British theatres are in serious need of support as our society faces unprecedented times in the wake of the coronavirus crisis; theatre and the performing arts industry have been hit hard. Just as many of you do, we love our theatre here in Buxton and we miss it very much. As well as the theatre itself and the staff that work there, the pandemic has had a bad impact on performers and the various freelancers in the industry such as make-up artists, lighting technicians, stage crews and more.
Here’s a few things you can do to support Buxton Opera House whilst it’s closed (plus a few useful resources if you work in the industry):
1. Donate directly, from as little as £5
Many theatres like Buxton accept direct donations, this will help them massively at the moment and you can donate any amount from £5, via their website: buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/support-us As their website states, 34% of their income is from the sale of tickets, but the remainder has to be found from other sources.
2. Buy Theatre Tokens
One day we’ll be able to go back into a theatre and let’s face it, we need something to look forward to right now. The great thing about Theatre Tokens is that they have no expiry date and in these uncertain times, you’ll be confident you can use them when the time comes. Theatre Tokens can be used for any show you want at over 260 theatres nationwide. They can of course be used for any shows at Buxton Opera House and Pavilion Arts Centre. A great gift for any theatre lover or a treat you can tuck away for yourself.
3. Share a favourite moment / favourite show at Buxton Opera House on social media
Is there a stand out moment that’s really memorable from a show or performance you’ve seen at Buxton Opera House? Once of ours is quite recent; the absolutely brilliant pantomime Cinderella last Christmas. The pantos are always good but this was exceptional and the two ugly sisters gave us so many laughs, so much so went to see it twice (!) Whether it was a dance show, musical, a play, comedy…share your thoughts on social media and don’t forget to tag in Buxton Opera House on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
4. Buy limited edition The Show Must Go On merchandise
The Theatre Support Fund selling this nice merch have brought together the famous artwork of London’s West End musicals whilst raising vital funds for Acting For Others, The Fleabag Support Fund and the NHS Covid-19 Urgent Appeal.
Following the success of their funky t-shirts, they’ve now expanded the collection to totes, notebooks, mugs, badges and more. They’re now also rocking The Show Must Go On face mask. This indirectly helps our local theatre by supporting people working within the theatre industry at their time of need during the current UK theatre shutdown.
5. Take a virtual tour of Buxton Opera House
Build in 1903, Buxton Opera House is considered to be one Frank Matcham’s finest theatres and while it’s closed you can take a virtual tour and take in the intricate detail of the architecture inside. The following link will take you to the virtual tour.
buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/about-us/venues
6. Connect with others online
Follow Buxton Opera House on social media on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and keep up date with their latest announcements. There’s also a great group on Facebook you can join – UK Theatre Industry Coronavirus Support dedicated to the ‘performing arts industry to share news, tips, advice or anything helpful to do with coronavirus and how it is effecting you/your business’. There’s also this great list of resources for the UK theatre industry: exeuntmagazine.com/features/covid-19-resources-uk-theatre-freelancers an extensive collection of advice, resources and opportunities.
In July the Government announced a £1.5bn Arts sector rescue package. Let’s hope this can help.
Did You Enjoy This?
You might like our regular newsletter. We put all the best events, cultural highlights and offers from Buxton and the Peak District in your inbox every month.
This information will only be used to send you this newsletter. It is stored in Mailchimp.
