We have presented a number of highly successful community productions over recent years, giving young local performers the opportunity to perform on a large stage with the support and expertise of Buxton Opera House.
Local performers age 16+ are being sought out once more to star in our latest amateur production of Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street on Friday 29 April - Sunday 1 May 2022. Auditions for all roles will be held on Saturday 8 January 2022 at 10am. Click here for more information and to download an application form.
West Side Story
Buxton Opera House CEO Paul Kerryson directed our first community musical, West Side Story, in February 2018. A talented young cast of local performers brought this much loved story to the Opera House stage in their own street style.
We were grateful for the support of the High Peak Borough Council and Derby University at Buxton.
“The level of professionalism and polish could hardly be bettered by any West End production.”
Manchester Salon
“I don’t believe it’s amateur, this was top notch!”
North West End
“A West Side Story with the wow factor.”
Buxton Advertiser
Oliver! and Rent
Following the success of West Side Story, we presented two contrasting musicals in May and June 2019, once again directed by Paul Kerryson.
Oliver! is Lionel Bart’s much loved British musical masterpiece. Packed with famous songs and action on the Dickensian streets of London, this provided plenty of roles for our talented under 16s performers. In contrast, Rent is a contemporary rock musical which presented a fantastic challenge for our over 16 group with its adult themes, humour and some strong language.
We were grateful for the support of the High Peak Borough Council.
“Excellent casting and coaching were matched by some beautiful staging.”
Moorlands Radio
“Director Paul Kerryson has brought new life into this production and all involved should be proud.”
North West End
Deep
In January 2020, Buxton Opera House and Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust presented DEEP, a new play written by Rob Young and directed by Kitty Randle.
As well as working regularly with Buxton Opera House's Young Company, Kitty is Artistic Director of the award-winning REC Youth Theatre, and Co-Director of Moving Stories Theatre Company.
DEEP tells the story of Jan, a Buxton teenager rejected by his peers and unable to cope with his father's illness. It's a performance about Buxton, for Buxton, performed by a local cast aged 16-30.
We were grateful for the support of Arts Council England.
“An intriguing mixture of the ethereal world inhabited by a mermaid and the teenage angst of the here and now.”
Artsbeat