The National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company will open its 2018 season in Buxton Opera House on Tuesday 31st July and start the celebrations rolling for the International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival’s 25th Anniversary – just where it all began in 1994.
Theatregoers have a fantastic week of Gilbert & Sullivan treats in store in one of the most stunning theatres in the country including a production of the rarely performed Haddon Hall on Thursday 2nd August.
Celebrations commence on Monday 30th July with an Anniversary Dinner & Concert in the Pavilion Arts Centre, Buxton. Lots of old faces from the early days of the Gilbert & Sullivan Festival will be there to reminisce about those memorable “good old days”.
The National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company open their 2018 season in Buxton Opera House on Tuesday 31st July with a brand-new production of The Pirates of Penzance directed by the inimitable Richard Gauntlett. Watch out for a hilarious production as Richard also takes to the stage as the dotty Major General with his troupe of beautiful daughters.
A dramatic and updated Ruddigore (matinee and evening performances) follows on 2nd August. Directed by Vivien Coates who brought numerous award winning productions to Buxton Opera House and had the “hit”show of the Festival last year with his 5 star acclaimed production of Princess Ida.
Friday August 3rd sees the very last performance of the popular, local amateur society – Derby G&S Company with a production of The Mikado directed by company founder Andrew Nicklin. This will be a sad farewell for one of the Festival’s favourite performing groups who scooped so many awards at the Gilbert & Sullivan Festival and the Waterford Festival in Ireland. Said Festival founder Ian Smith, “It is the end of an era! We are so disappointed that Derby G&S will be hanging up their costumes for the very last time and we are looking forward to a bumper audience to really see them out in style. Derby have made such a fantastic contribution to Gilbert & Sullivan and really raised the bar at the Festival. Their performances have always been first rate and innovative. They will certainly be missed!”
On Saturday 4th August, visitors can see a double bill of Trial by Jury directed by Ian Smith and a brand-new production of The Sorcerer (matinee and evening) directed by John Savournin. This is an excellent opportunity to see two charming productions rarely performed professionally.
And if visitors missed Ruddigore and The Pirates of Penzance earlier in the week there is another opportunity to see them again on Sunday 5th August.
A veritable feast of outstanding Gilbert & Sullivan awaits in midsummer! Tickets can be booked at Buxton Opera House Box Office. Tel: 01298 72190 or online at www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
Tickets from £12-£37.
More information and images from:
Janet Smith
National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company
Email: janet@gsfestivals.org Tel: 01422 323252
1 comment. Leave new
Please give me the dates for G & S Festival at Buxton 2019.
Many thanks
Janet