A film, which dramatises events leading up to the voyage of the Mystery, has been made by Collective Arts Ltd, formerly the Cornish Theatre Collective, in partnership with the National Maritime Museum Cornwall. Children all over Cornwall have been hearing this dramatic story of the fishing lugger’s voyage from Cornwall to Australia through the Museum’s Living History workshop. The film sets the scene for the workshop performance by dramatically exploring the moment when the seven fishermen decided to sail the Mystery to Australia, over a beer in the Star Inn, Newlyn and their departure from Newlyn quay, November 1854.The project was set-up by Jason Squibb (film producer and Museum actor) and was made possible thanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and support from Cornwall Playing for Success, Azook, Penlee House, Pete Goss and National Maritime Museum Cornwall. Working alongside the Collective Arts professional team of actors and technicians, were students from Truro College's media department, performers from Penryn Community Theatre and Debs Rogers (Education Assistant), who used her 18 years experience of working in professional theatre and television to act as Art Director on the film.
The DVD will be available to schools booking the workshop and will be an incredibly useful educational resource. The wonderful costumes made by Suki Hughton have been kindly donated to the Museum. Debs would like to take this opportunity to thank Sarah Riddle, Pat Crockford, George Hogg, Andy Wyke, Stuart Slade, Graham Lewis and his team for all their advice, help and support.
Here are a few photographs to whet your appetite. There will be a viewing of the film in our lecture theatre, date tbc.
Members of Penryn Community Theatre brave the cold, wind and rain
The Mounts Bay lugger Happy Return
Filming ends after three long days over the Easter weekend
