Est. 1986
Our Story
Celebrating 40 years of theatre, creativity and community.
Who We Are
Creativity for All
We are a non-profit on the edge of Bodmin Moor, near Liskeard in South East Cornwall, where theatre, art, nature and community meet. What began in 1986 as a converted pig farm is now a solar-powered home for performance, art workshops, exhibitions and environmental education, across four acres of site kept alive by our volunteers.
In 2026, we mark 40 years as a charity by recentring our founding purpose: to enable people to 'explore their own creativity and learning through doing'. Every penny we make goes straight back into the organisation, keeping creativity, nature and community thriving on the moor for the next 40 years.
Our Journey
From Farm to Stage
Sterts is founded
A converted pig farm on the edge of Bodmin Moor becomes a registered charity with a vision to explore creativity through doing.
The Amphitheatre
An outdoor amphitheatre is built, bringing open-air theatre to the moor and cementing Sterts as a destination for audiences across Cornwall.
Canopy & Community
A canopy-covered performance space extends the season. Community programmes grow alongside the professional programme.
Queen's Award for Voluntary Service
Sterts receives the QAVS, the highest award given to voluntary groups, recognising the extraordinary dedication of our volunteer community.
The Renewably Powered Barn Theatre
A transformational year: the Barn Theatre opens powered by solar PV, battery storage and EV chargers. Dance, comedy, music and theatre return to the moor.
We Turn 40!
A landmark year of celebrations, community storytelling, and the Festival of Belonging. Come be part of the next 40 years.
Funded Programmes
Our Work with our Community
Alongside our visiting programme, our funded projects support local adults and young people to engage with creativity and nature.
Our Stories,
Our Sterts
Inviting the community to explore and share stories of Sterts, leading to a new permanent heritage exhibition weaving personal memories with the natural and cultural heritage of the local area.
Supported by Cornwall National Landscape · Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund
A year-long project reconnecting Sterts with its founding purpose, centring local voices and building collaboration with schools and community groups. Leading to the Festival of Belonging on 22 May 2026.
Funded by Arts Council England · Image: Dom Moore
For queries about the project, including sponsorship opportunities, please email Email Copied
Brings together young men to build confidence, reduce stress and increase social interaction in rural spaces. Working across our 4-acre site to build paths and tend the land.
Funded by National Lottery Community Fund Awards for All
For queries about the project, including sponsorship opportunities, please email Email Copied
A new year-round creative project for adults. Each week, come together for shared making, conversation and cake. Perfect for local people interested in crafts and meeting new people.
Funded by the McCarthy Stone Foundation
For queries about the project, including sponsorship opportunities, please email Email Copied
Our homegrown programme raising vital funds to support technical skills development and the reinstatement of our community props and costume store.
Supported by Creative UK and Crowdfunder
For queries about the project, including sponsorship opportunities, please email Email Copied
By the Numbers
2025 Impact
Audience Members
Artists (200 Cornish)
Performances
Paid Freelance Hours
Workshops
Volunteer Hours
Participants
CO₂ Saved
We Are Grateful For Our Funders & Sponsors
Programming or visiting production enquiries?
If you're interested in bringing a show to Sterts or discussing programming opportunities, we'd love to hear from you. Enquire by sending us an email at Email Copied .