It’s been a week since our 120th Gala celebrations, as Buxton Opera House reached an incredible milestone after first opening it's doors on 1 June 1903.
To commemorate Frank Matcham’s beautiful building, we were joined by an array of talented guests and a full house of our wonderful audience for an amazing evening of entertainment.
Our CEO Paul Kerryson directed the event, and even featured in one of the performances himself. ‘The 120th anniversary gala concert, held on the exact date the stunning Buxton Opera House opened in 1903, was a grand occasion. Acclaimed tenor Russell Watson led an impressive array of West End stars, full orchestra and fifty highly talented young performers from Derbyshire and the High Peak. Joanna Riding reprised her show-stopping number from last years hit musical, Gypsy and also sang a number from Follies when she starred in the National Theatre’s famous production. Huge projections from images from the illustrious history of the much loved Opera House provided a spectacular backdrop. The audience joined Russell Watson in singing ‘happy birthday’ to the Opera House as we toasted the next 120 years! The celebrations continue with a new production of The Full Monty on September 26 before embarking on a national tour.’
And the celebrations aren’t over yet! We have some incredible touring companies visiting our theatre this year, including The Mousetrap and The Woman in Black, before our very own pantomime returns with Cinderella for 2023.
We'd like to thank all of our incredible staff and volunteers for their continued hard work, as well as new and returning audiences for their ongoing support. We are thrilled to present over 450 performances per year, as well as offering opportunities for young people in the High Peak to experience the arts through our Education Programme.
Here's to another 120 years!
