By Derbyshire Record Office
Buxton Opera House, The University of Derby University & Buxton Museum and Art Gallery
Buxton Opera House from the George Hotel (1928) by J. D Meddins, BuxtonDerbyshire Record Office
The beauty of the Opera House....
Trevor, a volunteer at the Opera House, explains why he thinks it's so special.
Trevor was interviewed in 2023 by The University of Derby for the Buxton Opera House Archive Project.
Buxton Opera House is an Edwardian theatre in the spa town of Buxton, Derbyshire, UK. It was designed by Frank Matcham and opened in 1903.
The theatre fell into disrepair and closed in the 1970s. In 1979, following dedicated work by many people both locally and nationally, the Opera House was restored – with a new orchestra pit added to the original Frank Matcham design.
Buxton Opera House (circa. 1980) by UnknownDerbyshire Record Office
The seed crystal of change
John discusses how the re-opening of Buxton Opera House in 1979 was the seed crystal of change for Buxton.
John was interviewed in 2016 as part of the 'Buxton's Present from the Past' oral history project.
Aerial photo of Buxton (1920/1968) by UnknownDerbyshire Record Office
Looking back that was the turning point for the town
Tony is also convinced that the re-opening of the Opera House was a turning point for the town and praises those 'very brave people' who believed they could run a successful theatre.
Tony was interviewed in 2016 as part of the 'Buxton's Present from the Past' oral history project.
Photograph of the poet John Betjeman alongside members of Buxton Opera House Trust including chairman Margaret Milican and vice-chairman Michael Williams.
"The restoration of the Opera House has transformed Buxton both economically and culturally to an extent which I freely admit has far exceeded the expectations of those of us who sat on the original steering committee in a dingy back room in the Council’s Chinley offices".
Michael Williams, former Chairman and current Vice Patron of Buxton Opera House, 2025
Tap to explore
"It's opposite the Theatre"
Louise discusses how one of her reasons for buying the Old Hall Hotel in 1982 was because it was opposite Buxton Opera House - she could see the potential for theatre guests.
Louise was interviewed in 2016 as part of the 'Buxton's Present from the Past' oral history project.
"The potential was there and I created a very successful business, offering pre and post theatre suppers and accommodating a lot of the performers who came to play at the Opera House, and of course the audiences. In my opinion the theatre now is the driving economic force for Buxton and the diversity of the programme attracts huge audiences, both local and visitors, who shop, eat and stay in the town".
Louise, former owner of the Old Hall Hotel and Vice Patron of Buxton Opera House, 2025
"I hope funding will be forthcoming for the very important refurbishment of the backstage to ensure we have our theatre for another hundred years".
Louise Potter, former owner of the Old Hall Hotel and Vice Patron of Buxton Opera House, 2025
Festival time at Buxton Opera House (2023-08) by Buxton Opera HouseDerbyshire Record Office
The Festivals
"It is an idyllically beautiful place. The whole town breathes G&S during these two and a half weeks. All of the venues are in a compact radius, and it seems everyone you see is there for one purpose: the Festival. It is difficult to imagine another place on earth where this ambiance could be duplicated."
Marc Shepherd, review of the 1998 Gilbert & Sullivan Festival.
Coaches parked outside Buxton Opera House (2024) by Buxton Opera HouseDerbyshire Record Office
Bringing vitality to the town
Colin, a volunteer at the Opera House, discusses how important the Opera House is for the economy of the town.
Trevor was interviewed in 2023 by The University of Derby for the Buxton Opera House Archive Project.
Buxton Opera House
The University of Derby
'Buxton's Present from the Past' oral history project
John Wilson
Tony Swain
Michael Williams
Louise Potter
Marc Shepherd 'Review of the 1998 Gilbert & Sullivan Festival'
Buxton Museum and Art Gallery
Funded by Arts Council England
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