The 33rd International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival is scheduled to take place in Buxton from 31 July to 14 August 2027. Its programme at Buxton Opera House includes professional and amateur productions.
The National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company’s programme includes The Pirates of Penzance, Ruddigore and Iolanthe. The festival organiser says its fringe programme will be announced separately.
Priority booking starts on 16 December 2026 for patrons, life members and festival partners, with later priority periods for other supporters. General booking opens on 3 February 2027. See the festival website for the full schedule and booking details.
The 2026 programme: archive
The 32nd festival was advertised for 1–15 August 2026. Some production photographs below show earlier festivals; captions identify the 2025 photographs.
The advertised 2026 programme included National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company productions of The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance and HMS Pinafore.
The 2026 production of The Mikado was billed as directed by Jeff Clarke and conducted by John Andrews, with Simon Butteriss as Ko-Ko.
The Pirates of Penzance was billed as directed by John Savournin and conducted by James Hendry.
HMS Pinafore was billed as directed by Sarah Helsby Hughes and conducted by James Hendry.
The 2026 programme also advertised The Best of Gilbert and Sullivan concert with the National Festival Orchestra and soloists, conducted by John Andrews.
Charles Court Opera was scheduled to present Iolanthe, alongside a competition for amateur societies.
Fringe Events Beyond the Main Programme
The 2026 fringe programme advertised talks, lectures, recitals and concerts alongside the main stage programme.
Buxton Opera House is the main venue for the festival programme.
Festival information
Buxton Opera House Box Office – 01298 72190
Book Online: buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
For more information, go to: gsfestivals.org
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