The Buxton Opera House: An Edwardian Delight

On the 1st of June 1903, crowds of people gathered to usher in a new age for the town of Buxton at the opening of the magnificent Buxton Opera House. Designed by the world-renowned architect Frank Matcham, the Opera House promised an experience like no other for theatregoers. Over a century later, the venue continues to meet this promise.

The venue has gone through a whirlwind life, and truly has come full circle. Opening on the 1st of June 1903 with a special showing of “Mrs Willoughby’s Kiss” and “My Milliner’s Bill” to a full house, the venue continued displaying stage shows until 1927, whereby it was converted into a Cinema. From here, it showed solely silent films, until 1932, whereby the auditorium was converted once again, this time being wired for sound, and hence the ‘talkies’ (films with audio) started being shown.

5 years later, the first Buxton Theatre Festival comes to town, with the Opera House at the forefront. A highlight of the event was the inimitable Pygmalion, written by the infamous George Bernard Shaw. The Festival was the first time the show had been shown in Buxton, a whole 23 years after its premiere at Her Majesty’s Theatre, London. Instrumental to its arrival was the Director of the Old Vic Theatre in Bristol, Lilyan Baylis.

Tragically, by the 1970s, and despite its immense popularity both locally and nationally, the theatre fell into total disrepair. A campaign commenced amongst locals residents and was supported by the Poet John Betjemen. Following 9 years of tireless work, the venue was eventually restored, featuring a brand new Orchestral pit to accompany the original Matcham design. 1979 also saw the inaugural Buxton Festival, with Gaetano Donizetti’s ‘Lucia di Lammermoor’ and a community production of Maxwell Davies’ ‘The Two Fiddlers’ headlining the event.

Throughout the 1990s, further restorative work was completed, and the Theatre reopened in its full, splendiferous beauty in 2001. Since then, the tireless effort of staff, local residents and contributors have led to the creation of a second venue, the Pavilion Arts Centre, to the rear of the Opera House.

In the 21st century, Buxton Opera House continues to thrive as a vital cultural hub. It hosts a diverse range of events, from opera and classical music performances to contemporary plays, comedy shows and Tribute Productions. The theatre has maintained its reputation for delivering high-quality entertainment, drawing both local audiences and visitors from afar.

The Buxton Opera House is more than just a historic building; it is a living testament to the enduring power of culture and the arts. Its rich history, architectural grandeur, and ongoing commitment to providing top-tier entertainment make it a cherished institution in the heart of the Peak District. As it continues to evolve and adapt to the changing times, the Opera House stands as a symbol of the enduring importance of the performing arts in enriching our lives and connecting communities across generations.