THE performance of 'Cry of Tin' by Cornwall Songwriters in the Victory Hall, South Zeal, drew a full and enthusiastic crowd, writes Ursula Radford.
People travelled from Exeter, Exmouth, Bristol and Launceston to enjoy with local people what was a much appreciated return visit to the village by the artists.
In the performance, promoted by Dartmoor Folk Festival organisers, the Cornwall Songwriters unfolded the dramatic, tragic, yet humourous story of Cornish tin from the Bronze Age to the closure of South Crofty in music, song and prose that tapped the emotions of their audience.
The performers — Pete Berryman, Jon Heslop, Tony Franklin, Mike O'Connor, Roger Bryant, Tony Truscott, Miranda Truscott and John Wallace — cleverly presented their story of the rise and fall of Cornwall's tin industry and its legendary miners who took their abilities to many parts of the world.
Through a mixture of folk club conviviality, Greek drama and a touch of Victorian sentiment, each performer was afforded the opportunity to demonstrate their individual professionalism.
The musical drama was originally commissioned and sponsored by the Transport and General Workers' Union's St Austell branch almost three years ago, drew sponsors and has now attracted the attention of musicians and performers in the USA, among whom are those planning to stage it next week.
In the UK the Cornwall Songwriters will be staging their final performances in Cornwall in the coming weeks.