New Season at Buxton Opera House

Tis the Season to be jolly’ and Buxton Opera House is promising just that, after unveiling its December to April 2016 season of events. Big names include Lulu, Julian Clary, Dr John Cooper Clarke, Jodie Prenger and Ray Mears. The new Spring What’s On brochure is hot off the press, hitting the shelves on Friday 19 November – here’s our take on the best treats in store.

Comedy fans are in for a giggle with a long list of famous names; to mention a few there’s nerdy comic Ed Byrne, veteran entertainer Brian Conley, Ruby Wax is back, chatting about mindfulness and to lecture on the ‘Joy of Mincing’, Julian Clary. In surprising demand is Stewart Francis, performing his show –Pun Gent.

For razzle-dazzle some of the country’s leading musicals will be staged at Buxton Opera House. In February there’s a 40s theme with Miss Nightingale. Blood Brothers, the ‘Standing ovation musical’ is in March, and even Heartbeat’s Greengrass will be filling the hills with the sound of music with the premier stage production of Heartbeat in April!

For drama lovers, we can’t say too much but Miss Marple may well be sleuthing in the spa town. Following this year’s superb production of Birdsong, the same drama company will return in February with Terence Rattigan’s Flare Path, an evocative portrait of life during World War II.

As well as concerts from Gilbert O’ Sullivan, Lulu, Renaissance + Curved Air, and a tribute to Cilla Black, the big news for music lovers is the return of folk Festival The Big Session taking place over the April/ May bank holiday, with concerts from Seth Lakeman, Oysterband and more. Festival fringe events will incorporate a huge beer festival, a ceilidh and even birdwatching!

For children there’s Moscow State Circus, Northern Ballet (The Tortoise & The Hare), Pepper Pig and The Railway Children to name but a few. Whist young actors in the High Peak will be treading the boards themselves when Buxton Opera House Young Company takes part in the prestigious National Theatre Connection Festival, with a production of Gargantua.

Buxton Opera House is offering customers the chance to win a ‘golden ticket’ which admits the winner and a guest into every show in the new season. For more information visit the Buxton Opera House website www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk. or call the Box Office on 01298 72190.