Day by Day Diary

01422 323 252 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

THESORCERER

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.