Buxton Opera House Archives - North West End UK

Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) – Buxton Opera House

6Oct

By Jo TillotsonNo Comments

North West

Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) – Buxton Opera House

It’s the 1880s, and in Jane Austen’s classic romantic novel, the five Bennet sisters are seeking love and the security of marriage while navigating society’s rules, expectations and challenges. It is a story that is well known by most people – even if only through film or television – but it is a story that still resonates. A story of a young woman who knows what she wants, and that is to find love her way. That story is brilliantly told in this adaptation of Pride & Prejudice by writer Isobel McArthur, who also directs the production. Her goal was to make Austen’s novel more accessible, and she has absolutely done that. By promoting the use of regional accents, by weaving modern music and vocabulary into the script, and by providing a visual setting that is easily and quickly under...

19Mar

By Jo TillotsonNo Comments

North West

Spitfire Girls – Buxton Opera House

The Second World War is ongoing, and its reality is inescapable. With so many of the able men fighting on the front lines, where does the war effort find its manpower? As we are well aware, it was woman power that kept many industries operational for many years. In Spitfire Girls we meet Bett (played by the writer, Katherine Senior) and Dotty (Hannah Morrison), two women who defied the obligations expected of them by family and society and learned to fly. This play explores their relationship, their identity, and their growth as women and as pilots throughout the war and beyond. Senior and Morrison are authentic in their interactions with one another and with the others they encounter throughout the story. In particular, Morrison’s portrayal of a woman finding her freedom in the ...

Friends! The Musical Parody – Buxton Opera House

11Feb

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

Friends! The Musical Parody – Buxton Opera House

After successful runs in New York and Las Vegas, Friends! The Musical Parody has landed in the UK with a tour stop at Buxton's Opera House. Promising a musical celebration of the hugely popular sitcom, the production attempts to compress ten seasons of television into a two-hour stage show — an ambitious idea that ultimately struggles to translate into a consistently entertaining evening. Photo: Pamela Raith Structured as a rapid-fire sequence of references, the show relies heavily on audience familiarity with the original series. Rather than building a coherent narrative, it jumps abruptly between famous storylines and catchphrases, often without enough context to make them land effectively. While devoted fans may appreciate the recognisable moments, the lack of breathing room me...

3Sep

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

Blood Brothers – Buxton Opera House

It’s powerful, heartfelt and bursting with unforgettable songs; Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences – and the recent production on tour and currently at Buxton Opera House is no exception! Directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright, this production retells Russell’s poignant tale of nature versus nurture through the lives of twins separated at birth. It’s a story filled with humour, warmth and inevitable heartbreak, delivered here with an emotional punch that keeps you gripped right to the final moments. At the heart of the show is Vivienne Carlyle as Mrs Johnstone, whose moving portrayal of a mother torn between desperation and love carries both strength and vulnerability. Her vocals soar with passion, particularly during the...

Jesus Christ Superstar – Buxton Opera House

18Apr

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

Jesus Christ Superstar – Buxton Opera House

Buxton Opera House’s staging of Jesus Christ Superstar offers a visually striking and musically impressive take on the iconic rock opera. With memorable performances and thoughtful design choices, this production successfully captures the emotional and thematic weight of the story—while still leaving room for refinement. Louis Moore shines as Jesus, with “Gethsemane” standing out as the emotional high point of the evening. His performance in this pivotal number is both vocally and emotionally powerful, showcasing his ability to convey the vulnerability at the heart of the role. Ross Clifton brings vocal strength and stage presence to the role of Judas, and while his singing is commendable, at times the acting across the cast felt slightly stilted. A touch more naturalism in delivery ...

27Mar

By Angela KellyNo Comments

North West

Hairspray – Buxton Opera House

Great news for Buxton - Hairspray the musical is touring again. Directed by Paul Kerryson alongside Brenda Edwards, who is making her directorial debut, this toe tapping stalwart of musical theatre is gracing the stage once more. Having taken Broadway by storm back in the day and winning 8 Tony awards, Hairspray then moved to the West End where 4 Olivier awards were also achieved. Its safe to say that an audience’s high expectations will often precede this particular musical. The story, set in the 60s is essentially about a group of teens who were fighting for equality at a time when segregation related to an individual’s colour was rife. Led by Tracy Turnblad and her family and friends, she managed to address this issue through her desire to dance on a popular TV show. The issue of an ...

29May

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

Sister Act – Buxton Opera House

Sister Act, the hit musical comedy directed by Bill Buckhurst is touring the UK and this week is at the beautiful Buxton Opera House. The larger than life production delivers an evening of joyous entertainment and powerful performances. Based on the beloved 1992 film, this production brings together a stellar cast, bright and bold staging and impeccable comedic timing. Former Coronation Street star Wendi Peters shines as Mother Superior, bringing a perfect blend of stern authority and underlying warmth to her role. Her comic timing and vocal prowess add depth to the character, making her a memorable anchor for the show. Landi Oshinowo as Deloris Van Cartier is a revelation. Her portrayal of the nightclub singer turned nun on the run is both heartfelt and hilarious. Oshinowo’s powerfu...

27Apr

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

Evita – Buxton Opera House

There’s always a warm welcome at the beautiful Buxton Opera House, and their current amateur production of Evita delivered a spellbinding theatrical experience that left Friday night’s sold-out audience captivated from start to finish. The production boasted an extraordinary amateur cast whose performances breathed new life into the iconic characters. Catherine Pugh’s portrayal of Eva Perón was a tour de force, displaying a remarkable range of emotion and commanding the stage with her presence. Opposite her, Ross Clifton delivered a powerful performance as Juan Perón, capturing the character’s authority and complexity with finesse. Luke Clayton brought depth and charisma to the role of Che, serving as a compelling narrator throughout the production, while Steve Sheppard charmed audience...

18Dec

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

Cinderella – Buxton Opera House

Buxton Opera House's annual pantomime is always a highlight in the festive calendar and this year’s production of Cinderella might be the very best one yet! Directed by Paul Kerryson and produced by Sarah Kell, this year’s pantomime is an enchanting spectacle that has all the ingredients of the perfect panto! The star-studded cast, featuring the hilarious James Holmes as Tess (returning due to phenomenal demand), larger than life David Dale as Claudia, the talented Georgia Gallagher as Cinderella, the charming Ross Clifton as Prince, Charlotte Hannah Jones delivering powerhouse vocals as the fairy godmother, and the loveable Aidan Bailey as Buttons, all delivering a performance that was nothing short of magical, backed by an incredible ensemble of dancers, Buns the Rabbit played by F...

20Sep

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

The Mousetrap – Buxton Opera House

The Mousetrap directed by the talented duo of Ian Talbot and Denise Silvey, is an absolute delight for any ‘whodunit’ fan! The production currently touring the UK boasts an outstanding cast, with Rachel Dawson as Mollie Ralston, Michael Lyle as Giles Ralston, Todd Carty as Major Metcalf, Shaun McCourt as Christopher Wren, Catherine Shipton as Mrs Boyle, Leigh Lothian as Miss Casewell, Steven Elliott as Mr Paravicini and Garyn Williams as Detective Trotter. Together, they bring Agatha Christie's iconic murder mystery to life in a way that captivates and entertains from start to finish. First and foremost, it’s currently at Buxton Opera House until Saturday 23rd September and the theatre serves as the perfect venue for this classic ‘whodunit’. Celebrating its 120th anniversary this yea...