Buxton free outdoor opera house

Buxton Opera House is bringing back its successful Outdoor Opera House, a four-day, open-air arts festival packed with workshops and performances for all ages.

Presented with Buxton Civic Association, the ‘pay what you can’ festival runs from July 31–August 3 in Grin Low Woods at Buxton Country Park, and Poole’s Cavern. The project hopes to inspire creativity, boost wellbeing and foster a deeper connection with nature.

This year’s line-up includes natural crafts, yoga, singing, drama, creative writing and more, led by a talented array of local artists. A highlight of the weekend will be two special performances of But Life Finds a Way, Doesn’t It? by the Opera House Creates Senior Young Company, a piece inspired by the history and surroundings of the locations.

This marks the third major collaboration between the two charities, building on the success of Leave No Trace in 2024 and the inaugural Outdoor Opera House in 2025.

Kerry Allsop, who is creative learning director at the theatre, said: "The response to last summer’s programme was overwhelming. We are building on that brilliant momentum with an even bigger and more ambitious line-up and hope there is something for everyone to enjoy across the four days."

Andrea Bowler, head of operations for the civic association, said: “As charities deeply rooted in the local community, we are passionate about creating opportunities that inspire creativity and encourage more people to discover and enjoy Buxton’s remarkable natural environment."

:: IN other news, the Buxton theatre has added a new patron - celebrated British stage and screen actress Janie Dee.

Janie Dee

Her connection to the venue was established in 2021, when she starred in Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music directed by Buxton CEO and famous musicals director Paul Kerryson.

Janie, an Olivier and Evening Standard award-winner, who has performed at leading venues across the UK and America, joins Lady Jasmine Cavendish, who has been a dedicated patron of the theatre for over 10 years.

Janie Dee said: “I knew about the Buxton International Festival, then Paul Kerryson, who I had worked with on Hello, Dolly! at Curve, Leicester, invited me to play Desiree in A Little Night Music at the Opera House. I fell totally in love with the theatre and the place, the people, and the work I saw going on there. I'm now delighted to become a Patron of this beautiful and historic theatre.”

Paul Kerryson, CEO of Buxton Opera House, said: “It's been my privilege to direct Janie in The King and I and as Dolly Levi in Hello, Dolly! at Curve in Leicester, and more recently in A Little Night Music here.

Over the years, I have come to know her as a true supporter of the arts and the profound effect they have on the community.

“Her appointment marks another wonderful addition to this exciting new chapter for Buxton Opera House as we continue to build inspiring opportunities with and for our audiences. Janie’s love for the Opera House and her wealth of experience will undoubtedly help to inspire the next generation of theatre-makers.”

More info here