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Buxton Opera House & Pavilion Arts Centre offer a variety of performances as well as cinema for everyone. Please see our accessible performances here.
In our Frank Matcham designed theatre we present around 450 performances a year which includes drama, dance, comedy, family shows, opera as well as a Learning and Engagement Programme. The theatre is also home to the prestigious Buxton International Festival.
The Grade II listed Edwardian theatre was built in 1903 and restored to its former glory back in 2001 thanks to the tireless work of many dedicated theatre enthusiasts. The theatre still relies on the dedication of its staff and has nearly 200 volunteers who help with a range of tasks including serving drinks in the bar and showing customers to their seats.
Buxton Opera House has been recognised for its great customer services, having won the Most Welcoming Theatre in the East Midlands in 2015, 2016 and 2018. Voted for by the public, over 56,000 votes were cast last year to crown the Buxton Opera House the winner.
Whilst stunning, Buxton Opera House obviously has its limitations in terms of access. However, we don’t think anyone should miss out enjoying our theatre so we continually look at ways to improve access where we can. While the upper levels of the theatre can only be reached by stairs, in the stalls area on the ground floor we have three wheelchair spaces and an accessible toilet. There’s a step to the stalls bar, but one of our lovely volunteers will be happy to bring refreshments to your seat.
There are steps to the Opera House foyer and Box Office counter, but there is an intercom system linked to the Box Office on Water Street. If you would like a copy of our brochure in another format, just let us know. We can sometimes offer discounts for disabled customers and free essential companion tickets, so it’s always worth asking our Box office team about availability.
We offer a number of accessible performances throughout the year including relaxed performances. For these performances, we adapt the sound and lighting and provide a quiet space with a sensory tent if anyone needs a few minutes away from the action. There is a visual story for both venues on our website to help prepare for your visit.
Signed performances are available on most of our bigger shows such as our annual pantomime. The performance uses a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter who usually stands to the left of the stage. There also is a hearing loop or for a small deposit, you can borrow a Passive Infra-red system from the Box Office. We also have captioned performances available at our venue which converts live spoken word into text that appears on a screen beside the stage.
Our other venue the Pavilion Arts Centre is also home to Buxton Cinema. This 355-seat cinema brings some of the very best blockbusters, arthouse cinema and live theatre screenings right to the very heart of Buxton. The Arts Centre is also still used for small-scale drama, stand-up comedy, and our Friday lunchtime Coffee Concerts.
The ground floor of the Pavilion Arts Centre is accessible by wheelchair and there is a level access bar, where you can also purchase cinema tickets, and accessible toilet on the ground floor. Since opening we have developed a full cinema programme which is welcoming to all.
On top of what we offer for customers, we feel it is important to have an understanding and approachable team. Therefore, our Box Office, Front of House, and behind the scenes staff have received First Aid, Dementia and Autism awareness training.
We are constantly aiming to improve our accessibility online, making it easier to book your tickets and help make visiting our venues an all-around enjoyable and accessible experience.
If you would like to come and see us before your visit or would like more information, feel free to call our box office on 01298 72190.
Buxton is easy to reach from the A6, A515 and A53. The theatre is well sign-posted once you reach the town centre.
If you are using a Sat Nav to help you get to Buxton, please use the postcode SK17 6XN for Buxton Opera House and SK17 6BE for the Pavilion Arts Centre.
Buxton Opera House, Water Street, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6XN
Pavilion Arts Centre, St John's Road, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6BE
There is free parking after 6pm in the car park behind Pavilion Gardens, a short walk from both venues (Please note: the covered area of the car park closes at 6pm). There is also free on-street car parking after 6pm close to the theatre, but please make sure that you avoid the Residents Parking Scheme areas.
Trains
The train station is a ten minute walk from the Opera House and operates a regular service from Manchester Piccadilly calling at all stations to Buxton. For more information on available services and any service updates visit: www.northernrail.org
Buses
The town is well served by bus routes to and from local cities, towns and villages. The main bus stops are located on the market place in Higher Buxton, a five minute walk from the theatre.
High Peak Buses operate local bus services from Glossop, Stockport, Ashbourne, Derby, Manchester and Sheffield. The Skyline199 service operates until late 7 days a week, connecting Buxton with Stockport, Hazel Grove, New Mills and Disley. For details of times, fares and maps please see www.highpeakbuses.com.
Derbyshire Bus Timetables are available from: www.derbysbus.info
| Season (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024) |
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* Open Monday to Saturday: 10am to 6pm (10:00am to 8pm when there is a performance) and Sunday: 4pm to 8pm (when there is a performance)
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