Peer Gynt by Ibsen is an epic comedy and famous morality tale, and provides the perfect material for Miracle Theatre's Summer 2026 tour. The story journeys through a dream-like world of Norse mythology, peopled with cranky characters, trolls and other bizarre creatures – a comedy of terrors!

We meet performer Jowan Jacobs to learn more about life as a touring actor and what's in store for audiences this summer.

Can you tell us a little about your journey into acting  - was it always your dream career?

I’ve always wanted to be an actor. I grew up in a theatre family, my mum is a theatre maker and my dad is an actor. I actually vividly remember him playing Sherlock Holmes with Miracle when I was a young boy. I’ve since been to drama school and been working for a few years as an actor in Cornwall and London. 

Miracle Theatre has been making outdoor theatre in Cornwall since 1979. What is it about the company that keeps drawing performers back, and is this your first time working with them?

I also did Twelfth Night with them last year. I think what draws people to Miracle is the adventure. And that’s for cast and audience. The tours go to some epic places in the South West. It’s great taking the pink bus with us, I think we are the modern travelling players. 

A summer tour means travelling and performing in gardens, castle grounds and village greens across Cornwall and beyond. What does a typical touring day actually look like and what's the best part of life on the road?

A day for me involves jumping in the big pink bus in Penzance in the morning and heading to our venue. We meet the hosts and set up our wonderful stage and set. The venues are great. We usually get fed, then we do the show and sometimes we’re even treated to wine and cheese afterwards. The best part of life on the road is always doing the show for me, going for swims and perfecting the morning meal deal. That’s a fine art. 

Peer Gynt is a character who spends his whole life dodging responsibility and chasing the next adventure. Is there anything about him you secretly relate to or does he drive you mad?

I can relate to parts of him for sure. We all, at times, avoid tackling things head on. He wants to experience life and lives in the moment. We could all do with more of that. He does do some stuff I definitely wouldn’t do as well though. It will be interesting to see who likes him and who doesn’t. And where people draw their line. 

This production blends Norse mythology, trolls, surreal comedy and a deeply human moral tale. How do you even begin to prepare for something so wonderfully strange?

You read the play together and then you start playing with the characters and the story. You also have to learn the songs and the dance moves. We also drink lots and lots of coffee. The music in the show has been really helping me get a sense of the world we’re in as well. 

Miracle's style is described as physical, funny, surreal and deeply human. How does that translate in rehearsal - is it as fun as it sounds?

Yes it’s a very silly playful space, we probably spend a bit too much time laughing! But we also all chip in and devise together as a big team. It’s great fun. 

Finally - without giving too much away - what is the one moment in the show you think audiences will be talking about on the way home? 

I think they might like the Trolls… 

Miracle Theatre are touring Peer Gynt in Cornwall and the South West this summer, starting on June 8th at the Minack Theatre.

Come and see Jowan, the rest of the cast - and the trolls - at a venue near you!

   Find out more, pick your location, and book your tickets here