Buxton Opera House – Events for all the Family
Buxton Opera House is an exquisitely beautiful Frank Matcham designed Edwardian theatre. Seating 902, dating back to 1903, it is one of the country’s finest examples of Frank Matcham theatre design displaying both a spectacular exterior and interior.
BOH has undergone much renovation and has had a variety of uses including a theatre, as intended, from 1903 to 1927 and a cinema showing both silent films and ‘talkies’ from 1927 to the mid-1970s. After falling into disrepair, the Opera House was restored in 1979 thanks to the launch of Buxton International Festival here, breathing new life into the theatre. Further restorations took place in the late 1990s and early 00s.
If you’re interested in the history this historic theatre, we’ve compiled 10 things you didn’t know about Buxton Opera House – with at some lesser known facts about Matcham’s masterpeice.
As one of Britain’s leading receiving theatres, the theatre presents around 450 performances each year including dance, comedy, children’s shows, drama, musical concerts, pantomime and opera as well as the lively Platform 3 Community and Education Programme. The theatre is also home to the renowned Buxton International Festival and International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival, which both take place annually.
Lovingly restored to its former glory in 2001, inside the theatre features a small Matcham Gallery featuring copies of Frank Matcham‘s original plans, photographs of the Opera House restoration and early show bills from the period.
The Opera House has a number of bars serving a wide range of drinks and snacks pre-show and during intervals. The Dress Circle Bar opens 45 minutes before a performance so you can relax and enjoy a drink in the sumptuous surroundings of this exquisite theatre.
Extensive programme for children and young people both seasonally and regular weekly clubs.
Coffee mornings are sometimes held on Saturdays in the Dress Circle bar hosted by Friends of Buxton Opera House, where you can enjoy light refreshments and volunteers give visitors short tours of the theatre. Contact the Opera house or check their website for latest dates.
Buxton Opera House has a large and lively pool of volunteers – check their website if you wish to find out more or how get involved.
If you are looking for Parking in Buxton – there is the nearby large Pavilion Gardens car park; in additional in Buxton town centre there is the Waitrose car park at Springs Shopping Centre.
Box Office Opening times
The main Opera House Box Office is usually open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm (10am to 8pm when there is a performance) and Sunday, 4pm to 8pm (when there is a performance). For special events and festivals, the Box Office will usually be open an hour before the performance for ticket collection and sales.
Seating Plan
There are 901 seats across four levels, the Stalls (448), Dress Circle (200), Upper Circle (152) and Gallery (98).
Food and Drink and The VIP Devonshire Lounge
The Opera House features several bars offering a wide selection of drinks and snacks both before the show and during intervals. The Dress Circle Bar opens 45 minutes prior to each performance, providing the perfect opportunity to unwind with a drink in the elegant surroundings of Frank Matcham’s stunning theatre.
All our bars serve a selection of beers, wines, spirits, soft drinks and high-quality tea and coffee. For those craving something cooler, delicious ice creams are available on every level of the theatre during the interval.
Card and cash payments are accepted at all bar locations.
Receive the VIP treatment at Buxton Opera House by visiting the new and improved VIP Lounge. Skip the queues and add a touch of sparkle to your theatre experience!
For just £20 per person, enjoy access to the lounge one hour before the performance and during the interval. You’ll be welcomed with a drink of your choice on arrival, with the option to pre-order interval drinks and unwind in comfort. A cloakroom is also available for you to safely store your coats and belongings throughout the performance.
To book, simply add the VIP Lounge at checkout when purchasing your tickets, or call our Box Office on 01298 72190.
For groups of 10 or more, please book directly through the Box Office on 01298 72190.
Please note: The VIP Lounge is accessed via five flights of stairs and unfortunately does not have lift or level access for wheelchairs.
Pavilion Arts Centre and Buxton Cinema
The Pavilion Arts Centre, located just behind Buxton Opera House is a versatile venue located next to the picturesque Pavilion Gardens. Originally opened in 1889 as the Entertainment Stage, the building has undergone several transformations and now serves as a key cultural hub for the area. With its intimate 360-seat auditorium, Pavilion Arts Centre is home to Buxton Cinema as well as hosting a wide range of performances, including theatre, comedy, music making it a cornerstone of Buxton’s vibrant arts scene.
Expect all the latest blockbusters at Buxton Cinema right on your doorstep, at a fraction of the cost of the standard multiplex. Enjoy a variety of screenings, from senior showings and family-friendly films on Saturday afternoons to accessible viewings for all. Every movie offers a fantastic experience on the big screen. Make your visit even more special with hot and cold drinks, classic cocktails, tasty popcorn, and a tempting selection of treats available at the bar. To beat the queues it’s better to book in advance.
The PAC is also a central venue during the renowned Buxton International Festival and Buxton Fringe Festival, attracting artists and audiences from across the country.
Accessibility
Buxton Opera House is committed to making this prestigious venue as accessible and welcoming as possible for all. While the historic Edwardian building is only partially accessible to wheelchair users due to its age and lack of a lift, there are three wheelchair spaces available in the stalls on the ground floor, along with an accessible toilet. Their friendly volunteers are always happy to assist by bringing drinks and refreshments directly to your seat.
At the Pavilion Arts Centre, accessibility is also a priority, with two wheelchair spaces located at the front of the ground floor.
Buxton Opera House & Pavilion Arts Centre offer a range of accessible performances including audio described (including a pre-show touch tour), BSL interpreted, captioned and relaxed performances.
Read more about accessibility at the venues here.
Buxton Opera House, Water Street, Buxton, SK17 6XN
T: 01298 72190
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