Archive: This guide was written during Buxton Opera House’s 2020 coronavirus closure. The theatre has since reopened: see its current programme and ways to support it.

In 2020, the closure affected theatres, their staff, performers and the many freelancers involved in productions. The original guide suggested donating, buying Theatre Tokens, sharing favourite performances and supporting industry fundraising.

Donate or visit

Buxton Opera House is a registered charity. Its support page explains current ways to donate and get involved. The theatre’s history records that it opened in 1903 and was designed by Frank Matcham.

Theatre Tokens

The original guide also suggested Theatre Tokens as gifts. Their terms say they do not expire. The Theatre Tokens site lists Buxton Opera House and Pavilion Arts Centre. The Opera House says National Theatre Tokens can be used at its box office, not online; its own gift vouchers have different terms and are valid for 24 months. See its gift voucher information.

A favourite performance

The original article recalled the 2019 Cinderella pantomime as a particular favourite, praising its ugly sisters and saying the writers enjoyed it enough to see it twice.

During the closure the guide also mentioned The Show Must Go On merchandise and online resources for theatre workers. Those suggestions reflected the circumstances of 2020. The government announced a culture support package that July.