What time should I get to the theatre?
Try and arrive well before the advertised start time of the show, especially if you need to collect your tickets from the Box Office as there may be a queue. The doors to the auditorium usually open around 30 minutes before the show starts and the bars will be open if you would like to get a drink.
Where is the nearest car park?
There is free parking after 6pm in the car park behind Pavilion Gardens, a short walk from both venues (Please note: the covered area of the car park closes at 6pm). There is also free on-street car parking after 6pm close to the theatre, but please make sure that you avoid the Residents Parking Scheme areas. There is additional evening and weekend parking (dates tbc) at St. Thomas More School, Palace Fields, Buxton SK17 6AF – please leave some money in the honesty Box!
Where do I go?
We have two venues; Buxton Opera House and the Pavilion Arts Centre/Buxton Cinema, please check on your tickets which venue you are attending. Buxton Opera House is our main venue on Water Street, this is where the main Box Office is located. The Pavilion Arts Centre/Buxton Cinema are within the Pavilion Gardens Complex and are accessed from St John’s Road. There is a small Box Office at the Arts Centre which usually opens one hour before the performance commences. For Buxton Cinema, tickets can be collected from the bar inside the cinema foyer.
What if I’m late?
Our Front of House Team will still be there when you arrive and will tell you when it’s best to take your seats, you might have to wait until a suitable point in the performance so that the rest of the audience isn’t disturbed. Our team will show you to your seats.
Is there a cloakroom?
Unfortunately we don’t have a cloakroom facility.
Can I take photos?
You’re welcome to take photos of our beautiful theatre before and after the performance, however photography and filming is not allowed during the performance as this can be distracting for both the performers and other audience members.
Can I exchange or get a refund on my tickets?
Sorry, we are unable to refund tickets unless a show is cancelled. Refunds on tickets are not given if there is a change of cast or if for any reason you can no longer attend an event. If the event is cancelled you will be offered a refund (excluding postage costs). If the event is rescheduled we will offer you the same seats for the new date.
We may be able to re-sell your tickets, however, there are conditions: we must have sold all other tickets first and you must let us know at least 48 hours in advance. We charge an administration fee for this service. If your tickets don’t re-sell you won’t get a refund.
We offer optional refund protection through Booking Protect. Booking Protect protects your tickets so you can apply for a refund should you or anyone in your party be unable to attend the show. To find out more, read the Booking Protect terms and conditions or find out how to make a claim, visit the Booking Protect page.
Can I exchange my tickets for another show?
No, sorry, we can only exchange tickets for another performance of the same event. This requires 48 hour notice and we charge £1.50 for this service.
I’ve seen a discount/offer after I’ve booked my tickets?
Discounts and offers are subject to availability. These tickets may be restricted to certain parts of the theatre. In the same way as retailers, we are unable to refund the difference between the original price and the sale price. If you book early you will always get the best seats in the theatre. Buxton Opera House & Pavilion Arts Centre reserves the right to withdraw any offers at any time.
Can I get a copy of your brochure in large print?
Yes, please contact the Marketing Department on: 01298 72050 or email: [email protected]
Do you have an Induction Loop System or Infra-Red Headsets?
We have passive infra-red (PIR) systems in both the Opera House & Pavilion Arts Centre for people with hearing impairments. This works through a special headset rather than your hearing aid, and is available from the theatre. Please reserve one when you book your tickets (a £10 cash deposit is required). There is also an induction loop system at both Box Office venues.
Can I bring an Essential Companion?
If there are discounts available on a performance we can offer a free companion ticket to anyone in receipt of Carer’s Allowance or anyone accompanying an Access Card holder with the +1 symbol. Other essential companions and Derbyshire County Council Carers Emergency Card holders can still receive a 50% discount on full price tickets as long as there are discounts available on a performance. These companion tickets are only available if you are accompanying the person you are caring for and are subject to availability.
Can I bring my assistance dog?
Assistance dogs are welcome in all areas of the building. Please talk to the box office about any special requirements when booking.
Where can I find a seating plan for the theatre?
You can download seating plans for Buxton Opera House and Pavilion Arts Centre.
Where is everything in the theatre?
Stalls – Ground floor
Small bar, accessible entrance and toilet, two ice cream sales points, merchandise stand, ladies and gents toilets, and Box Office are all on this level.
Dress Circle - First floor
Largest bar, ice cream sales point, ladies and gents toilets, Matcham Gallery, and the Dress Circle Boxes are all on this level.
Upper Circle - Second floor
Bar area, ladies toilets and ice cream sales point are on this level.
Gallery – Third floor
Where is the best place to sit?
This depends on the production and your individual needs. Because of the design of the theatre some seating has a restricted or side view of the stage, these seats may be less expensive than the premium seats in the Stalls and Dress Circle. If you are coming to the opera, check visibility of the surtitles before booking, our Box Office team will be happy to help.
Can I book a Private Box?
Yes, our Dress Circle and Upper Circle Boxes are available to book. Please be aware that the view from the Boxes can be limited and individual seats can be booked online so we cannot guarantee exclusive use. Please call the Box Office on: 01298 72190 for more information.
Will there be any special effects?
If there is any strobe lighting, gunshots or loud bangs during a performance we will let you know via an information poster when you arrive at the theatre.
Can I Smoke In The Theatre?
Both Buxton Opera House and Pavilion Arts Centre are no smoking buildings and e-cigarettes are not permitted.
Will there be an interval?
Most performances have an interval of about 20 minutes partway through the show where you can enjoy a drink or an ice cream and have a comfort break.
Where can I get a drink or something to eat?
Pre-show and interval drinks are available in the Opera House and Arts Centre bars. There are three bars in the Opera House: Stalls, Dress Circle and Upper Circle. The bars open 45 minutes before each performance and you can pre-order interval drinks to avoid the queues. We serve tea and coffee as well as alcoholic beverages and soft drinks. We accept card payments in all the bars.
We sell a delicious range of ice cream during the interval, the stands are located in the Stalls, at the top of the foyer steps outside the Dress Circle and in the Upper Circle. If you're feeling peckish we also sell a small selection of sweet and savoury snacks in the bars.
Please note, food and drink purchased elsewhere is not permitted in our venues (except for medical reasons). For everyone’s safety no glass or cans are allowed into the auditorium, but we are happy to decant drinks purchased from our bars into biodegradable plastic or paper cups.
What else is there to do in Buxton?
We hope you enjoy your visit to Buxton. For more information about what there is to see and do in town see Visit Buxton. Alternatively you can pick up a copy from the Tourist Information Centre at the Pump Room next to the Crescent.
I want to make a complaint, who do I contact?
If you have any problems during a performance please contact one of our Front of House team and we will do our best to resolve the issue. We value your feedback on our programme of events, customer service and the experience you had at Buxton Opera House and Pavilion Arts Centre. If you would like to get in touch please contact [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you!
Do you provide free tickets for charities?
We receive a huge number of requests to support the work of local charities, school fetes and raffles. We regret that due to the number of requests we receive we are unable to reply to everyone who contacts us. If your request is successful we will contact you directly. If you would like to submit a charity request please send an e-mail to [email protected] with more information.