Bringing a classic Cornish tale to life at the Minack Theatre

This autumn, much-loved Cornish entertainers Scary Little Girls will be performing their all-singing, all-dancing, comedy Duffy Beats The Devil, based on a classic Cornish tale and back by popular demand after its previous sold-out run.

Appearing in the magical Minack Theatre from 25 September, the show will transport audiences to a colourful Penzance from days gone by with Duffy and her friends.

Brought to life by award-winning feminist production hub Scary Little Girls (Queenagers, the Mayven Festival), the show is based on the Cornish version of Rumpelstiltskin and features a dazzling cast of local and national talent including Johanne Murdock (His Dark Materials, Emmerdale) and Kate Rawson (Hall for Cornwall, Radio 4).

Celebrate Penwith folklore with Joan the Wad, witch Maggie Figgie (and her piggy!) and working-class hero Duffy - can she and her pals triumph over the very Devil? 

This show, jam-packed with Cornish cheer and fun for the whole family – features an original score by Cornish composer and fan favourite TJ Holmes (Hall for Cornwall, Kneehigh) and stunning design and puppets by Jude Munden (Miracle, English Touring Opera).

Rebecca Mordan, Artistic Director for Scary Little Girls, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to bring Duffy and her friends back to the Cornish stage. The team at Scary Little Girls feels a real connection to this story and we’re in a wonderful position to tell this very feminist story.”

She added: “Audiences know us for bringing visibility and joie de vivre to women all over the country with fabulous cabarets and storytelling events, and we are so excited to be able to share this with girls and families through our high-spirited celebration of a classic Cornish heroine! We’re bringing this tale of a woman triumphing against the odds to life with an all-female company and female-led production team – with the beautiful backdrop of the inspiring Minack Theatre, an iconic female-created Cornish location."

 The show will run from 25 September – 7 October 2024. Ticket prices start at £10, with half-price tickets for under 16s. They are on sale through the Minack Theatre here:

Duffy Beats The Devil is part of a body of artistic work including festivals, tours and new commissions Scary Little Girls are set to deliver until April 2025 thanks to a £296,200 grant from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth programme, which is managed by Cornwall Council and funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. The project is part of a £4.4m investment in a cultural events and talent programme across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly by the Good Growth Programme.

 Cornwall Council has been chosen by the Government as a Lead Authority for the fund and is responsible for monitoring the progress of projects funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for economy, said: “Through our Good Growth Investment Plan, we are building on Cornwall’s strong theatre and performing arts industry, to reach new audiences and involve our communities in producing and enjoying the very best cultural offer that our established and admired organisations deliver.”

Find full details of the work of Scary Little Girls here: