Ep 7. Shakespeare by the Seaside in St. Ives, Cornwall, England

In Modern Traveler season 1 episode 7, titled "Shakespeare by the Seaside in St. Ives, Cornwall, England," viewers are taken on a journey to the picturesque coastal town of St. Ives in the southwestern county of Cornwall. Hosted by Alex, a seasoned traveler, this episode of the travel series is all about the rich cultural heritage of St. Ives, particularly its connection to the famous poet and playwright William Shakespeare.

The episode begins with a brief introduction to St. Ives, a charming town located on the north coast of Cornwall. Alex takes viewers on a walking tour through the narrow streets lined with whitewashed cottages and brightly colored shopfronts. Along the way, he points out several landmarks that make St. Ives special, including the striking St. Ives Harbour and the beautiful Porthminster Beach.

After the tour, Alex heads to the Minack Theatre, an open-air amphitheater built into a cliff overlooking the ocean. He explains that the theatre has a special connection to Shakespeare, as it was built by a woman named Rowena Cade in the 1930s as a venue for Shakespearean plays. Alex takes viewers on a tour of the theatre, showing off its stunning views and unique architecture. He also interviews several local actors who talk about the challenges and rewards of performing in such a dramatic setting.

Next, Alex meets up with a local historian who shares fascinating stories about St. Ives' connection to Shakespeare. The historian explains that St. Ives was once a bustling fishing village, and that many of the sailors who passed through it were likely familiar with Shakespeare's plays. He also reveals that one of Shakespeare's characters, Sir Andrew Aguecheek from the play "Twelfth Night," was likely based on a real-life St. Ives resident!

From there, Alex visits a local pottery shop that specializes in creating replicas of Shakespearean-era pieces. He chats with the resident potter, who demonstrates the intricate techniques used to create these stunning works of art. Alex also visits a bookshop that specializes in rare editions of Shakespeare's plays and other literature from the period. He flips through the pages of several centuries-old books and talks with the shop owner about the importance of preserving literary treasures.

To round out the episode, Alex heads back to the Minack Theatre for a special performance of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." He interviews the cast and crew, exploring the challenges and joys of performing Shakespeare in such a unique location. Viewers are treated to snippets of the play itself, showcasing the incredible talent of the performers and the beauty of the theatre.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning visuals of St. Ives and its surroundings, from sweeping shots of the coastline to intimate close-ups of the pottery and books being created. Alex is a knowledgeable and engaging guide, bringing viewers into the heart of St. Ives' cultural scene and highlighting the town's deep connection to the world of Shakespeare. Overall, "Shakespeare by the Seaside in St. Ives, Cornwall, England" is a must-watch for anyone interested in theatre, literature, and the rich history of this beautiful part of the world.