Archive: this report describes the Opera House’s reopening plans in April 2021.

In 2021, Buxton Opera House received a £240,960 second-round grant from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund to support its recovery and reopening.

The 2021 reopening plans centred on a Buxton International Festival co-production of Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music, directed by the Opera House’s then chief executive Paul Kerryson and scheduled between 8 and 24 July.

Paul Kerryson said, “We are thrilled to receive a grant from the Culture Recovery Fund. It is certainly a vote of confidence in the organisation and an acknowledgement of how much Buxton Opera House means to the High Peak area.”

“This grant is vital to the recovery of Buxton Opera House. It will support our plans to reopen on the 8th July with the Buxton International Festival and a production of Stephen Sondheim’s brilliant ‘A Little Night Music’. It will ensure that we can welcome back staff, audiences, and artists to a safe environment and to an exciting programme of artistic events and extensive Learning and Engagement activities. A thriving Buxton Opera House is vital to our local economy. Thanks to the ongoing support from the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Arts Council England, we can now look forward to reopening the doors to this much-loved theatre.”

In the same 2021 round, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England allocated £44 million to more than 470 heritage organisations in England. That was part of a wider offer of nearly £400 million in grants and loans across culture, heritage and film. Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust also received support.

The 2021 reopening plans included social distancing and other precautions at the box office.

For the current programme, visit Buxton Opera House.