The Acorn Theatre

The Acorn is Penzance's independent arts centre and live performance venue, housed in a former nineteenth century Wesleyan Methodist chapel on Parade Street in the town's conservation area. The chapel was converted into an arts centre in 1969 and refurbished and redesigned between 1996 and 1998. There are two performance spaces: the main theatre seats around 170 and the basement bar theatre around 80, which lets the venue host everything from intimate spoken word evenings to busy standing gigs. The programme covers live music, comedy, theatre and performing arts, with touring companies and international acts alongside local talent, plus book launches, workshops and clubs. Its Get Involved programme gives emerging performers and new event ideas a home, so the listings often include community productions and open sessions as well as professional shows. The venue serves the whole of West Penwith, so audiences come from well beyond Penzance. It is a few minutes' walk from the harbour, Chapel Street and the railway station, making it an easy evening out for visitors staying in town. Check the website for what is on, as the programme changes week to week.

Good to know

• Arts centre in a former 19th century Wesleyan Methodist chapel, converted in 1969
• Refurbished and redesigned 1996 to 1998
• Main theatre seats about 170; basement bar theatre about 80
• Programme of live music, comedy, theatre, book launches and workshops
• Address is Parade Street, Penzance TR18 4BU, within a conservation area

Address: Parade Street, Penzance, Cornwall TR18 4BU.

Official site: The Acorn Theatre website.