Newsletter December 2022

We’rebackinBuxton!

Dear Festival Friend

We are sorry to leave beautiful Harrogate behind, but, at the same time, feel very excited to return to Buxton, our spiritual home and the place where the International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival began in 1994.

It was a tough decision to go, but it was one that we had to make if we wanted to keep the Festival going. We have not enjoyed an easy relationship with the management of Harrogate Convention Centre in the past few years, but did not anticipate leaving the town lock, stock and barrel in 2023. We have invested heavily in staging the Festival there since 2014, but there comes a time when a challenging relationship simply becomes too unpleasant and financially impossible to continue.

Now we want to move onwards and upwards to a fantastic 29th Festival. We take our hats off to the management team at Buxton Opera House who pulled out all the stops to sort out an extended contract in record time, and for the fantastic support and welcome we have received from the town.

The programme is fantastic. In the beautiful Opera House, our acclaimed National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company will perform The Mikado, The Yeomen of the Guard and The Pirates of Penzance. And we are delighted to see more competing groups than we have had since 2018. Peak Opera (The Gondoliers), North West Productions (TBJ, The Zoo & Cox and Box), Bus Pass Opera (HMS Pinafore), New London Opera Group (The Sorcerer), SavoyNet Performing Group (Ruddigore) and Brussels Light Opera Company (Iolanthe).

In the adjoining Pavilion Arts Centre, UNIFest is back with five universities participating. Opera North will bring a youth production of Trial by Jury, and the Festival Youth Production will be The Pirates of Penzance.

There is so much to do and see; we know you will love it. Remember, if you need help booking your tickets or if you have any questions, please get in touch.

We look forward to seeing you!

About the Festival

You can book just one show in the Opera House, or you can immerse yourself in the many activities available for visitors every day. Here is a what typical day at the Festival looks like.

10.30 am Morning talk in The Old Club House

1.00 pm Classical Pops in The Old Club House

2.30 pm Matinee performance in the Pavilion Arts Centre or Buxton Opera House

7.30 pm Main performance in Buxton Opera House

10.00 pm Nightly Festival Club to midnight in the Pavilion Gardens

The International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival was founded in 1994 and for the first 20 years was staged in Buxton Opera House. In 2014 the Festival moved to Harrogate, but this year returns to its spiritual home in the beautiful Derbyshire Peak District.

The Festival brings together a wonderful mix of leading amateur groups who compete for the coveted Championship Trophy. And, you can also see our fabulous professional performances from the Festival’s resident company, The National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company.

Next door to the Opera House, in the Pavilion Arts Centre, is UNIFest, a competition featuring leading British universities – each bringing a fully-staged production accompanied by the UNIFest Orchestra. The Festival Youth Production, Harrogate Gilbert & Sullivan Society, Grosvenor Light Opera Company and the Opera North Youth Company will also perform here. There is no doubt that the magic of Gilbert & Sullivan endures and the Festival embraces the very best. We look forward to sharing it with you.

New to Buxton?

FAQs

I’ve never been to Buxton Opera House before, what can I expect?

Buxton Opera House is a beautiful theatre and is one of the finest examples of Frank Matcham theatre design.

Where is everything located in the theatre?

Stalls – Ground floor - Small bar, accessible entrance and toilet, two ice cream sales points, merchandise stand, ladies’ and gents’ toilets, and Box Office are all on this level.

Dress Circle - First floor - Largest bar, ice cream sales point, ladies’ and gents’ toilets, Matcham Gallery, and the Dress Circle Boxes are all on this level.

Upper Circle - Second floor - Bar area, ladies’ toilets and ice cream sales point are on this level.

Gallery – Third floor

(See the seating plan on page 26)

*Please note there are no lifts to the upper floor

Is there an Induction Loop System or Infra-Red Headsets?

There are passive infra-red (PIR) systems in both the Opera House & Pavilion Arts Centre for people with hearing impairments. This works through a special headset rather than your hearing aid and is available from the theatre. Please reserve one when you book your tickets (a £10 cash deposit is required). There is also an induction loop system at both Box Office venues.

Will there be a Utopia Pavilion as in previous Harrogate Festivals?

No. There is no space large enough to accommodate a Utopia Pavilion. However, the Pavilion Gardens adjoining the Opera House offer food, drinks, bar and an ice cream parlour. (See Buxton Venues on pages 4 and 5 for more information).

Will there be a Festival Club after the show?

Yes, we are pleased to advise that the Festival Club will open at 10 pm every evening after the show in the Opera House, next door in the Pavilion Gardens. The Festival will have exclusive use of this space and there will be a bar, supper and entertainment through to midnight. Entry is £3.00

Will there be a G&S shop and Information Desk?

Yes, the Festival will have two portacabins located on the right-hand side of the Opera House. These will be staffed throughout the event.

If you have any additional questions, please email sarah@gsfestivals.org

Buxton Venues

Buxton Opera House (901 seats) is our main venue. It is an exquisitely beautiful Edwardian theatre and one of the country’s finest examples of Frank Matcham theatre design. The theatre was lovingly restored to its former glory in 2001.

Wewillbeusingaroundseveralvenues thetown duringtheFestival

Pavilion Arts Centre

The Pavilion Arts Centre is our second theatre (next door to the Opera House), and opened in September 2010. It is housed in what was formerly the Paxton Suite of the Pavilion Gardens complex behind the Opera House. UNIFest, the Festival Youth Production and other matinees and concerts will be staged here.

The Old Club House (next door to the Opera House)

The Old Club House is a bar and restaurant, now under new management and undergoing a refurbishment. The morning fringe talks will take place in the function room on the first floor and you can be sure of a warm welcome and freshly brewed coffee!

The Pavilion Gardens

The Pavilion Gardens is a Grade II listed historic venue which superbly shows off the Victorian splendour of Buxton. During the day, the building offers a shop, restaurant and bar. Outside is the delightful promenade and bandstand and 23 acres of gardens to explore with a boating lake, miniature train and fountains.

Every evening the Festival has exclusive use of the restaurant area for the Festival Club and cabaret after the show in the Opera House. There is a bar and suppers will also be available.

St John’s Church

St John’s Church, across the road from the Opera House, will be the venue for the Festival Sunday Service on Sunday morning, 6 August.

How to book your tickets

Tickets for Festival

performances in Buxton Opera House are available on a priority booking system. First to members of the “Friends of the G&S Festival” and then on open sale to the general public on Wednesday 1 February 2023.

You can join and become a member now and enjoy priority booking and the applicable member discounts through to Wednesday 25 January. It’s easy to join online at www.gsfestivals.org/friends or by phone on 01422 323252. For information about the membership categories, see page 10.

Priority booking for members of the “Friends of the G&S Festival”

Online Members can book their tickets online during the periods indicated in the KEY DATES section. You need to go to www.gsfestivals. org and click on PRIORITY BOOKINGS to select the seats and shows you want to see. All members will be sent a unique code to use at the checkout and this will ensure you receive the appropriate discount and access to booking. The codes will be emailed to all members the day before your booking period opens. Please check your spam/junk/clutter folders and if you do not receive your code, email sarah@gsfestivals.org or call 01422 323252.

By Phone

This year members have three booking options.

Members can call the Priority Draw Box Office on 01422 323252 between 10am and 4pm (Monday to Friday) on the applicable dates listed in the KEY DATES section.

By post/email

Complete the booking forms in the centre of the newsletter and return to G&S Festivals, The Old Vicarage, All Souls Road, Halifax HX3 6DR or scan and email to sarah@gsfestivals.org

Member Discounts

All members receive discounts on tickets (for bookings received by 23 January 2023).

Single member - £1 discount per show booked (in the Opera House only)

Joint/family members – 2 x £1 discount per show booked (in the Opera House only)

Key

From Monday 12 December 2022

Open Sale

From Wednesday 1 February 2023

PRIORITY BOOKING FOR ALL MEMBERS WILL

CLOSE

ON MONDAY 23 JANUARY 2023

This is the final opportunity for members to enjoy Priority Booking and receive member discounts and free postage for tickets.

OPEN SALE

Tickets go on open sale from Buxton Opera House 11.00 am on Wednesday 1 February 2023. Go online at www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk or call 01298 72190

Can I exchange or get a refund on my tickets?

Sorry, we are unable to refund tickets unless a show is cancelled. Refunds on tickets are not given if there is a change of cast or if, for any reason, you can no longer attend an event. If the event is cancelled, you will be given a refund (excluding postage costs). In some circumstances, tickets may be exchanged for a different show during the Festival, and a small administration charge will apply. WE URGE ALL CUSTOMERS TO TAKE OUT INSURANCE IN CASE THEY ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND.

Our new Membership Category

18 - 25 Friends

A primary goal of the International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival is to encourage youth involvement in G&S - whether in our Festival Youth Productions, our UNIFest performances, or by giving professional members of the National G&S Opera Company that all-important first job when they leave college.

To further support this aim, we are delighted to announce our new membership category: 18 – 25 Friends.

What is it?

This membership category is open to (unsurprisingly) 18-25-year-olds. Members can enjoy £10 tickets for all the Opera House performances and £5 tickets for the Pavilion Arts Centre.

How does it work?

You can join online at www.gsfestivals.org/ friends for just £5 a year. A member of our team will contact you and request a copy of your photo id to verify your age.

We will allocate a number of tickets for 18 – 25 Members in the gallery for you to book with your unique membership code (however, once they are gone – they are gone!).

You will need to present your membership card along with your tickets when you arrive at the Opera House.

Over 60? Love to perform? Come and join the cast of Bus Pass Opera in their performance of HMS Pinafore on Monday, 7 August.

Bus Pass Opera is a firm favourite at the Festival and great fun too. Alan Borthwick will direct, and David Lyle is the musical director once again. If you would like to apply, please complete the online form at www.gsfestivals. org/bus-pass-opera or email sarah@gsfestivals.org with your voice type, if you have been in a previous Bus Pass Opera production, a summary of your G&S experience (if applying for the first time) and if you would like to be considered for a part/parts.

Rehearsals will begin in Buxton on Sunday, 30 July (2 pm) and will be daily through to the performance on Monday, 7 August. There will be a nominal participating charge of £40. We look forward to hearing from you, and if you have any questions, please email sarah@ gsfestivals.org.

A highlight of every Festival is our Youth Production, open to young people between nine and eighteen years old. Rachel Harland will direct our 2023 production of The Pirates of Penzance, to be staged in the Pavilion Arts Centre on Saturday, 6 August, at 2.30 pm.

This is a wonderful opportunity for cast members to learn how a production is directed and staged in just a week.

Rehearsals will begin on Saturday morning, 29 July. No previous stage experience is necessary – just bags of enthusiasm and lots of energy. Gilbert & Sullivan is the ideal introduction to opera and musical theatre, and our young performers return year after year and make lifelong friendships.

Auditions for principal roles take place on DVD/ YouTube. Chorus members do not need to audition.

More information and application forms are online at www.gsfestivals.org/youthproduction.

Festival Youth Production Bus Pass Opera

UNIF est

UNIFest is one of the Festival’s big success stories. It started in Buxton in 2012, and has gone from strength to strength, introducing many students to Gilbert and Sullivan for the first time.

Stephen Turnbull, Secretary of the Sir Arthur Sullivan Society, is the Adjudicator. This is what he had to say following this year’s UNIFest.

“What a delight it was this summer to see the UNIFest return after its two-year hiatus. University Gilbert and Sullivan / light opera societies were hit hard by the pandemic, with a complete generation of students missing out on the opportunity to participate. Several societies have, sadly, gone to the wall. But enough took part to enable us to have a worthy competition and the auguries for future years are good.

The competitive element of UNIFest is important. The universities take the competition seriously and consider the awards to be worth winning. It has been my privilege to have been Adjudicator of every UNIFest since 2013, during which time I have watched and enjoyed more than sixty shows. None has been dull, and all have reflected credit on their casts and creatives. UniFest promotes teamwork, creativity, imagination, excellence, and fun.”

All performances start at 2.30 pm in the Pavilion Arts Centre. Tickets £15

UNIFest Programme

MONDAY 31 JULY

Newcastle University HMS Pinafore

TUESDAY 1 AUGUST

University of Southampton The Sorcerer

THURSDAY 3 AUGUST University of York The Gondoliers

TUESDAY 8 AUGUST

University of Birmingham

HMS Pinafore

THURSDAY 10 AUGUST Oxford University Utopia Limited

LEE WOOD HOTEL (PACKAGES INCLUDE DINNER)

We are delighted to have secured rooms at the delightful Best Western Lee Wood Hotel. As the only 4-star hotel in Buxton, the Lee Wood is the perfect choice for your stay during the Festival. Situated only a five-minute walk from the Opera House it is the ideal location.

Each room comes with a flat screen TV with Freeview and a Smart TV Box, so you can make yourself at home by logging into your own apps such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer. Rooms include telephone, hairdryer, complimentary toiletries and tea and coffee making facilities.

The accommodation packages in this hotel include a full English breakfast and a three-course pretheatre dinner in the award-winning Lazy Gardener Restaurant. There is limited availability, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

PACKAGES ARE ONLY AVAILABLE ON THE FOLLOWING DATES AND INCLUDE FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST AND PRE-THEATRE DINNER:

PACKAGE 1 (4 NIGHTS)

BOOKING REF: LW/401

Arrival - 29 July

Departure - 2 August

Cost per person in a twin/double room: £770

Single supplement: £42 Per night

Opera House Tickets included (dress circle) – The Mikado (NGSOC), The Yeomen of the Guard (NGSOC), The Sorcerer (New London Opera Group), The Gondoliers (Peak Opera)

Plus, 2 morning fringe tickets, 2 matinee tickets in the Pavilion Arts Centre, 2 Classical Pops tickets, souvenir programme, 4 Festival Club tickets.

PACKAGE 2 (3 NIGHTS)

BOOKING REF: LW/302

Arrival - 7 August Departure - 10 August

Cost per person in a twin/double room: £620

Single supplement: £42 Per night

Opera House Tickets included (dress circle) – HMS Pinafore (Bus Pass Opera), Iolanthe (Brussels Light Opera Company, The Yeomen of the Guard (NGSOC), Plus, 1 morning fringe ticket, 1 matinee in the Pavilion Arts Centre, 1 Classical Pops tickets, souvenir programme, 3 Festival Club tickets.

PACKAGE 3 (3 NIGHTS)

BOOKING REF: LW/303

Arrival - 10 August Departure - 13 August

Cost per person in a twin/double room: £620

Single supplement: £42 Per night

Opera House Tickets included (dress circle) – Ruddigore (SavoyNet Performing Group), The Mikado (NGSOC), The Yeomen of the Guard (NGSOC) The Pirates of Penzance (NGSOC)

Plus, 1 morning fringe ticket, 1 Classical Pops tickets, souvenir programme.

De-luxe room upgrade is available for £40 per room, per night

Packages

Accommodation

THE OLD HALL (BED AND BREAKFAST BASIS IN A STANDARD ROOM)

The historic Old Hall Hotel, just across from the Pavilion Gardens and the Opera House, is reputed to be the oldest hotel in England. Part of the current building was built by Bess of Hardwick’s 4th husband, the Earl of Shrewsbury, for Mary Queen of Scots when she came to take the waters in Buxton in the 16th Century.

Renowned for its originality, The Old Hall has over thirty unique bedrooms; each bedroom consisting of an en-suite bathroom, TV and radio, writing desks, hairdryers, telephones and hospitality trays.

THE PALACE HOTEL (BED AND BREAKFAST ONLY)

Since 1868, the Palace Hotel has been an important building in the spa town of Buxton. Situated in over five acres of landscaped gardens, the hotel is a fiveminute walk from the Opera House.

The Palace Hotel has many on-site facilities for guests to enjoy. The hotel has a health and leisure club (small fee applies) with an indoor pool, gym, spa, sauna and steam rooms. The hotels spacious en-suite bedrooms have tea and coffee making facilities, TV and hairdryer. Wi-Fi is available free of charge in public areas and there is a 24-hour reception for your convenience.

THANK YOU, THEATRICAL ADVENTURES!

Theatrical Adventures Ltd is sponsoring the Festival’s Award Ceremony and prizes on Friday, 11 August, at 5.00 pm in the Pavilion Arts Centre. We are delighted Stephen Turnbull will act as our adjudicator.

And, for the first time in the Festival’s history, we will present cash prizes to the Champions (£1,000) and runner-up (£500) of the competing societies performing in the Opera House and to the winners (£500) and runner-up (£250) of the UNIFest competition. There has probably never been a time when they were more necessary!

Theatrical Adventures offers fantastic river cruises with outstanding G&S entertainment along the greatest rivers in Europe and in 2024, is venturing onto the mighty Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia. More information can be found at www.theatricaladventures.com

MALVERN

The acclaimed National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company will perform in Malvern Theatre on the 7, 8 and 9 September 2023. Tickets will go on sale in the New Year at www.malvern-theatres.co.uk. We will be running our popular three-night accommodation packages, including fantastic tours around this stunning area and tickets to see all the shows. More information from sarah@gsfestivals.org

NATIONAL G&S OPERA COMPANY VISIT GUERNSEY

We were delighted to take members of the NGSOC to Guernsey in October to perform in St James Theatre in the island’s charming capital, St Peter Port. And their “The Very Best of Gilbert & Sullivan” concert went down a storm.

We also took along a group of Theatrical Adventurers, who spent three days exploring this beautiful island and enjoyed our usual first-class entertainment every night. Great fun for everyone!

You have an opportunity to see the ‘Best of Gilbert & Sullivan’ on Friday 4 August in Buxton Opera House. Presented by Simon Butteriss and starring members of the National G&S Opera Company this is one not to miss.

JOIN US FOR A FESTIVAL LUNCH IN THE LEE WOOD HOTEL

Join us for a friendly Festival get-together on Sunday, 6 August at 12.30 pm in the four-star Lee Wood Hotel, just a five-minute walk from the Opera House. It’s a lovely way to catch up with old friends. Guests can enjoy an excellent three-course lunch in the hotel’s delightful Lazy Gardener Restaurant, along with entertainment from members of the National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company. If you would like to book a group please email sarah@gsfestivals.org Lunch, a glass of wine, coffee and entertainment is £55.

PROUD SPONSORS OF THE INTERNATIONAL GILBERT & SULLIVAN FESTIVAL

We’re more than a cruise company.

We sail beautiful rivers with fascinating tours. We choose outstanding ships and we promise exceptional value for money.

And when it comes to filling our social programme, we have a significant advantage over our competitors. We run an opera festival, complete with its own professional opera company. The musical talent we employ on our cruises is hand-picked from the internationally renowned National G&S Opera Company and our network of talented opera stars.

Every night is filled with fantastic entertainment and you will not find any after-dinner lectures that leave you begging for the sweet release of an early night!

Our entertainment keeps you up, and it keeps you wanting more. Our outstanding onboard soloists and musical director ensure a bespoke programme of musical magic. Solo passengers never need to feel alone - there is always someone to talk to and our directors accompany every cruise.

There are plenty of opportunities for passengers to get involved as well. Throughout the cruise, guests can rehearse a light opera or concert for a performance along the way.

Theatrical Adventures offer a week-long party where the fun never ends, and our customers return year after year, cruise after cruise.

Join us on the next one and find out why.

Cruise the Rhône and Discover Provence

Flowing from the Rhône Glacier in the peaks of the Swiss Alps, the Rhône River gently meanders through Switzerland and France towards the Mediterranean, passing through some of the most picturesque cities, towns and historic sites in France.

Our cruise takes us from the gothic serenity of the Papal Palace in Avignon, to the bustling squares of Vienne and from the untamed nature reserve of the Camargue, to the refined culinary capital Lyon. We will enjoy an unparalleled combination of the wild and the cultured.

Included in your cruise is an extraordinary French gastronomic experience at the legendary Paul Bocuse’s Abbaye de Collonges. This will be a singular experience in an exceptional setting, where you will be able to relish gourmet courses, prepared by renowned chefs from across France.

2022 National G&S Opera Company 4 Disc Box Set

Buy all three 2022 Opera Company productions – The Pirates of Penzance, Utopia Limited and Iolanthe - along with Together Again 3 (2022) , starring D’Oyly Carte and National G&S Opera Company stars. Order Ref: BOX/GS22 DVD: £59.99 BLU RAY: £79.99

2022 Visiting Professionals 3 Disc Box Set

Buy all three 2022 visiting professional productions: Charles Court Opera’s production of Patience, Opera della Luna’s production of HMS Pinafore and Forbear! Theatre’s production of The Gondoliers.

Order Ref: BOX/VP22 DVD: £44.99 BLU RAY: £59.99

2022 Non-Professional 4 Disc Box Set

Buy all four 2022 Non-Professional Company productions – The Pirates of Penzance - Brussels Light Opera Company, The Grand Duke - SavoyNet Performing Group, Princess Ida - Bus Pass Opera and The Mikado - Peak Opera.

Order Ref: BOX/NP22 DVD: £49.99 BLU RAY: £59.99

Together Again (2022) Former D’Oyly Carte Members

This was a fabulous concert featuring former D’Oyly Carte Opera Company members. Devised and conducted by David Steadman, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Highly recommended.

Order Ref: 22DC/TA DVD: £20.99 BLU RAY: £25.99

Gilbert & Sullivan For All Box Set

Produced in the late 1970s, this unique range of films star Valerie Masterson. Donald Adams, Thomas Round and many other all-time greats. Eight of the operas are featured in an abridged form (average running time 45 minutes each) and include an introduction by Thomas Round. Each DVD features two of the productions. HMS Pinafore & The Gondoliers, The Mikado & Trial by Jury, The Yeomen of the Guard & The Pirates of Penzance and Iolanthe & Ruddigore.

Order Ref: BOX/GSFA DVD: £45.00

The National Festival Orchestra

The National Festival Orchestra accompanies all performances in Buxton Opera House and has played at every Festival since its inception in 1994. Orchestra leader Sally Robinson is very proud of its achievements and the outstanding reviews they have received. Musicians come from all over the UK, and previous venues include the Royal Albert Hall, London Palladium, Symphony Hall, Bridgewater Hall and the Sage.

Make sure you don’t miss the Festival fanfare on the steps of the Opera House before the evening performance!

Bring a group to the Festival

The International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival offers your group a great day or evening out. Enjoy excellent discounts with the best seats in the house. We have some outstanding matinee productions of the most-loved G&S operas performed by the acclaimed National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company. You will love them! Choose from favourites, The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance and The Yeomen of the Guard and of course all the other shows at the Festival!

Book 10 -29 seats and enjoy a 10% discount or 30+ seats for a 15% discount.

We can hold seats until an agreed date without deposit or cancellation penalties.

For more information or to book seats, please email: sarah@gsfestivals.org

ORCHESTRA

Festival day by day

SATURDAY 29 JULY 7.10PM

SINGING FROM THE GALLERY BUXTON OPERA HOUSE

Tonight there will be singing from the Gallery.

SATURDAY 29 JULY 7.30PM

THE MIKADO NATIONAL GILBERT & SULLIVAN OPERA COMPANY BUXTON OPERA HOUSE

We open the 29th International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival with all-time favourite, The Mikado, performed by the acclaimed National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company and directed by Sarah Helsby Hughes.

Enjoy a hilarious production brimming with Gilbert’s ingenious wit brought to you by a fabulous first-class cast.

SATURDAY 29 JULY 10.00PM

FESTIVAL CLUB PAVILION GARDENS £3.00

The fun of the Festival never ends! Join us next door to the Opera House for excellent entertainment, bar and supper. Open until midnight.

SUNDAY 30 JULY 10.30 am

INTRODUCTION TO THE MIKADO

STEPHEN TURNBULL SECRETARY OF THE SIR ARTHUR SULLIVAN SOCIETY

THE OLD CLUB HOUSE TICKETS £7.50

G&S expert Stephen introduces The Mikado with fascinating background information and musical excerpts. Perfect timing for this afternoon’s matinee performance.

SUNDAY 30 JULY 1.00 pm

CLASSICAL POPS

THE OLD CLUB HOUSE

Relax and let our fabulous singers entertain you (approximately 40 minutes). Tickets £7.50

SUNDAY 30 JULY 2.30 pm

THE MIKADO

NATIONAL GILBERT & SULLIVAN OPERA COMPANY BUXTON OPERA HOUSE

Another opportunity to see all-time favourite, The Mikado, performed by the National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company. Enjoy a hilarious production brimming with Gilbert’s ingenious wit brought to you by a first-class cast.

SUNDAY 30 JULY 7.30 pm

THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD

NATIONAL GILBERT & SULLIVAN OPERA COMPANY BUXTON OPERA HOUSE

The Festival’s resident company, the National G&S Opera Company, are back with their second show of the season, directed by and starring Simon Butteriss. Set in the Tower of London, the opera is one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s darker stories ending with a broken-hearted main character. But Gilbert’s wit is very much in evidence, and the score, with its innovative overture, is considered to be Sullivan’s finest.

SUNDAY 30 JULY 10.00 pm

FESTIVAL CLUB

PAVILION GARDENS £3.00

The fun of the Festival never ends! Join us next door to the Opera House for excellent entertainment, bar and supper. Open until midnight.

MONDAY 31 JULY 10.30 am

ARTHUR SULLIVAN’S BALLETS WITH STEPHEN TURNBULL

THE OLD CLUB HOUSE TICKETS £7.50

MONDAY 31 JULY 1.00 pm

CLASSICAL POPS

THE OLD CLUB HOUSE

Relax and let our fabulous singers entertain you (approximately 40 minutes). TICKETS £7.50

MONDAY 31 JULY 2.30 pm

HMS PINAFORE

NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY GILBERT & SULLIVAN SOCIETY

PAVILION ARTS CENTRE TICKETS £15

We are delighted to welcome our first UNIFest production to Buxton since 2013. NUGGS have been fantastic supporters of the Festival, and we look forward to their interpretation of this much-loved favourite opera.

MONDAY 31 JULY 7.30 pm

THE SORCERER

NEW LONDON OPERA GROUP BUXTON OPERA HOUSE

Founded in 2003, The New London Opera Group (newLOG) is a not-for-profit company dedicated to producing high-quality productions in London and on tour. Besides the Savoy Operas of Gilbert and Sullivan, newLOG specialises in concert performances of lesser-known operatic gems. Scan the QR code to learn more about The Sorcerer.

MONDAY 31 JULY 10.00 pm

FESTIVAL CLUB

PAVILION GARDENS £3.00

The fun of the Festival never ends! Join us next door to the Opera House for excellent entertainment, bar and supper. Open until midnight.

TUESDAY 1 AUGUST 10.30 am

HISTORY OF BUXTON WALKING TOUR

DEPARTS FROM OUTSIDE THE OPERA HOUSE TICKETS £13.00

TUESDAY 1 AUGUST 1.00 pm

CLASSICAL POPS

THE OLD CLUB HOUSE

Relax and let our fabulous singers entertain you (approximately 40 minutes). TICKETS £7.50

TUESDAY 1 AUGUST 2.30

THE SORCERER UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON LIGHT OPERA SOCIETY (LOpSoc)

PAVILION ARTS CENTRE

TICKETS £15

LOpSoc last performed in UNIFest in Buxton in 2013, and we can’t wait to see them back on stage in the Pavilion Arts Centre. Look out for a folk theme and traditional dances as John Wellington Wells wields his magic potion, and the villagers fall in love with the most unsuitable people!

TUESDAY 1 AUGUST 7.30 pm

THE GONDOLIERS

PEAK OPERA

BUXTON OPERA HOUSE

Peak Opera was founded in 2005 to perform at the Festival in Buxton – hence the name “Peak” Opera!

The Gondoliers is a love story, full of colour and simply joyous. Two gondoliers have just married and learn that one of them is the King of Barataria. But which one? Wonderful melodies and dances, including our favourite, The Cachucha. Last year Peak Opera’s production of The Mikado was almost a sell-out, so make sure you book early!

TUESDAY 1 AUGUST 10.00 pm

FESTIVAL CLUB

PAVILION GARDENS £3.00

The fun of the Festival never ends! Join us next door to the Opera House for excellent entertainment, bar and supper. Open until midnight.

WEDNESDAY 2 AUGUST 10.30 am

INTRODUCTION TO THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE

STEPHEN TURNBULL, SECRETARY OF THE SIR ARTHUR SULLIVAN SOCIETY

THE OLD CLUB HOUSE

TICKETS £7.50

G&S expert Stephen introduces The Pirates of Penzance with fascinating background information and musical excerpts. Perfect timing for today’s performances.

WEDNESDAY 2 AUGUST 1.00 pm

CLASSICAL POPS

THE OLD CLUB HOUSE

Relax and let our fabulous singers entertain you (approximately 40 minutes). TICKETS £7.50

WEDNESDAY 2 AUGUST 1.00 pm

VISIT TO CHATSWORTH HOUSE COACH DEPARTS FROM OUTSIDE OF OPERA HOUSE

Enjoy a guided tour of this beautiful stately home. Return to Buxton by 5 pm TICKETS £50

WEDNESDAY 2 AUGUST 2.30 pm and 7.30 pm

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE NATIONAL GILBERT & SULLIVAN OPERA COMPANY

BUXTON OPERA HOUSE

Get onboard the pirate ship and join the National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company in a brand-new, swashbuckling production of this much-loved opera. Follow the adventures of Frederic, a pirate’s apprentice, in love with Mabel, the daughter of Major-General Stanley. But Frederic finds himself torn between his sense of duty and his love for Mabel. Can he find a way to live happily ever after? A hilarious production with tunes you will be humming all the way home.

WEDNESDAY 2 AUGUST 10.00 pm

FESTIVAL CLUB

PAVILION GARDENS £3.00

The fun of the Festival never ends! Join us next door to the Opera House for excellent entertainment, bar and supper. Open until midnight.

THURSDAY 3 AUGUST 10.30 am

BUXTON OPERA HOUSE AND THE CRAFTSPEOPLE WHO BUILT IT

DR DAVID WILMORE

THE OLD CLUB HOUSE

TICKETS £7.00

David Wilmore was educated at Newcastle University where he became involved with the restoration of the Tyne Theatre & Opera House. He formed theatresearch in 1986 and has been involved in many theatre restoration projects including the Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond, Theatre Royal Newcastle upon Tyne, Theatre Royal, Bristol and the Gaiety Theatre & Opera House, Isle of Man.

THURSDAY 3 AUGUST 1.00 pm

CLASSICAL POPS

THE OLD CLUB HOUSE

Relax and let our fabulous singers entertain you (approximately 40 minutes). TICKETS £7.50

THURSDAY 3 AUGUST 2.30 pm

THE GONDOLIERS

YORK UNIVERSITY GILBERT & SULLIVAN SOCIETY

PAVILION ARTS CENTRE

TICKETS £15

Come and ‘Dance a Cachucha’ with York University G&S Society as they bring a sparkling production of the lively and ever-popular The Gondoliers to Buxton.

THURSDAY 3 AUGUST 7.30 pm

COX AND BOX, TRIAL BY JURY AND THE ZOO NORTH WEST PRODUCTIONS

BUXTON OPERA HOUSE

We are delighted to welcome Northwest Productions back to the Festival with a fabulous triple bill. Cox and Box will use the score and libretto from the 1866 version, first published in 1870 by Boosey and as is found in the archives Illinois University. This production has not been seen for some time.

THURSDAY 3 AUGUST 10.00 pm

FESTIVAL CLUB

PAVILION GARDENS £3.00

The fun of the Festival never ends! Join us next door to the Opera House for excellent entertainment, bar and supper. Open until midnight.

FRIDAY 4 AUGUST 10.30 AM

COLLECTING G&S MEMORABILIA - A VIEW FROM ACROSS THE POND

J DONALD SMITH

THE OLD CLUB HOUSE

TICKETS £7.50

Donald Smith travels from the USA annually to visit the Festival and is a serious collector of G&S memorabilia. Come along and hear about his collection before you visit the Memorabilia Fair tomorrow.

FRIDAY 4 AUGUST 1.00 pm

CLASSICAL POPS

THE OLD CLUB HOUSE

Relax and let our fabulous singers entertain you (approximately 40 minutes). TICKETS £7.50

FRIDAY 4 AUGUST 2.30 PM

THE GRAND DUKE

GROSVENOR LIGHT OPERA COMPANY

PAVILION ARTS CENTRE TICKETS £15

GLOC is one of London’s leading G&S Society and one of the only amateur operatic societies to rehearse and perform in Central London. The Grand Duke, or The Statutory Duel, is the final Savoy opera written by Gilbert & Sullivan.

FRIDAY 4 AUGUST 7.30 PM

THE BEST OF GILBERT & SULLIVAN

THE NATIONAL GILBERT & SULLIVAN OPERA COMPANY

BUXTON OPERA HOUSE

Featuring principal singers from the National G&S Opera Company, this fabulous programme of the best songs from the operas is narrated and devised by celebrated comic baritone Simon Butteriss and accompanied by the National Festival Orchestra. Enjoy a whirlwind tour of the immortal Savoy Operas, set in context by fascinating, historical, gossipy anecdotes that will effortlessly transport you back to the glitter and glamour of the 19th century Savoy Theatre. You will be singing all the way home! Highly recommended!

FRIDAY 4 AUGUST 10.00 pm

FESTIVAL CLUB

PAVILION GARDENS £3.00

The fun of the Festival never ends! Join us next door to the Opera House for excellent entertainment, bar and supper. Open until midnight.

SATURDAY 5 AUGUST 10 am to 5 pm

MEMORABILIA FAIR (FREE ENTRY)

OCTAGON FOYER, PAVILION ARTS CENTRE

The Festival Memorabilia Fair is a great place to meet collectors and browse all things G&S, from old recordings, scores, china and much more. If you would like to exhibit, contact sarah@gsfestivals.org.

SATURDAY 5 AUGUST 10.30 am

G&S – PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE ROBERTA MORRELL

THE OLD CLUB HOUSE

TICKETS £7.50

Join Festival favourite Roberta Morrell for a fascinating talk about Gilbert & Sullivan.

SATURDAY 5 AUGUST 1.00 pm

CLASSICAL POPS

THE OLD CLUB HOUSE

Relax and let our fabulous singers entertain you (approximately 40 minutes). TICKETS £7.50

SATURDAY 5 AUGUST 2.30 pm

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE

FESTIVAL YOUTH PRODUCTION

PAVILION ARTS CENTRE

TICKETS £15

The Youth Production is one of the highlights of the G&S Festival, and every year we are blown away by the enthusiasm and talent of our cast. If you know any young people between 9 and 19 who want to join this fantastic experience, email sarah@gsfestivals.org for more information.

SATURDAY 5 AUGUST 2.30 and 7.30 pm

THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD

NATIONAL GILBERT & SULLIVAN OPERA COMPANY

BUXTON OPERA HOUSE

The National G&S Opera Company are back with their second show of the season, directed by and starring Simon Butteriss. Set in the Tower of London, the opera is one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s darker stories ending with a brokenhearted main character. But Gilbert’s wit is very much in evidence, and the score, with its innovative overture, is considered to be Sullivan’s finest.

SATURDAY 5 AUGUST 10.00 pm

FESTIVAL CLUB

PAVILION GARDENS £3.00

The fun of the Festival never ends! Join us next door to the Opera House for excellent entertainment, bar and supper. Open until midnight.

SUNDAY 6 AUGUST 11.00 am

ST JOHN’S CHURCH SERVICE

SUNDAY 6 AUGUST 12.30 pm

FESTIVAL LUNCH AT LEE WOOD HOTEL

Join us for a fabulous luncheon in our favourite venue. And we will be bringing some fantastic entertainers along too. Tickets £55

SUNDAY 6 AUGUST 2.30 pm

TRIAL BY JURY

OPERA NORTH YOUTH COMPANY PAVILION ARTS CENTRE TICKETS £15

The Opera North Youth Company, the junior performing wing of Opera North, is proud to present the much-loved comic opera Trial by Jury. Join members of the Youth Chorus as they return to Buxton with this hilarious courtroom farce, accompanied by musicians from the Opera North Youth Orchestra.

SUNDAY 6 AUGUST 2.30 pm & 7.30 pm

THE MIKADO NATIONAL GILBERT & SULLIVAN OPERA COMPANY BUXTON OPERA HOUSE

Join us in Titipu to see all-time favourite, The Mikado, performed by the acclaimed National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company. Enjoy a hilarious production brimming with Gilbert’s ingenious wit brought to you by a first-class cast.

SUNDAY 6 AUGUST 10.00 pm

FESTIVAL CLUB PAVILION GARDENS £3.00

The fun of the Festival never ends! Join us next door to the Opera House for excellent entertainment, bar and supper. Open until midnight.

MONDAY 7 AUGUST 10.30 am

A REGULAR ROYAL QUEEN IAN BRADLEY

THE OLD CLUB HOUSE

TICKETS £7.50

Ian Bradley had the privilege and pleasure of spending a weekend at Balmoral Castle. In this talk he records the hilarious and serious conversations that had took place, the extraordinary experience of being driven through the Balmoral estate by the Queen, and the correspondence that ensued with Prince Philip after his visit. Laden with anecdotes and vivid memories, his talk provides a rare insight into the life and character of the late and much loved monarch.

MONDAY 7 AUGUST 1.00 pm CLASSICAL POPS

THE OLD CLUB HOUSE

Relax and let our fabulous singers entertain you (approximately 40 minutes). TICKETS £7.50

MONDAY 7 AUGUST 2.30 pm

THE MIKADO

HARROGATE

GILBERT & SULLIVAN SOCIETY

PAVILION ARTS CENTRE

TICKETS £15

We are delighted to welcome Harrogate G&S Society to Buxton with their production of The Mikado. You are certainly in for a treat this afternoon!

MONDAY 7 AUGUST 7.30 pm

HMS PINAFORE

BUS

PASS OPERA BUXTON OPERA HOUSE

Bus Pass Opera was established exclusively for the over 60s, and today is firmly established as one of the favourite performing groups in the Festival. A few years ago, we estimated the combined age on stage was more than 2,000! Enjoy this year’s production of all-time favourite HMS Pinafore, and if you want information about how to take part, email sarah@gsfestivals.org.

MONDAY 7 AUGUST 10.00 pm

FESTIVAL CLUB

PAVILION GARDENS £3.00

The fun of the Festival never ends! Join us next door to the Opera House for excellent entertainment, bar and supper. Open until midnight.

TUESDAY 8 AUGUST 10.30 am

WATER MUSIC – MAKING MUSIC IN SPAS

IAN BRADLEY

THE OLD CLUB HOUSE

TICKETS £7.50

Music has always been a central feature of the experience of taking the waters in Europe’s spas and Buxton has a rich history of spa music. Initially, a uniformed band provided by the Duke of Devonshire played while people took the health-giving waters. Later, a 30 piece orchestra took up residence in the Octagon. Ian Bradley tells the story of music making in spas, focusing especially on Buxton, revealing romances between musicians, candid accounts of concerts and conjuring up the unique atmosphere of ‘water music’.

TUESDAY 8 AUGUST 1.00 pm

CLASSICAL POPS

THE OLD CLUB HOUSE

Relax and let our fabulous singers entertain you (approximately 40 minutes). TICKETS £7.50

TUESDAY 8 AUGUST 2.30 pm

HMS PINAFORE

BIRMINGHAM UNIVERSITY GILBERT & SULLIVAN SOCIETY

PAVILION ARTS CENTRE

TICKETS £15

Enjoy a fantastic performance of HMS Pinafore from last year’s UNIFest Champions. Can they do it again this year? Don’t miss it.

TUESDAY 8 AUGUST 7.30 pm

IOLANTHE

BRUSSELS LIGHT OPERA COMPANY

BUXTON OPERA HOUSE

Brussels Light Opera Company returns next summer with Iolanthe. BLOC’s brand-new production promises a comical romp through Parliament, complete with pompous Peers and formidable fairies! BLOC makes the absolute most of Gilbert’s fiendishly clever dialogue and Sullivan’s glorious score.

TUESDAY

8 AUGUST 10.00 pm

FESTIVAL CLUB

PAVILION GARDENS £3.00

The fun of the Festival never ends! Join us next door to the Opera House for excellent entertainment, bar and supper. Open until midnight.

WEDNESDAY 9 AUGUST 10.30 am

HADDON HALL

MARTIN YATES AND STEPHEN TURNBULL

THE OLD CLUB HOUSE

TICKETS £7.50

Martin Yates and Stephen Turnbull talk about Haddon Hall, the light opera with music by Arthur Sullivan and a libretto by Sydney Grundy. The opera, set in nearby Haddon Hall, dramatises the legend of Dorothy Vernon’s elopement with John Manners, resetting the tale in the 17th century. A coach trip will visit Haddon Hall this afternoon, and there will be some live singing from the opera during the show.

WEDNESDAY 9 AUGUST 1.00 pm

CLASSICAL POPS

THE OLD CLUB HOUSE

Relax and let our fabulous singers entertain you (approximately 40 minutes). TICKETS £7.50

WEDNESDAY 9 AUGUST 1.30 pm

COACH TIP TO HADDON HALL

Following this morning’s talk, join our coach trip to Haddon Hall to see this beautiful stately home. There will be a guided tour of the house, and you will have free time to visit the gardens. Cost including guided tour £50

WEDNESDAY 9 AUGUST 2.30 pm

THE MIKADO

NATIONAL GILBERT & SULLIVAN OPERA COMPANY

BUXTON OPERA HOUSE

Another opportunity to see all-time favourite, The Mikado. Make sure it’s on your ‘little list’ this year. You will leave the theatre with a smile on your face, a skip in your step, humming those well-known tunes all the way home!

WEDNESDAY 9 AUGUST 7.30 pm

THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD

NATIONAL GILBERT & SULLIVAN OPERA COMPANY

BUXTON OPERA HOUSE

Fantastic music and a fabulous show. Directed by and starring Simon Butteriss, it simply has to be the season’s must-see production!

WEDNESDAY 9 AUGUST 10.00 pm

FESTIVAL CLUB

PAVILION GARDENS £3.00

The fun of the Festival never ends! Join us next door to the Opera House for excellent entertainment, bar and supper. Open until midnight.

THURSDAY 10 AUGUST 10.30 am

‘OTHER KINDS OF POT POURRI’: CONVERSATION AND CABARET

CHRIS MILTON AND FERGUS BUTLER-GALLIE

THE OLD CLUB HOUSE

TICKETS £7.50

Chris Milton and Fergus Butler-Gallie lead an outrageous and entertaining tour through the highs and lows of Gilbert & Sullivan.

THURSDAY 10 AUGUST 1.00 pm

CLASSICAL POPS

THE OLD CLUB HOUSE

Relax and let our fabulous singers entertain you (approximately 40 minutes). TICKETS £7.50

THURSDAY 10 AUGUST 2.30 pm

UTOPIA LIMITED UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD GILBERT & SULLIVAN SOCIETY PAVILION ARTS CENTRE

TICKETS £15

Following their hit production of The Gondoliers for UniFest 2022 – scooping four trophies – last year’s runner-up, Oxford University Gilbert and Sullivan Society, is delighted to be returning to UniFest, and to Buxton, in 2023 with Utopia, Limited –the first time the opera has ever been performed as part of UniFest competition.

THURSDAY 10 AUGUST 7.30 pm

RUDDIGORE

SAVOYNET PERFORMING GROUP BUXTON OPERA HOUSE

Don’t miss ghostly goings-on with SavoyNet Performing Group’s production of Ruddigore. SavoyNet PG first performed at the Festival in 1997 and has presented a full-length opera every year since 1999, rehearsing for a week before the Festival. Performers travel from all around the world.

If you have never seen Ruddigore before, don’t miss this production!

THURSDAY 10 AUGUST 10.00 pm

FESTIVAL CLUB

PAVILION GARDENS £3.00

The fun of the Festival never ends! Join us next door to the Opera House for excellent entertainment, bar and supper. Open until midnight.

FRIDAY 11 AUGUST 10.30 am

ALL STATIONS TO BUXTON, INCLUDING DOVE HOLES

DONALD MAXWELL

THE OLD CLUB HOUSE

TICKETS £7.50

Donald Maxwell looks back on forty years of appearing in Buxton and twenty years of G&S Festivals.

FRIDAY 11 AUGUST 1.00 pm

CLASSICAL POPS

THE OLD CLUB HOUSE

Relax and let our fabulous singers entertain you (approximately 40 minutes). TICKETS £7.50

FRIDAY 11 AUGUST 2.30 pm

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE

NATIONAL GILBERT & SULLIVAN OPERA COMPANY

BUXTON OPERA HOUSE

Our fantastic National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company are back with The Pirates of Penzance this afternoon. Don’t miss it.

FRIDAY 11 AUGUST 7.30 pm

AWARDS CEREMONY

PAVILION ARTS CENTRE

Who won? Come along and find out. Entry Free

FRIDAY 11 AUGUST 7.30 pm

THE MIKADO

NATIONAL GILBERT & SULLIVAN OPERA COMPANY

BUXTON OPERA HOUSE

We round off a fabulous Festival day with The Mikado, performed by the National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company.

FRIDAY 11 AUGUST 10.00 pm

FESTIVAL CLUB

PAVILION GARDENS £3.00

The fun of the Festival never ends! Join us next door to the Opera House for excellent entertainment, bar and supper. Open until midnight.

SATURDAY 12 AUGUST 10.30 am

INTRODUCTION TO THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD

STEPHEN TURNBULL, SECRETARY OF THE SIR ARTHUR SULLIVAN SOCIETY

THE OLD CLUB HOUSE TICKETS £7.50

SATURDAY 12 AUGUST 1.00 pm

CLASSICAL POPS

THE OLD CLUB HOUSE

Relax and let our fabulous singers entertain you (approximately 40 minutes). TICKETS £7.50

SATURDAY 12 AUGUST 2.30 pm

THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD

NATIONAL GILBERT & SULLIVAN OPERA COMPANY BUXTON OPERA HOUSE

Your last opportunity to see this fantastic production in Buxton.

SATURDAY 12 AUGUST 7.30 pm

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE

NATIONAL GILBERT & SULLIVAN OPERA COMPANY

BUXTON OPERA HOUSE

We close this year’s first entire Festival in Buxton since 2013 with everyone’s favourite show - The Pirates of Penzance. Make sure you come along, and we’ll raise the roof as we say goodbye until next year!

SATURDAY 12 AUGUST 10.00 pm

FESTIVAL CLUB

PAVILION GARDENS

Free entry. We bid you farewell until next year.

Every day we will stream an exclusive, special film from our years of Buxton performances, right the way through to this year’s fabulous Utopia Limited performed by the National G&S Opera Company. So, sign up as soon as you can and enjoy outstanding entertainment. And don’t forget if you miss any films you can catch up later. Of course, you will also have access to our fantastic library of hours and hours of Gilbert & Sullivan crackers to watch throughout Christmas and 2023.

To claim your special Christmas 30% discount on an annual subscription, enter the code ADV3022 at the checkout. The regular price is £99. You can watch hundreds of hours of fun for just £69.99 for the year!

Offer expires on January 15th 2023. Offer valid on recurring subscriptions only, but you can cancel at any time.

The ship combines charm and comfort, elegance and refinement

two days.

Cruise the Mekong and discover South East Asia

There can be no tapestry of river life as fascinating and varied as the River Mekong. Indeed there can be no more striking a cultural contrast as that between the bustling Vietnam delta and the tranquility of Cambodia.

We pass from the vibrant French colonial port of Saigon, through the vast delta so rich in human life and endeavour, to travel along the main channel into the rich countryside of Cambodia. With a full day in charming Phnom Penh we then explore more remote waterways as we progress to the great monuments of Angkor and a two night stay at the 5 star Sofitel Angkor Hotel.

SOFITEL HOTEL

SOFITEL HOTEL

SUN DECK POOL

CABIN

The 5* Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort – our base for the final

Join the Friends of the International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival

Enjoy Priority Booking and the best seats in the house.

Your support is vital for our future.

We look forward to welcoming you. www.gsfestivals.org/friends