It was a damp and rather chilly evening when we arrived at Cotehele Quay for the performance. We had come to see Tides, Trade and Toil, an outdoor performance devised by students from a local school. It was based on the social history of this unique area, and although there was no real story, it vividly showed the lives of the local miners, fishermen and farmers who lived and worked here in the 19th century.
Despite the gloomy weather, we all enjoyed the performance and felt we'd learnt something different about the history of the area and how people lived at that time.
Natalie: ' I didn't like standing in the rain and getting wet. I thought they were pretty good at doing the play but I didn't like the music. I liked the singing a bit. I liked how they set it up, going to different areas of the museum. I learned quite a lot about how they did things in the olden days, how they dressed, what they looked like with mud all over their faces. I liked the poor and rich people and I liked it when they were putting on a snobby act. I thought the play was a comedy and it made me laugh.'
Scott: 'I really enjoyed the play because I love history. The bits I liked best were when they were singing. I learned a bit of history of Cornwall that I didn't know before. I did know there was mining but not in this area. I always thought the building here was just a little cottage. I really enjoyed all of it and I'd go to see something like it again. It had all the things I like in it - singing, boats, drumming and history. I think we're lucky to be able to go to school and not work.'
Michael: 'The play was fantastic. The characters were well organised. The most interesting bit was when they were pretending to work and the singing was excellent. I didn't know what to expect because I've never seen a live play before. The play was aimed at children from ten upwards. I liked the part nearer to the end when the three boys set up dynamite. It was a good way for youngsters and adults to learn about Cotehele House.'
About the team
This article was produced by editor Michael Roberts, 14, and reporters Natalie Walsh, 13, and Scott Collinson, 12. It was published in the Museums Journal.
