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.
Read our guide to the history of Buxton Opera House for more about Frank Matcham’s theatre.
Read our Buxton reviews, including past Opera House performances.
Browse more Buxton Opera House guides, news and reviews.
As one of Britain’s leading receiving theatres, the Opera House and Pavilion Arts Centre together present around 450 performances each year including dance, comedy, children’s shows, drama, musical concerts, pantomime and opera as well as the lively Buxton Opera House Creates community programme. The theatre is also home to the renowned Buxton International Festival and International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival, which both take place annually.
The Opera House lists Legend: The Music of Bob Marley for 28 January 2027. Check the venue’s event page for current details.
The Matcham Gallery displays architectural plans and historical memorabilia. It opens during shows and backstage tours. Read more about the theatre’s history.
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.
The Friends of Buxton Opera House have held coffee mornings and theatre tours; check with the theatre for current 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 open Tuesday to Friday 10am–6pm and Saturday 12pm–6pm, extended to 8pm on performance days. On Mondays and Sundays it is closed except on performance days, when it opens 4pm–8pm. For events outside those hours, the box office opens one hour before the event. Check the venue’s current opening times.
Buxton Opera House Seating Plan
The theatre has 902 seats across four levels: the Stalls, Dress Circle, Upper Circle and Gallery.
Food and Drink and the 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!
The Devonshire Lounge costs £20 per person and offers access before the show and during the interval, a welcome drink, cloakroom service and the option to pre-order interval drinks. See the theatre’s food and drink information.
To book, simply add the VIP Lounge at checkout when purchasing your tickets, or call our Box Office on 01298 72190.
Contact the Box Office on 01298 72190 for group enquiries.
The lounge is at the top of the Opera House, which has stairs and no lift; contact the Box Office about access before booking.
Pavilion Arts Centre and cinema
The Pavilion Arts Centre, just behind the Opera House, opened in 1889 as the Entertainment Stage. The 355-seat venue hosts theatre, comedy, music and film screenings, including Buxton Film screenings.
See the Opera House’s current film listings and booking information.
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
The Opera House has three wheelchair spaces in the ground-floor Stalls and an accessible toilet. The level entrance is on Water Street and is 72cm wide at its narrowest point. The upper levels are reached by stairs and there is no lift; the building is not accessible to motorised scooters. A ramp is available for the Stalls bar. See the venue’s full access information or contact the Box Office.
At the Pavilion Arts Centre, the front row of the bleacher seating has level access and two wheelchair spaces; the Stalls have steps. In October 2026 the venue reported that its lift was out of service; contact the box office for alternative seating and check the latest access information before visiting.
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.
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