-ordinator, put together an internship based around Josh — his interests, his ideas and his desire to build his skills using media in a work environment.

   And he got stuck in!

   From Captain Culture to hidden Bodmin

   Josh helped with our Captain Culture campaign for Bodmin’s Town of Culture bid, heading out to local shops and businesses, talking to people about the campaign and persuading them to wear the Captain Culture mask, hold up a sign and pose for photos and videos.

   He also started exploring one of the things he’s particularly passionate about: documentary-style journalism and local history.

   Josh made videos about some of Bodmin’s hidden gems, including the Camel Trail and its history, St Petroc’s Church and its churchyard, and Bodmin Beacon.

   He recorded an episode of his own podcast interviewing Mimi, and took part in the Open Circle podcast too — making a couple of new friends along the way.

   “I’ve loved being part of the support system here at intoBodmin and having the opportunity to represent the organisation and break into something I’ve always wanted to do.”

   “I’ve always had a passion for documentary-style journalism, getting into the history of the people and places around me. Working at intoBodmin helped me dabble in that. I got to talk to people and film it!”

   The experience behind the ambition

   Josh is an advocate and member of Equally Abled and has lived experience as a Care Leaver.

   “I left care at 17 and had nothing, so I know what it is like to rebuild your life and follow your dreams.”

   “That’s what I want to show people — that if you work towards them, then any dream or life is possible.”

   Josh is also passionate about making sure people with different experiences are given genuine opportunities.

   “Even in this day and age, where people are more accepting of difference, I feel that we still have to fight for our opportunities, now more than ever. My dream is to have the status of Care Leaver as a nationally protected characteristic.”

   And Josh is certainly working towards those dreams

   This year, he was awarded the Star Student Award by his college before going on to be named Student of the Year by the Cornwall College Group.

   He also received a letter from The King, recognising the way he has turned adversity in his life into positive action.

   Back to Josh’s internship with us and the difference it has made to him…..

   “I now feel like I have an outlet for my creativity and a place to bring my ideas, knowing there is support to bring them to life.”

   “I’ve already spoken to Mimi about what’s next and I’m excited for some plans for Spring 2027.”

   Josh’s advice?

   “If someone else like me was thinking about approaching intoBodmin, I would say feel free to take your ideas in. People at intoBodmin are supportive of people from all walks of life and are open books.”

   “If you are creative, don’t be afraid to go in because they are a kind, supportive and dedicated team.”

   And what did Josh change for us?

   Even though Josh’s internship has finished, we feel like his creative relationship with intoBodmin is only just beginning.

   He has already made us think differently about what a work placement can look like.

   “Josh has brought lots of positivity. He is such a happy energy to have around, with fresh, new, interesting and different ideas.”

   “It’s been a brilliant experience to support someone who had such clear ideas about what they wanted to do, and it’s been fun to put together a work placement that was created around an individual — his ideas and his interests. I think he is really inspirational in his approach and his vision.”

   See more from Josh

   Watch Josh’s videos

   See the videos Josh created exploring Bodmin, its history and some of the places that caught his interest during his internship.

   
   Watch Josh’s videos
   

   Listen to Josh’s podcast

   The OMG Podcast with Joshua Holten and Lili Donaghy

   Find out more about Equally Abled

   Josh is an advocate and member of Equally Abled.

   
   Visit Equally Abled
   

   Got an idea you want to run past us?

   We recommend taking Josh’s advice: come on in, grab a cuppa and have 15 minutes with us to chat.

2. 27 July 2026 1:13 pm Leave a Comment

   August events letter It’s Time… Again. One of the things you have to get used to when planning events is living in two seasons at once. Making the most of long summer evenings and theatre in the woods… while planning for cosy winter nights out and thinking about the C word. And doing all of this while sweating and wishing we’d bought one more fan for the office. Sometimes it feels like standing in a seasonal doorway. One foot still wearing a flip flop. The other already squeezing into a welly. Somewhere in the middle you get the wobbles. Will people come? Will they like what we’ve planned? Will this slightly ridiculous idea finally be one too far? Yet somehow… they usually work out in the most wonderful of ways. So, as we start to leave tree-framed stages and Scarlet Pimpernels in the woods, we hope you’ll come with us to greet the cosier corners of Bodmin, folky ghost stories and a new troupe of performers leading the way into the season of silliness. Because things don’t stop happening in Bodmin when summer ends. We just find somewhere different for them to happen. First stop… Blisland. Why Blisland? Glad you asked! It’s because we believe some stories are better told somewhere a little smaller. Somewhere you can hear the music properly and where everyone feels part of the evening. First up – Song of the Crow Last week I was chatting to the team at Riddlestick Theatre and they told me something that completely surprised me. Did you know that after the First World War there was a huge rise in people’s fascination with séances, tarot and the occult? Many families desperately wanted to reconnect with loved ones they had lost. That piece of history became the starting point for Song of the Crow. Written with Cornwall — and particularly The Lizard — in mind, it blends dark Cornish folklore with the story of a group of First World War deserters hiding from both the police and the consequences of their own decisions. Expect live folk music, storytelling, comedy, a little darkness and a little mischief. So whether you’re someone who loves Cornwall’s folklore or you simply fancy a brilliant night local to you, I think this one might surprise you. Find out more Then it’s time to dance… Nos Lowen with Bagas Fellyon I’ve been to four Nos Lowens in my life and I’m delighted to say that I didn’t have a clue what I was doing and nobody cared! They helped me anyway 😊 So, for those Nos Lowen virgins, here is a quick guide to what you do: Arrive, join in, clueless. Follow everyone else. Sometimes get it right, mostly get it wrong. Laugh at yourself quite a lot. And by the end of the evening you’re wondering why you don’t do this more often. Bagas Fellyon — Cornish for “Band of Fools” — mix ancient melodies with hypnotic rhythms, bass, fiddle, accordion and hammered dulcimer to create something that feels unmistakably Cornish while sounding completely fresh. If you’ve never been to a Nos Lowen before, think somewhere between a ceilidh and a giant community dance where everyone helps everyone else. Good music and good company guaranteed. Nos Lowen – Bagas Fellyon Sunday 6 September, 7.30pm Blisland Village Hall Book your place Meet The Troupe Cast your mind back to a few months ago when I mentioned Mimi had another one of her surely-this-is-never-going-to-work ideas? Well, it’s happening. And The Hopening Ceremony is the very first outing for our brand new Music Hall Troupe. Expect silliness. Unexpected talent. Laughter. Probably something nobody quite anticipated. Just how we like it. The Hopening Ceremony Saturday 26 September, 7.30pm Blisland Village Hall Meet The Troupe We aren’t out of the woods just yet… As far as Theatre in the Woods season is concerned, we’ve still got a few Scarlet Pimpernel dates to go, and we’re not ones to brag. BUT… The messages we’ve received during Theatre in the Woods have genuinely made us stop, smile and occasionally do a little happy dance around The Old Library office. “Really blown away from what we saw today.” — Twelfth Night “This will be the best theatre you see all summer.” — The Scarlet Pimpernel “Beautiful summer’s evening, great entertainment, absolutely loving it.” — The Scarlet Pimpernel “Great value, incredible location.” — Peer Gynt Whether you bought a ticket, shared a post, told a friend or simply stopped to say something kind after a performance, it all matters. Thank you for creating a ripple effect that has reached Cornish artists, community groups, organisations like intoBodmin and visitors discovering Bodmin for the first time. All your support helps us keep saying “yes” to slightly ridiculous ideas. Here’s to more summer adventures next year. The Scarlet Pimpernel – Cardinham Woods Wednesday 29 July – SOLD OUT Thursday 30 July Friday 31 July Saturday 1 August Book remaining dates More in September Jazz Jam Monday 7 September, 7.30pm The Old Library Find out more Symphoni Kernow Charity Concert Saturday 5 September, 7.30pm St Petroc’s Church Find out more Secrets of the Hidden Realm Friday 25 September, 7.30pm The Old Library Find out more The Hopening Ceremony Saturday 26 September, 7.30pm Blisland Village Hall Find out more So, as we swap woodland stages for village halls and The Old Library… we’d love you to come with us. See you soon, Lisa P (the Lisa that does the marketing)

3. 22 June 2026 3:10 pm Leave a Comment

   “`html

   It’s Time.

   We’ve reached the season of making-crazy-ideas-in-unexpected-places-that-shouldn’t-work happen.

   And it’s all thanks to a whole bunch of people…..

   The people who decide a forest would make a brilliant theatre.

   The people who think cupboards belong in the woods.

   The people who spend weeks knitting tree wraps.

   The people who tour Cornwall with Shakespeare, sword fights, wigs and impossible logistics.

   And perhaps most importantly, the people who hear an idea that begins with:

   “So I’ve got a crazy idea…”

   and reply:

   “OK. Tell me more.”

   Welcome to Theatre in the Woods.

   ---

   Theatre in the Woods

   Theatre in the Woods isn’t just about what happens on stage.

   It’s the culmination of months of conversations, collaboration, creativity and people saying yes to ideas that might sound slightly ridiculous when you first say them out loud.

   This year’s season brings together Ha Hum Ah Theatre Company, Sun & Moon Theatre, the Minack Acting Academy, Cardinham Woods Rangers Ollie and Sam, SkillSHARE, Knit and Natter, volunteers, makers, artists and a whole host of people who have helped transform a beautiful woodland into something rather magical.

   And at the centre of it all sits Cardinham Woods.

   One of Cornwall’s hidden gems.

   Ten minutes from Bodmin.

   
   

   A bubbling stream.

   Towering trees.

   A magical glade.

   And for a few weeks every summer, a theatre stage unlike any other.

   You with me? Come on then…….

   ---

   The Scarlet Pimpernel

   15 July – 1 August

   
   

   This is our second season supporting Ha Hum Ah Theatre Company. You might remember Ben Kernow, Larry Pears and Eleanor Toms from Around the World in 80 Days.

   This year they’ve returned with The Scarlet Pimpernel and, true to form, things have escalated.

   Expect revolution, romance, disguises, daring rescues and perhaps the only theatre experience where you can dress like royalty, don a bespoke knitted wig, eat cake and enjoy a glass of fizz. See our VIP tickets for more info!

   Crazy idea?

   Exactly.

   We love it.

   P.S. If you’d like up-to-the-century advice on sword fighting, aristocratic etiquette or how to dress like a French noble, they have you covered over on their social media.

   BOOK THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL

   ---

   Twelfth Night (Or What You Will)

   Sunday 5 July • 4pm

   
   

   Sun & Moon Theatre are old hands at Shakespeare Outside.

   Highly acclaimed and renowned for creating accessible productions packed with live music, they are experts at outdoor touring and can handle whatever the British weather decides to throw at them.

   This year, expect Shakespeare’s greatest comedy drama filled with wit, laughter, mistaken identities, love, cakes and ale.

   A perfect introduction to The Bard for little ones and a joyful afternoon for grown-ups too.

   And perhaps best of all, it’s a 4pm start, so you could be home in time for tea.

   BOOK TWELFTH NIGHT

   ---

   Animal Farm

   Tuesday 28 July • 7.30pm

   
   

   Young dreams of becoming an actor can sometimes feel a long way away when you live in Cornwall.

   The Minack Acting Academy helps bring those ambitions closer.

   Their work gives young people practical skills, experience and opportunities while proving that great theatre talent doesn’t only exist somewhere else.

   We’re delighted to welcome them to Theatre in the Woods this year.

   Come along and support the next generation of Cornwall’s performers, creatives, technicians and theatre-makers.

   BOOK ANIMAL FARM

   ---

   The Woods Are Whispering…

   
   

   
   

   
   

   If you are a Cardinham Woods regular, then you may have noticed something unusual appearing amongst the trees.

   Red mystery cupboards.

   Knitted installations.

   Messages of hope.

   And the occasional Scarlet Pimpernel character unexpectedly speaking to you from the woodland.

   This year’s Cardinham Woods Trail started with Mimi saying, “wouldn’t it be brilliant if…” followed by the words “fairy doors” and “cupboards” and somehow ended with a team of intoBodmin community knitting, sawing, painting, printing and transforming her idea into reality.

   Deep breath – our thanks go to Jon and the SkillSHARE team and Banners and Beyond for transforming old cupboards into woodland mystery doors, Julie’s Knit and Natter group for keeping the trees warm, Rob for his suggestion of voice activation, Aimee for creating beautiful pyrography signs pretty much overnight, Amber for her bespoke Scarlet Pimpernel flower print, and David and Fin for patiently re-wrapping trees after Mimi changed her mind halfway through installation. Well, you know!

   We hope you enjoy it.

   ---

   Things Future You Will Thank You For

   Parking — worth knowing before you book

   ---

   More in July

   A couple more reasons to come out, gather your people and see what’s happening here.

   Jazz Jam

   Live music, local players and a good excuse to get together.

   📅 Monday 6 July | 7.30pm
   📍 The Old Library
   🎟️ Tickets: see event page

   Find out more

   Whimsical Wednesday

   Unexpected midweek joy, because why should weekends have all the fun?

   📅 Wednesday 29 July | 7pm
   📍 The Old Library
   🎟️ Tickets: see event page

   Find out more

   SEE ALL EVENTS

   ---

   Every year Theatre in the Woods reminds us that some of the best experiences happen when people work together, take a chance on an idea and invite others along for the ride.

   We’d love you to join us.

   See you in the woods.

   Lisa P
   intoBodmin

   ---

   
   

   Behind every event, newsletter, poster and slightly ambitious idea is a team of people who care deeply about creating opportunities for connection, creativity and fun in Bodmin.

   intoBodmin CIC is a non-profit organisation based at The Old Library. Our team come from all different backgrounds and experiences but the thing that brings us together is that we are proud to call Bodmin our home.

   If you enjoy what we do, simply coming along to events, spreading the word, or bringing a friend along all helps support what we’re building here.

   “`

4. Leading Change for a Greener Bodmin:Linda Grant

   3 June 2026 4:59 pm Leave a Comment

   The Great Big Green Week 2026

   Leading Change for a Greener Bodmin:
   Linda Grant

   Small changes, big impact.

   
   

   As part of this year’s Great Big Green Week, we wanted to shine a light on someone whose care, commitment and quiet determination has changed the way we work at intoBodmin — for the better and greener!

   Meet Linda Grant — Environmental Impact Volunteer, Carbon Literacy Facilitator, community choir member, stats enthusiast, encourager of people, and all-round brilliant human being.

   Linda volunteers with intoBodmin one day a week, helping us measure and understand our environmental impact — from audience travel and energy use to the information we report back to Arts Council England. It’s detailed work, thoughtful work, and work that genuinely helps shape the way we think and act as an organisation.

   But prior to working with us, Linda had no experience doing environmental stuff at all.

   ---

   How it began

   From the Civil Service to the community choir

   Linda first got involved with intoBodmin after taking early retirement from a 38.5-year career in the Civil Service.

   “I retired at the end of October 2023 and suddenly had a bit more free time. I wanted to give something back to the local community.”

   Her first step into the organisation was through Belt It Out Bodmin Community Choir.

   “I love singing, so that felt like an easy first step in. I also wanted to keep my admin skills going and meet more people because I never really got that opportunity in my previous job.”

   That one small step quickly became something much bigger. Since then, Linda has become part of the fabric of intoBodmin life — bringing her experience in customer service, administration, training and data analysis into a completely different environment.

   

   “I don’t have any background in the arts side of things. But I can bring my field of expertise to intoBodmin and make a difference.”

   And she absolutely has. So what happens when a volunteer leads change?

   ---

   Leading change

   Carbon Literacy, one step at a time

   One of the biggest ways Linda has influenced our organisation has been through environmental work and Carbon Literacy training.

   “Participating in Carbon Literacy training with Linda was a wonderful and challenging experience. The challenging part was the topic and information, but the wonderful part was having Linda’s support and expertise, which meant our conversations were really rich and interesting — and I was able to complete the sessions and written work to gain my accreditation. It was a really rewarding experience to witness Linda step into this role and lead the staff team in this way. It felt like the kind of collaborative, community-led work that intoBodmin is really about.”

   Linda approaches environmental action in a way that feels hopeful, practical and achievable — something that reflects the wider values behind Great Big Green Week too.

   “Environmental issues can feel really big, daunting and scary. But don’t be afraid of it. Even one small change is still an improvement. One little step has a roll-on effect and encourages others to think differently too.”

   ---

   The ripple effect

   Volunteering has changed Linda’s life too

   “It’s helped my mental and physical health and I’m so glad I did it. It’s opened so many other doors for me.”

   Through the choir, volunteering and community events, Linda has built friendships and connections across Bodmin that she might never otherwise have found.

   “It’s increased my sense of community. There’s so much going on in Bodmin and when you join together you start to see all the positives happening around the town. It is there if you want to look for it.”

   “What would I say to someone thinking about volunteering? Just do it. It’s an opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills, keep using the skills you already have and stay active physically and mentally. Just start with a hello. Be friendly, open and get chatting. It gets easier every time.”

   ---

   At intoBodmin, we often talk about creating spaces where change can happen. Linda’s story is a reminder that change doesn’t always arrive loudly. Sometimes it begins quietly — with a choir rehearsal, a conversation, a spreadsheet, a cup of tea, or one person deciding they’d like to help.

   We are incredibly fortunate to have Linda as part of our organisation and immensely grateful for the care, knowledge and encouragement she continues to bring to our team and community. We celebrate her this Great Big Green Week!

   This Great Big Green Week, we hope stories like Linda’s encourage more people to think about the small changes they can make too — whether that’s volunteering, learning something new, joining a local group, or simply starting a conversation. Because those small changes really do matter.

   🌿 Small changes. Real impact.

   Want to get involved?

   During Great Big Green Week we’ll be sharing more stories, activities and ideas connected to community action, creativity and sustainability. If Linda’s story has inspired you to volunteer, connect with others or get involved in local projects, we’d love to hear from you.

   Get in touch

5. The Great Big Green Week is back for 2026!

   14 May 2026 2:56 pm Leave a Comment

   ---

   intoBodmin — Green Week 2026

   We’re joining The Great Big Green Week

   A week of stories, skills, conversations and swaps — celebrating nature, community and the small changes that matter.

   6th – 14th June 2026

   This June, intoBodmin is proud to be taking part in The Great Big Green Week — the UK’s biggest celebration of community action on climate and nature. Thousands of groups, venues and communities across the country join in each year, and this year we’re bringing a whole week of events, workshops and activities to Bodmin.

   It’s not about pressure or guilt. It’s about getting together, learning something new, meeting someone inspiring, and finding small, meaningful ways to connect with the world around us. There’s something here for everyone — whether you’re curious, creative, or just fancy a good evening out.

   The Great Big Green Week is a nationwide moment where communities come together around what matters: the environment, each other, and the future. A celebration, not a lecture — a chance to discover what’s possible when people with shared values get in the same room. Find out more →

   ---

   What’s on

   From an evening of storytelling in the garden to a nature-themed comedy conversation, here’s everything we’ve got lined up. Drop in for one or come to them all.

   6 June 7.30pm

   Storytelling

   Nature Storytelling — Sam Crosby

   Swap your sofa for the garden and join Sam Crosby — founder of Recalling Fire — for an evening of traditional oral storytelling around the fire and under the fairy lights. Sam’s work draws on ancient stories to inspire bold steps for the future.

   £10 / £12 / £14 • The Old Library Garden
   Book tickets →

   8 June 10am

   Craft

   Creative Wellbeing — Upcycling

   Swap buying new for making something beautiful. Join Debbie and the warm, welcoming Creative Wellbeing group for a morning of crafting, making and upcycling. A lovely space for people of all abilities.

   £5

   9 June 12pm

   Theatre

   Hello Beach! — Jasmine Cole Productions

   Swap CBeebies for live theatre! An interactive, multi-sensory storytelling show for little ones aged 0–2 and their grown-ups. Featuring puppetry, singing and key-word signing. We’re delighted to bring this to Bodmin in partnership with Chy Trevail Library.

   Suggested donation £3 • Chy Trevail Library
   Book tickets →

   11 June 1.30pm

   Wellbeing

   Herbalist Workshop — Triskelion Herbs

   Join Georgie Paterson from Triskelion Herbal Clinic to explore the world of herbal medicine — what it is, what it offers us as people, and what it means for the natural world. Free to attend.

   Free

   13 June 2pm

   Comedy

   In Conversation — Simon Nicholls, Catherine Beazley & Anna Keirle

   Swap talking to yourself for laughing with others! A nature-themed Q&A with multi-award-winning TV & audio comedy producer Simon Nicholls and wildlife genius Catherine Beazley — hosted by the brilliant comedian Anna Keirle.

   £10 / £12 / £14 • The Old Library
   Book tickets →

   🌱

   Seed Swap — The Garden

   Come and swap your seedlings with ours! Meet garden volunteer Zoe and ask all your seedling questions. Running throughout the week.

   🧵

   Craft Swap — The Café

   Bring unused craft materials and take home something new. A relaxed, no-pressure space to browse, swap and give good stuff a new life.

   ---

   Why we’re joining in

   At intoBodmin, we believe in the power of bringing people together around things that matter. The Great Big Green Week feels completely at home with what we do — creating space for creativity, connection and community, in a place that already cares deeply about its surroundings.

   We’re not here to tell anyone how to live. We’re here to gather some incredible people who are genuinely passionate about what they do, and to open the doors so you can meet them. Whether you go home with new skills, new seeds, or simply a good conversation — that feels like a green week worth having.

   “Sitting in a circle outdoors with a bunch of people, carving wood into something useful and beautiful, is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable ways of spending a day I can think of.”

   — Tim Hutton, woodsman & whittling workshop leader

   Stay in the loop

   More details, behind-the-scenes content and event reminders will be shared on our socials throughout May and June. Follow us to keep up — and come and be part of it.

   Facebook Instagram intobodmin.co.uk

   Join the conversation: #GreatBigGreenWeek • #intoBodmin

   /

6. Alice Hopkins – Bodmin Change Maker

   17 April 2026 2:58 pm Leave a Comment

   If you are trying to change the way you work and make it better for your family too, then you might be interested in Alice’s story.
   

   /
   

   Alice Hopkins is founder of Õrn Kuu Skincare and newest recruit into The Old Library community. She is making some changes around the way she works, introducing some seasonal skincare workshops and reflexology taster sessions to her online business and has found a home here with us.  Yay!

   We asked Alice what making this change has been like and any tips she’d give to someone thinking about doing the same.

   “At first I thought I’d just come in, have a look around, and see how it felt. But as soon as I arrived, the space felt so welcoming that I knew it was the perfect place to work from. I started by trying it out with an evening facial cupping workshop, following by a few weekends offering holistic treatments and reflexology sessions. I also had some ideas for more practical and creative workshops, so I asked on my Instagram stories what people might be interested in. That’s how I decided on my first skincare making workshop. Four people booked on, which looking back was perfect because it was small and intimate and helped me find my feet with the format. Then on my next one I had x10 people and I started to build my confidence.

   

   The difference being at the Old Library for me is that is has a really good community feeling. Something that feels good for my business and also the community I live in. The process has been really smooth; I can book online, I can access the building through the 24 hour system and communication has been really brilliant – even when I couldn’t get in on a Sunday and I needed the team to sort it out for me, they did it all remotely!

   If you are thinking about making a change like me I would say, just go for it!”
   
   You can find out more about:
   – booking a space at The Old Library here
   – Alice’s summer skincare making workshops and reflexology taster sessions here
   You can find out more about Alice by following her on Instagram @ornkuuskincare
   

   
   

7. Join our Troupe!

   15 April 2026 3:41 pm Leave a Comment

   Hello. -Mimi here 👋

   
   We are starting a new amateur dramatics music hall/ variety/ cabaret troupe with a theme of nostalgia and fun!

   Our plan for this group of curious characters is:

   • to cultivate individual creativity
   • develop acts that fit with the theme and the company ethos
   • run a series of professional masterclasses that will be tailored to the interests and skills of those that wish to take part! 
   • raise money be performing and put the funds back into the development of the troupe.

   We will be drawing inspiration from old school variety shows; think seaside entertainment, street theatre and commedia dell’arte (if we’re going back that far…and going to get nerdy about it 🤓). 

   
   Interested? Then let us tell you about the audition process……

   
   Auditions will take place on Thursday 21st May at The Old Library.

   1. Take a look at the information below and fill out this form: Music Hall Troupe – Fill out form  
      Any questions please email: mimi@intobodmin.co.uk 
      
      
   2. Choose one of the following to prepare:
      
      
      – A 3 minute music hall/ cabaret act This could be a ‘strong man’ who opens jars – or tries to! A dancer who hates dancing! Or maybe you can juggle or have a secret skill you’d like to share! Don’t feel limited by suggestion but feel excited to try anything! 
      
      
      – An ol’ Music Hall song Check out ‘Music Hall Songs’ on You Tube and pick one you may like to perform. We will expect it to be unaccompanied but if you can play an instrument, then feel free to accompany yourself! 
      
      
      – Perform a short silly monologue or poem Although you’re welcome to perform something more serious, we are aiming for these shows to be fun and comic in style! You can write the monologue or poem yourself or just pick one of your favourites. 

    Questions?

   What is the commitment for this?
   If you successful in joining the Troupe then we will need you to commit to as many performances as possible. This could be up to one a month and take place throughout Cornwall and Devon. You won’t be expected to do all of them but we will be looking to make sure we always have enough acts to fill a show!  Our first show is all booked in on the 26^th September at Blisland Village Hall 

   Tell me more about the Troupe… 
   Performers will be coached and directed. We want to find a good fit and a fun format that means we can swap acts in and out, sometimes with the Troupe coming together, and sometimes adding in some local knowledge responding to the place/ venues we end up! We are looking for Troup members who are kind, committed, value quality performance and come with good vibes! This is about offering skills, confidence, talent and artist development, networking with local professionals and also having fun whilst entertaining and welcoming audiences into this wonderful world we create! 

   Why is the name of this project Music Hall/ Variety/ Cabaret Troupe? That’s not very catchy! 
   Great question! This is new and exciting, and this is the best way we can currently try and describe the vibe we’re after! (sorry if vibe is used too many times in this write-up – this is not AI it’s just my limited vocabulary when describing intangible feels!) HOWEVER – we hope our initial ‘troupe’ through this launch will all come up with it’s official name! The people involved will help shape and form this exciting new group! Yay! 

   I’m interested but maybe not as a performer… 
   Amazing! Please drop Mimi an email and have a chat about how else you may want to get involved!  

   I’m interested but I have some barriers that are stopping me applying… 
   Please drop us an email and we can see if we can come up with a solution together! This may not always be possible, but we would love to try our best to see if we can make this opportunity work for you!  

   
   OK, if you are good to go, then time to complete step one, fill in the form to register your interest!
   Good Luck, Mimi x

8. CALL-OUT – A LOW-ENERGY, HIGH-SPIRIT CHRISTMAS SHOW

   20 May 2025 4:20 pm Leave a Comment

   
   This December, we want to reimagine what a Christmas show can be – with less waste, less energy, and more warmth, joy, and creativity.
   
   We’re inviting companies, artists, or innovative technicians to pitch a co-produced Christmas show that places sustainability at the heart of its making, not necessarily in the story it tells.
   
   Inspired by the Theatre Green Book, we’re looking for a production that is:
   
   🌱 Low-cost and low-waste – Think reuse, repurpose, reimagine: sustainable set, costume and props that tell a story of circular design.
   ⚡ Energy-aware – How can you use less energy? Can your lighting or sound source its own energy? Could the show power itself differently – solar, battery, even pedal-powered?
   🏗️ Light-touch in process – Minimised travel, minimal build, maximum creativity.
   🎁 Cosy, joyful and full of heart – A feel-good, festive experience for audiences of all ages. Not worthy or heavy – just full of wonder and delight.
   
   We’re especially excited by non-traditional formats – gig theatre, intimate storytelling, low-energy spectacle. The kind of work that makes people smile without switching everything on.
   
   What we’re offering:
   
   – A 12-show co-production partnership with intoBodmin at The Old Library in December 2025
   – £1000 towards making the show
   – 70% of all ticket sales over the run
   – Producing support and rehearsal space (subject to availability)
   – Deadline to pitch: Sunday 15th June
   
   Send us your spark of an idea – it could be a short proposal, a video, some sketches, or even a conversation starter. We’re not looking for a perfect pitch, just a good idea that aligns with our values.
   
   Submit to: mimi@intobodmin.co.uk
   Questions or wild ideas you’d like to run by someone? Send these to fin@intobodmin.co.uk
   
   Let’s create a Christmas show that wraps audiences in joy – without wrapping the planet in waste.

9. New Podcast Episode 4: Fin chats to Lisa G

   25 April 2025 1:22 pm Leave a Comment

   In this podcast Fin chats to our Venue and Fundraising Lead, Lisa Glithero about:
   – her experience working for the community organisation, Baked Bean Theatre Company in London
   – the importance of inclusive theatre practice.
   – how stories can be told in different ways.
   – her greatest challenge climbing a mountain.
   – returning to Cornwall and how she discovered intoBodmin
   – what a typical day at The Old Library looks like for Lisa
   – building relationships and the importance of a cup of tea
   – what a typical day at The Old Library looks like for Lisa

   Enjoy!
   
   

   https://on.soundcloud.com/zM7h7312qm8btneZ7