Commedia dell’arte on the Loose!

Commedia dell’arte on the Loose!
Didi Hopkins & Trevow Helston
Monday 10th – Sunday 16th August

FREE POP-UP PERFORMANCES — Playful Park

We are thrilled to welcome one of the UK’s leading Commedia dell’arte practitioners to Helston this summer. Didi Hopkins — whose extraordinary career spans the National Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company, RADA, LAMDA and the Roundhouse, and who was a central figure in developing the smash-hit One Man, Two Guvnors — is coming to Coronation Park as part of Playful Park.

Working with Trevow Helston, Didi will spend two weeks with a group of students, immersing them in the 500-year-old Italian theatre tradition of Commedia dell’arte — the masks, the characters, the improvisation, the slapstick and the storytelling that sit at the very roots of European theatre. The first week takes place at Trevow Chapel; the second week, the troupe moves to Coronation Park.

Throughout the week, there will be a pop-up performance somewhere in the park. It could happen at any time — by the lake, near the cafe, in the play park, anywhere. Keep your eyes peeled and look out for them around and about! These unannounced, unpredictable and utterly delightful moments of live theatre are Commedia at its best — mischievous, physical, funny and totally in the moment.

What is Playful Park?

Playful Park is our 2026 project transforming Coronation Park into a vibrant destination for family fun all summer long. At its heart is a spectacular giant painted floor mural designed by local artist Lisa Curtis — packed with games for all ages, free to play and here to stay as a permanent new addition to the park. Alongside the mural, there’s an interactive running track, community bunting-making, the Big Scribble (where you get to draw all over the paths!), a two-day games expo, busking from local young musicians, Play in a Day with the Minack, roaming Commedia dell’arte, Wake the Giant, a family sports day and much more running right through the summer holidays.

Event-Specific Information

• Suitable for all ages.
• This is a free event. No booking required — just be in the park and keep your eyes open!
• Pop-up performances could happen at any time throughout the day.

What do I need to know?

• Pop-up performances take place across Coronation Park, Helston, TR13 0RA.
• Lakeside Cafe will be open serving hot and cold drinks, ice creams, cakes and a range of family-friendly meals.
• There is a small pay and display car park at Coronation Park — all proceeds support the running of the park. There is a larger pay and display car park at Castle Green. Free parking is available at the nearby Fairground car park.
• There is level access to Coronation Park. If you have any additional access needs that you’d like to discuss with us, please email Guy at guy@lovehelston.co.uk.
• There are accessible toilets at the rear of Lakeside Cafe.
• Events may be filmed or photographed and the material may be used by the South Kerrier Alliance CIC and its partner companies/organisations for evaluation, promotion or other projects. Please make sure everyone in your party is aware of this.