Spring Newsletter 2023

26 OCTOBER - 1 NOVEMBER 2023

From £1700 Per Person

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.

Friend

Festival

If you love Gilbert & Sullivan or are simply looking for superb, hilarious, uplifting entertainment, you can’t beat the International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival in the stunning surroundings of Buxton Opera House this summer.

DearThis unique two-week festival has returned exclusively to Buxton with a two-week programme celebrating the works of W S Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan. You’ll have the chance to see these fantastic comic operas performed by the very best. The festival also features concerts, talks, recitals and other events that allow you to learn more about these iconic composers and their legacy. And it’s fun all the way!

Buxton Opera House is a beautiful venue with a rich history dating back to 1903. The theatre has been lovingly restored and offers an intimate setting for live performances that is perfect for Gilbert & Sullivan. And with its location in the heart of England’s Peak District National Park, there’s plenty to see and do during your stay.

Highlights include the acclaimed National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company’s brand-new productions of all-time favourites, The Mikado, The Yeomen of the Guard and The Pirates of Penzance.

But make sure you book soon. Tickets are flying out!

We look forward to welcoming you.

Book your tickets now Box Office: 01298 72190 www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

More information www.gsfestivals.org

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.

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.

10.30 am Morning talk in The Old Club House

1.00 pm Classical Pops recital in The Old Club House

2.30 pm Matinee performance in the Pavilion Arts Centre and / 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 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 15)

*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 G&S Festivals in Harrogate?

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.

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

Opera Company

The National Gilbert &

The National G&S Opera Company took to the stage at the second Gilbert & Sullivan Festival in Buxton Opera House in 1995 and quickly established itself as the festival’s resident professional company. Over the years, it has developed into one of the finest professional G&S companies with outstanding casts and directors.

For our 2023 season, the directors are Sarah Helsby Hughes (The Mikado) and Simon Butteriss (The Yeomen of the Guard and The Pirates of Penzance). Murray Hipkin conducts the National Festival Orchestra.

Sarah Helsby Hughes is a freelance soprano soloist and opera director based in Cheshire. She trained at the Birmingham Conservatoire of Music.

Sarah’s career has taken her around the world, appearing for many opera companies, including Mid-Wales Opera, Carl Rosa Opera, Lyric Opera Dublin, D’Oyly Carte Opera Company, Opera North, Opera Ireland, Pavilion Opera, Focus Opera and Birmingham Touring Opera. Concert work includes all the major oratorio soprano solos, appearing in Italy, the Netherlands, Ireland, and the UK.

Sarah has been the Artistic Director of Heritage Opera since 2011. Productions for HO include Dido and Aeneas, The Magic Flute, Die Fledermaus (co-translated with Nick Sales), HMS Pinafore, Tosca, Così fan tutte, Carmen (also translated), Madame Butterfly, Don Giovanni, The Marriage of Figaro, Rigoletto (also translated) Il Barbiere di Siviglia, La Bohème and La traviata.

In 2022, Sarah directed the National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company’s production of The Pirates of Penzance to great acclaim, and we cannot wait to see her brand-new production of The Mikado this year.

“....... I loved it, and the Opera House audience hardly ever stopped laughing..”

THEATRE REVIEWS NORTH 2022

Sullivan

Sarah Helsby Hughes DIRECTOR THE MIKADO NGSOC

Simon Butteriss DIRECTOR

THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD, THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE NGSOC

Simon Butteriss is a very busy man at this year’s festival. Not only is he directing The Yeomen of the Guard and The Pirates of Penzance, but he will also star as Ko-Ko in The Mikado, Jack Point in The Yeomen of the Guard and the Major General in The Pirates of Penzance.

Simon also presents and stars in the “Best of Gilbert & Sullivan” concert in the Opera House on Friday, 4 August at 7.30 pm. Don’t miss this fabulous evening with all your favourite songs. It’s a treat!

Simon has sung the G&S patter roles at the Savoy, the BBC Proms, with the D’Oyly Carte, Carl Rosa, NGSOC and with many other companies and numerous major orchestras throughout the world. He was in Mike Leigh’s Oscar-winning Topsy-Turvy, wrote the G&S television series, A Motley Pair, the George Grossmith biopic A Salaried Wit, the BBC Radio drama series I am the very Model; he played Grossmith in A Song to Sing O!, The Patter Man in Nightmare Songs, has recorded Bunthorne/ Patience (D’Oyly Carte) and Grossmith’s Cups and Saucers (Retrospect Opera). As an actor, he has appeared in the West End, The Old Vic, with the RSC, at Chichester and in film, television and radio. In Opera, he has sung roles at major opera houses across the world, from La Scala, Milan to English National Opera.

“Now as irreplaceable as his famous D’Oyly Carte forebears in the comic baritone roles”.

HUGH CANNING, OPERA, 2021

“The name Simon Butteriss is a joyous guarantee of both musical and comic quality and here he was a delight”. THE NEWS

“Director Simon Butteriss.....is my nomination for greatest living Englishman. He stands in the great line of George Grossmith, Henry Lytton, Martyn Green and John Reed”. DAILY MAIL

The National Festival Orchestra

The National Festival Orchestra accompanies all the performances in Buxton Opera House and has played at every festival since the first in 1994. Orchestra leader Sally Robinson is proud of its achievements and the outstanding reviews they have received.

Based in the north of England, NFO has built up a reputation for compelling performances across various genres– from symphonic and operatic repertoire to the world of West End and Broadway shows.

Singing from the Gallery

You can experience the Festival’s special feature “Singing from the Gallery” every Saturday evening before the show. The audience is the chorus, led by the Festival’s music director. Now is your chance if you enjoy a jolly good singalong. But don’t worry if you don’t know the words or don’t want to sing – just soak up the unique atmosphere. It’s what they used to do before every Gilbert & Sullivan performance more than a hundred years ago.

“….the playing, by the festival’s own National Festival Orchestra, was unimpeachable”

“The National Festival Orchestra plays stylishly and the choruses and other big scenes go with a swing.”

DAILY MAIL 2022

Book your tickets now Box Office: 01298 72190 www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

www.gsfestivals.org

MURRAY HIPKIN - CONDUCTOR

NATIONAL GILBERT & SULLIVAN OPERA COMPANY

We are delighted to welcome Murray Hipkin, making his debut as conductor for the National G&S Opera Company this year.

Murray Hipkin studied at the University of York, GSMD and the National Opera Studio before joining the music staff of English National Opera for five seasons. After a period working for Opéra de Lyon, La Monnaie, Opera Factory, Scottish Opera and, as musical director, for Opera Brava, he returned to ENO in 1995, where he has played and assisted on numerous productions including, most recently, The Handmaid’s Tale, The Yeomen of the Guard, Gloriana, The Rhinegold, Akhnaten, The Dead City and Blue.

For ENO he has conducted The Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado, The Gondoliers, Kismet, Carousel, Chess and Man of la Mancha, and he was assistant conductor and chorus master on Sweeney Todd and Sunset Boulevard. Other conducting includes La bohème (Surrey Opera, Opera Box), Salieri Falstaff, Haydn La vera costanza, Mozart Apollo and Hyacinth and Gluck Le cinesi (Bampton Classical Opera), and, while on sabbatical from ENO, over 170 performances of The Sound of Music at the London Palladium. His work with composer John Adams includes conducting on location for the Channel 4 film The Death of Klinghoffer and assisting on Nixon in China at the BBC Proms and the Berlin Philharmonie. He has been musical director of the North London Chorus since January 2003, and of the Pink Singers, Europe’s longest-running LGBT choir, since November 2010. In 2022 he appeared as music supervisor and coach in the Sky Arts/ENO/Factory Films reality series Anyone Can Sing.

Murray Hipkin is a member of English National Opera and appears by permission.

LEE WOOD HOTEL (PACKAGES INCLUDE DINNER)

The delightful Best Western Lee Wood Hotel is the only 4-star hotel in Buxton and 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.

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

SOLD OUT!

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 AND THE PALACE HOTEL (BED AND BREAKFAST ONLY)

Packages in the Old Hall and the Palace Hotel are on a bed and breakfast basis and prices are listed in the grid below. You can select any nights you want to stay on the order form and choose the shows you wish to see. Bookings can also be made online at www.gsfestivals.org or by phone: 01422 323252.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

3-night packages include: Standard room on a bed and breakfast basis; 3 best theatre tickets in the Opera House (dress circle); 1 ticket to a matinee in the Pavilion Arts Centre; 1 morning fringe ticket; 1 Classical Pops ticket, souvenir programme, 3 Festival Club tickets.

4-night packages include: Standard room on a bed and breakfast basis; 4 best theatre tickets in the Opera House (dress circle); 2 tickets to a matinee in the Pavilion Arts Centre; 2 morning fringe tickets; 2 Classical Pops tickets, souvenir programme, 4 Festival Club tickets.

7-night packages include: standard room on a bed and breakfast basis; 6 best theatre tickets in the Opera House (dress circle); 3 tickets to a matinee in the Pavilion Arts Centre; 4 morning fringe tickets; 3 Classical Pops tickets, souvenir programme, 7 Festival club tickets.

Price per person in a twin/double room

3 Night Package £520 £575

4 Night Package £650 £710

7 Night Package £980 £1100

Single supplement (in a double room for sole occupancy) per night: The Palace - £55 per night/The Old Hall - £50 per night

The Old Hall – Room upgrades are available on request, subject to availability.

Packages

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.

The Festival Fringe

We have a jam-packed Festival fringe to enjoy morning, noon and night.

Our morning talks take place at 10.30 am in the function room on the first floor of the Old Club House next door to the Opera House. A varied programme offers something for everyone, from introductions to the operas to weekends spent at Balmoral Castle. Find details on the schedule pages.

Classical Pops

Enjoy the Classical Pops recitals every lunchtime at 1.00 pm. Spend a delightful forty minutes with our talented singers in the Old Cub House function room. Tickets £7.50.

UNIFest

The Pavilion Arts Centre is the venue for UNIFest and other full-scale matinee productions, including Harrogate Gilbert & Sullivan Society, Opera North Youth, Grosvenor Light Opera Company and the Festival Youth Production.

Memorabilia Fair, 5 August 10.00 am-5.00 pm

Don’t miss the Festival Memorabilia Fair in the Octagon Foyer. It’s a great place to meet collectors and browse all things G&S, from old recordings, scores, china more.

Coach Trips

Visit Chatsworth House on Wednesday 2 August and Haddon Hall on Wednesday 9 August.

Book your tickets now Box Office: 01298 72190 www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

This year, six societies will compete for the prestigious International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival Champions Trophy and other awards. The adjudicator is Stephen Turnbull, Secretary of the Sir Arthur Sullivan Society.

The Awards ceremony will take place on Friday, 11 August at 5.30 pm in the Pavilion Arts Centre and will be live-streamed on Facebook for those unable to attend. Awards will be presented for:

Best Male / Female Actor

Best Male / Female voice

Best MD / Director

Adjudicator’s special award

Festival Runners-up - Prize £500

Festival Champions - Prize £1000

UNIFest Runners-up - Prize £200

UNIFest Champions - Prize £500

We are delighted that Theatrical Adventures River Cruises will sponsor the Award Ceremony and prizes.

For more information about Theatrical Adventures holidays or for a copy of the 2023/24 brochure call 01422 323252 or go online at www.theatricaladventures.com.

ORCHESTRA

Your Festival at a

At a glance

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

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, this opera features some of the very best of Sullivan’s music.

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

Stephen treats us to a talk about Sullivan’s ballets, including L’Ile Enchantée, Victoria and Merrie England and Pineapple Poll.

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

Our first UNIFest production in 2023 is all-time favourite HMS Pinafore. Director Susie Fletcher told us they have hijacked the show from its home in 1800s Portsmouth and docked it in 1930s Tynemouth. Don’t miss these talented performers. UNIFest productions are never, ever dull!

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. Enjoy a spellbinding production of The Sorcerer as John Wellington Wells mixes his magical potions with hilarious results!

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 ZOO AND COX & BOX UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON LIGHT OPERA SOCIETY (LOpSoc)

PAVILION ARTS CENTRE

TICKETS £15

We are delighted to welcome LOpSoc with a double bill of The Zoo and Cox & Box. Whilst the music remains unchanged, the setting will be updated to the modern day. Enjoy two fantastic performances.

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.

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 £7.50

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 every year 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 societies 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 18 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 Festival’s resident company, the National G&S Opera Company, are back with the Yeomen of the Guard, directed by and starring Simon Butteriss. Set in the Tower of London, this opera features some of the very best of Sullivan’s music.

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. Enjoy a three course Sunday lunch with all the trimmings in the award winning ‘Lazy Gardener’ Restaurant. 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 company 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

Enjoy The Mikado, performed by the acclaimed National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company, directed by Sarah Helsby Hughes.

Enjoy a hilarious production brimming with Gilbert’s ingenious wit and brought to you by a first-class cast. Starring Simon Butteriss as Ko-Ko

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 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.

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 to the festival 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.

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, this is 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 UNI Fest 2022 – scooping four trophies – last year’s runner-up, Oxford University Gilbert and Sullivan Society is delighted to be returning to Buxton with Utopia, Limited – the first time the opera has ever been performed as part of UNI Fest 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

The 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.

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Every night we will have a concert featuring our professional soloists, along with some flamenco dancing and Portuguese Fado entertainment too!

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For more information please visit www.theatricaladventures.com email oliver@theatricaladventures.com or call 01422 323 252

TA PROUD OFSPONSORS THE GILBERT &FESTIVALSULLIVAN

Friends of the Festival

Please support our unique Festival!

Our members are part of the Festival family, and their support ensures that our unique and wonderful event will continue for future generations. From just £35 per year, you can become a FRIEND of the Festival and gain access to priority booking, discounts and a range of benefits throughout the year.

If you’re already a member thank you!

And if you have not signed up yet, we look forward to welcoming you.

We have four tiers of membership.

Festival Friend Single - £35 Joint - £50 Benefactor Single - £100 Joint - £150

Festival Partner Single - £350 Joint - £500

Life Member

Single - £1000 Joint - £1500

“By joining the Friends you not only help to ensure the future of the Festival but, as a member of the Festival family, you will be among the first to hear of new developments and also receive ticket booking privileges. And you get to wear the badge!”

Philip Barton, Trustee

“I came across Imogen’s amazing talent and artwork towards the end of 2022 and commissioned her to draw Tyson, my sister’s French Bulldog, as a special Christmas present. The result was incredible and we were all astounded at Imogen’s ability to bring his portrait to life. The level of detail is phenomenal and it’s hard to believe the picture is actually a drawing and not a photo. If you have a beloved pet ask Imogen to work her magic on creating a special drawing for you – you won’t be disappointed!”

Elaine Richardson

THE NATIONAL GILBERT & SULLIVAN OPERA COMPANY ARE GOING TO MALVERN THEATRES

Enjoy The Mikado, The Yeomen of the Guard and The Pirates of Penzance.

THURSDAY, 7 SEPTEMBER

The Mikado 2.30 pm and 7.30 pm

FRIDAY, 8 SEPTEMBER

The Yeomen of the Guard 7.30 pm

SATURDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER

The Pirates of Penzance 2.30 pm & 7.30 pm

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. The musical talent is hand-picked from the internationally renowned National G&S Opera Company and our network of opera stars.

Every night is filled with fantastic entertainment. Our outstanding onboard soloists and musical director ensure a bespoke programme of musical magic. Solo passengers never need to feel alonethere 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.

“I never had so much fun in my life. This was my fourth cruise with TA and I intend to spend every penny of my chrildren’s inheritance on more of them in future!”

PROUD SPONSORS OF THE INTERNATIONAL GILBERT & SULLIVAN FESTIVAL

We’re more than a cruise company.

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We sail on the MS Ariana, one of our favourite ships. It is spacious, modern and very comfortable. Recently renovated rooms and the ship’s brand-new culinary team will perfectly compliment this extraordinary Theatrical Adventure.

As always, we will enjoy fantastic nightly entertainment from our outstanding professional soloists and musicians.

For more information please visit www.theatricaladventures.com email oliver@theatricaladventures.com or call 01422 323 252

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And, of course, we will have our usual first-class Theatrical Aventures entertainment on board all the way.

For more information please visit www.theatricaladventures.com email oliver@theatricaladventures.com or call 01422 323 252

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