The 29th International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival kicks off with the most famous and best-loved of all the Savoy operas, The Mikado.
Nanki-Poo, (son of the Mikado, in disguise as a musician) loves Yum-Yum, she is betrothed to Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner.
Ko-Ko, now the Lord High Executioner, receives a message from the Mikado commanding an immediate execution. Ko-Ko persuades NankiPoo to be the victim on condition that he can enjoy one month of married bliss with Yum-Yum beforehand.
All agree to this satisfactory solution when the formidable Katisha, who the Mikado has promised can marry his son, arrives to claim Nanki-Poo for herself.
Sarah Helsby Hughes directs this hilarious, fun-filled topsy-turvy tale.
SATURDAY 29 JULY 7.30 PM
SUNDAY 30 JULY 2.30 PM
SUNDAY 6 AUGUST 2.30 PM AND 7.30 PM
WEDNESDAY 9 AUGUST 2.30 PM
FRIDAY 11 AUGUST 7.30 PM
Simon Butteriss Ko-Ko
Bruce Graham The Mikado
Matthew Siveter Pooh-Bah
Steven Page Pish Tush
Emily Vine Yum-Yum
Gaynor Keeble Katisha
Accompanied by the National Festival Orchestra
Sarah Helsby Hughes Director
Murray Hipkin Conductor
TICKETS
£20.00 - £39.00
BOX OFFICE
01298 72190
www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
NATIONAL GILBERT & SULLIVAN OPERA COMPANY
The Yeomen of the Guard is set in the Tower of London during the sixteenth century and the plot revolves around Colonel Fairfax, falsely accused of sorcery and sentenced to death. He secretly marries strolling singer Elsie Maynard to avoid leaving his estate to his accuser (a cousin), causing chaos and despair among the characters until love ultimately triumphs. Twists and turns lead to unexpected revelations as the opera explores love, loyalty, and the whims of fate in a bittersweet tale of romance and intrigue.
Many consider the score to be Sullivan's finest, and this is, without question, one show not to miss at this year's Festival. Directed by and starring, Festival favourite Simon Butteriss.
SUNDAY 30 JULY 7.30 PM SATURDAY 5 AUGUST 2.30 PM AND 7.30 PM
WEDNESDAY 9 AUGUST 7.30 PM
SATURDAY 12 AUGUST 2.30 PM
Simon Butteriss Jack Point
Steven Page Sir Richard Cholmondely
Bruce Graham Sergeant Meryll
Matthew Siveter Wilfred Shadbolt
Kelli-Ann Masterson Elsie Maynard
Meriel Cunningham Phoebe
Gaynor Keeble Dame Carruthers
Accompanied by the National Festival Orchestra
Simon Butteriss Director
Murray Hipkin Conductor
£20.00 - £39.00
BOX OFFICE
01298 72190
www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
Welcome aboard the pirate ship and join the National G&S Opera Company in a brand-new, swashbuckling performance of the much-loved opera, The Pirates of Penzance.
Frederic, apprenticed to the pirates as a child, discovers he was born on 29 February in a leap year, and his contract to the Pirate King will not expire until his 21st birthday and not his 21st year! Follow his madcap adventures as he finds himself torn between his sense of duty and his love for Mabel, the daughter of Major-General Stanley. The Pirates of Penzance overflows with hilarious escapades, inept blundering English bobbies, improbable paradoxes and sentimental pirates. It is full of memorable songs such as A Policeman’s Lot is Not a Happy One To be a Pirate King!, and Modern Major General.
Directed by and starring Simon Butteriss this is a production to enchant and delight Buxton audiences. Don’t miss it!
Simon Butteriss Major General Stanley
Matthew Siveter The Pirate King
Sam Marston Frederic
Bruce Graham Sergeant of Police
Emily Vine Mabel
Gaynor Keeble Ruth
Accompanied by the National Festival Orchestra
Simon Butteriss Director
Murray Hipkin Conductor
TICKETS
£20.00 - £39.00
BOX OFFICE
01298 72190
www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
Featuring principal singers from the National Gilbert & Sullivan 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 19thcentury Savoy Theatre. You will be singing all the way home.
Highly recommended.
Simon Butteriss
Gaynor Keeble
Jack Roberts
Matthew Siveter
Phoebe Smith
Accompanied by the National Festival Orchestra
Simon Butteriss Director
Murray Hipkin Conductor
£20.00 - £39.00
The New London Opera Group returns to the G&S Festival, with a sparkling new production of The Sorcerer, transported to the roaring 20s and filled with magic, mayhem and the characteristic energy of the company, currently celebrating its 20th Anniversary.
Alexis, the young and idealistic son of Sir Marmaduke Pointdextre, is obsessed with the idea of love levelling all ranks and social distinctions. To this end, he hires a sorcerer, J. Wellington Wells, to concoct a love potion, causing everyone to fall in love with the first person they see upon awakening.
Founded twenty years ago, the New London Opera Group has established a reputation for energetic, vibrant performances of opera and operetta in London and on tour.
TICKETS
£18.00 -
01298 72190
www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
The Gondoliers weaves a delightful tale of mistaken identity and against the backdrop of a charmingly romantic Venetian setting. Two gondoliers, Marco and Giuseppe become embroiled in a comedic sequence of events involving mistaken royal identity and mixed-up childhoods. The story echoes Gilbert’s ongoing critique of class distinctions and social conventions, cloaked in light-hearted humour and satire.
This will be a sparkling, colourful production full of fun and wonderful melodies and dances, including our favourite, The Cachucha.
Peak Opera was formed in 2005 by David Cookson and David Duffey. It is a “wild-card” company which meets, rehearses, and performs at the Festival each year. Many members of Peak Opera have gone on to enjoy professional careers, both in the world of G&S and beyond. The company is currently run by Ian Henderson, Collette Woodhouse, and David Cookson – the “Peak Opera Triumvirate”!
£18.00 - £29.00
PEAK OPERANorth West Productions are delighted to return once more to Buxton and the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival performing a three-hander of Cox and Box (In its original form) Trial by Jury and The Zoo.
The group owes its origins to three people Suzzanne O’Keefe, Norah Button (Liverpool Theatre School) and tonight’s conductor and MD David Goulden, who were all passionate about introducing young people to the wonderful world of Gilbert and Sullivan. These productions are no exception, and we boast at least 16 members of the cast under the age of eighteen years. The story doesn’t, however end there; we also have on the stage this evening young people with various special needs; as a group we welcome them and celebrate their special talents and at the opposite end of the spectrum we have members who have early onset dementia, enjoying “a swan song’ occasion.
£18.00 - £29.00
All-time favourite HMS Pinafore tells the charming tale of forbidden love, tangled social hierarchies, and humorous role reversals. The star-crossed lovers, Josephine, the captain’s daughter, and Ralph Rackstraw, a common sailor, find themselves ensnared by the rigid Victorian class structure. However, their love remains unyielding, paving the way for the narrative’s comical twists and turns.
Bus Pass Opera was established exclusively for the over 60s and continues to be a firm favourite at the Festival. The original concept was to give “retired” thespians the opportunity to get back on stage again and demonstrate their years of experience. Bus Pass Opera productions are always great fun and fantastic entertainment.
Don’t miss it!
£18.00 - £29.00
HMS PINAFORE BUSS PASS OPERA
BLOC’s Stage Directors Angela and Tony Lowe have been hard at work training their flock of formidable fairies to wreak havoc on those pompous Parliamentary Peers picnicking in St. James’s Park in their shirt sleeves! BLOC’s Strephon and Phyllis have taken up new career paths, their Fairy Queen is admiring Private Willis’ dance moves, Lords Mountararat and Tolloller have no idea what’s happening, and the Lord Chancellor thinks it’s all a nightmare...!
Performing principally in English, BLOC is the largest amateur musical theatre company in Brussels. Producing two shows a year, it encompasses a broad spectrum of nationalities, professions, ages and the 50-strong cast for Iolanthe comprises 17 nationalities and 10 different languages!
Gilbert and Sullivan’s operas have been regaining popularity within BLOC in recent years - HMS Pinafore, The Sorcerer, and The Pirates of Penzance have all delighted audiences in the Brussels area, and Iolanthe, their latest production, was greeted with standing ovations. The BLOC cast and crew are therefore very proud and excited to be bringing this production to the Festival.
£18.00 - £29.00
01298 72190
www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
Ruddigore weaves a tale of love, ghosts, and an ancient family curse. The story follows Robin Oakapple, a shy young man who is revealed to be the true Baronet of Ruddigore. However, Robin, haunted by the curse that requires the Baronet of Ruddigore to commit a heinous crime every day or face a torturous death, decides to flee his title and live incognito as a farmer.
His life takes a dramatic turn when he falls in love with Rose Maybud, a beautiful and virtuous village maiden. But their love story faces several obstacles, including Robin’s secret identity and the interference of the ghosts of his ancestors, who come alive to ensure that the family curse is upheld.
Founded in 1994 to enable G&S enthusiasts to communicate with like-minded individuals, Savoynet now has over a thousand Google and Facebook members around the world. The Savoynet Performing Group first performed at the festival in 1997 and and the group has twice been international champions. Performers travel from all around the world to take part, so make sure you don’t miss the hilarious ghostly goings on in Buxton Opera House!
£18.00 -
01298 72190
www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
Make sure you see some of our fabulous productions in the Pavilion Arts Centre for just £15. ! Unbelievable value!
There is certainly never a dull moment at the International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival, and our jam-packed fringe programme ensures there is something to do morning, noon and night
Every morning during the Festival, there will be a talk in the Old Club House next door to the Opera House about all things G&S. Each morning talk is £7.50.
Every lunchtime in the Old Club House, you we have a short recital with a variety of our talented singers. Classical Pops starts each day at 1.00 pm. Tickets are just £7.50.
At 2.30 pm in the Pavilion Arts Centre (PAC) adjoining the Opera House, there are numerous fully staged matinee performances to enjoy. These fantastic productions are all available at just £15 per ticket, and we have some crackers!
Check out the programme and make sure you come along and enjoy fantastic entertainment. All productions are accompanied by our small UNIFest Orchestra.
The Festival Club opens every evening at 10.00 pm in the Pavilion Gardens. You can enjoy entertainment, supper and a bar until the early hours. Entry is £3.
SUNDAY 30 JULY
10.30 am Stephen Turnbull introduces The Mikado, and you can find out everything you need know about this afternoon’s matinee performance.
MONDAY 31 JULY
10.30 am Don’t miss Stephen Turnbull’s fascinating talk about Sir Arthur Sullivan’s Ballets.
2.30 pm Newcastle University G&S Society perform HMS Pinafore in the PAC. Onboard the HMS Pinafore, docked in 1930s Tynemouth, is the classic tale of love and secrecy. Most of the show remains true to the source material but small adaptations are sprinkled throughout and be fantastic to experience the HMS Pinafore come to life.
TUESDAY 1 AUGUST
10.30 am Buxton Walking Tour (£13).
2.30 pm Festival favourites Matthew Siveter and Stephen Godward bring their entertaining concert to the PAC and take an often humorous swipe at the world in ‘solo or duet’ and in ‘song and story’ –ballads, songs and snatches’.
WEDNESDAY 2 AUGUST
10.30 am Stephen Turnbull talks about The Pirates of Penzance ready for this evening’s production in the Opera House.
1.30 pm Join a trip to Chatsworth House.
THURSDAY
10.30 am Join Dr David Wilmore for a fascinating talk about the history of Buxton Opera House.
2.30 pm
Don’t miss The Gondoliers, University of York G&S Society (PAC). Gilbert and Sullivan’s tale of love, family and mistaken identity is brought to life by the eccentric cast of The University of York G&S Society. Providing a classic take on the operetta in its traditional setting, great effort has been put into the handmade costumes and set of the show.
FRIDAY
10.30 am G&S expert J Donald Smith has been visiting the Festival from the USA for many years. Come along and hear about his love of collecting G&S memorabilia.
2.30 pm A fantastic opportunity to see the rarely performed The Grand Duke by Grosvenor Light Opera Company (PAC). Expect an afternoon of twisting topsy-turvy plots, sumptuous music, champagne and sausage rolls! We are delighted to be premiering a brand new edition of the score by Colin Jagger, who has gone back to Sullivan's manuscript.
SATURDAY
10.00 am Visit the Festival Memorabilia Fair (free entry until 5 pm).
10.30 am Join Roberta Morrell, author and former member of the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company, for a delightful talk about G&S – past, present and future.
2.30 pm Enjoy the Festival Youth Production of The Pirates of Penzance! A festival favourite.
12.30 pm Join our fabulous Festival luncheon at the Lee Wood Hotel with great entertainment too. (£55).
2.30 pm Trial by Jury, Opera North Youth (PAC) Enter the courtroom for this re-imagined telling of the hilarious one-act farce, following the story of jilted bride, Angelina, as she takes her fiancé, Edwin, to court over a breach of promise of marriage. Join the cast of young performers from the Opera North Youth Company, and soloist Amy Payne as The Learned Judge, as they present the much-loved comic opera Trial by Jury.
10.30 am
Author and presenter Ian Bradley had the privilege and pleasure of spending a weekend at Balmoral Castle. Laden with anecdotes and vivid memories, his talk provides a rare insight into the life and character of the late and muchloved monarch.
2.30 pm Harrogate G&S Society treat us to a fantastic performance of The Mikado (PAC). The tribulations of Ko-Ko, under sentence of death as the curtain rises and contemplating a fate worse than death as it falls, have entertained audiences for generations. Enjoy Gilbert’s most sparkling script and some of Sullivan's catchiest melodies in this new production, and watch it unfold in black and white – with a touch of red.
DON’T FORGET TO JOIN US IN THE PAVILION GARDEN EVERY NIGHT FOR AFTER SHOW FOOD, DRINKS AND ENTERTAINMENT!
TUESDAY 8 AUGUST
10.30 am Ian Bradley tells the story of Making Music in Spas, focussing especially on Buxton.
2.30 pm Come and sail with Birmingham University G&S Society on the H.M.S. Pinafore (PAC). Be ready for laughter and drama as we follow the story of Ralph Rackstraw, a lowly sailor and Josephine the daughter of Captain Corcoran. Josephine is in love with Ralph but her father has planned for her to marry Sir Joseph Porter. A surprise disclosure changes things dramatically...
WEDNESDAY 9 AUGUST
10.30 am Martin Yates and Stephen Turnbull talk about Haddon Hall and the intriguing legend of the opera.
1.30 pm Enjoy a trip to Haddon Hall (£50).
THURSDAY 10 AUGUST
10.30 am Chris Milton and Fergus Butler-Gallie lead an outrageous and entertaining tour through the highs and lows of Gilbert & Sullivan.
2.30 pm Oxford University G&S Society bring a fully staged production of the rarely performed Utopia Limited (PAC). Utopia Limited is a satire on colonialism, royal scandal and the Limited Liabilities Act of 1862. We want you to laugh with us, ‘A tenor, all singers above...’ and to be touched ‘When but a maid of fifteen years...’ and above all to witness a complete commitment to topsy-turvydom from Oxford University’s most committed Savoyards.
FRIDAY 11 AUGUST
10.30 am International opera star and Festival favourite Donald Maxwell looks back on forty years of appearing in Buxton and twenty years of G&S Festivals.
5.00 pm Festival Awards Ceremony
Who won? Come along and find out.
SATURDAY 12 AUGUST
10.30 am Stephen Turnbull introduces The Yeomen of the Guard before this afternoon’s fabulous matinee production in Buxton Opera House.
26 OCTOBER - 1 NOVEMBER 2023
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.
20 APRIL - 30 APRIL 2024
Our brand-new Mekong River cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia is perfect for an unforgettable adventure. Our journey begins in Ho Chi Minh City, and we travel through quaint riverside towns in Southeast Asia, marvelling at the unspoiled natural beauty and discovering hidden gems along the way. The trip culminates with a visit to the Angkor Temples near Siem Reap, where we will stay in the 5* Sofitel Angkor Hotel. With just thirty cabins, the premium Indochine II offers spacious, comfortable cabins with all the amenities you need for a fantastic cruise.
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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