Buxton Opera House Reviews 18

We are pensioners and frequent Buxton Opera House as often as we can afford to and as my husband is disabled and because the drinks at the Opera House are so expensive and the bar is upstairs making it too difficult to go and get drinks at the interval and before the show starts...we get nice and comfy and stay in our seats throughout...and I always bring him a couple of little tins of gin and tonic to enjoy...one before the show and one at the interval.
HOWEVER on this occasion 4th May 2026 matinee for Joseph and his amazing technicolour dreamcoat...we were all (our friend joined us for this show) forced to que up on the pavements outside the theatre to be searched...I assumed it was for security reasons...so as difficult as it was standing for my husband we queued accordingly...only the be told that the puplic and very humiliating search was for alcohol...and we were made to feel like common criminals being told off in front of hundreds of people and having my bag confiscated from me and locked away during the performance as if I was a terrorist or the like...Absolutely Outrageous!!!...the show was INCREDIBLE especially Joseph himself...but the rude and abrupt way we were handled was inexcusable...we asked is alcohol no longer allowed in the theatre and were told yes it is but you have to buy ours...
Is it expensive enough to attend the Opera House nowadays...even for amateur productions...but to try and go and afford a couple of drinks for a lovely little day out and treat was turned into a Nasty Public Humiliation...The Drinks are Very Expensive and impossible for pensioners to afford after paying for tickets etc...and the bars are packed and upstairs and simply not accessible for my husband and his disabilities and no doubt countless other patrons too...
We have supported Buxton Opera House for decades as patrons and have loved it and left glowing reviews in the past and have even made donations to help keep it going when we could ill afford to do so and this is the way we are repaid!...
Having our drinks taken from us forcing us to go thirsty in the hot dry theatre...and ruin the one treat we have had in months...or spend our pension money as demanded by the Opera House Management...rather than have a little tin of refreshment that we brought ourselves and remain in our seats comfortable and safe...
We would be happy to purchase drinks from the bar it it were in anyway accessible to patrons with disabilities without risking life and limb and next week's grocery money...
What a Dreadful Experience...we paid for a lovely matinee treat with what little money we have for frivolities...and instead we were bullied and shown up in front of hundreds of people and left feeling utterly disgusted...
I have tried to telephone the operations manager today...to complain about the humiliation that was forced upon us innocent and loyal pensioner patrons...
But surprise surprise he was not available to speak to me...
What A Dreadful Way to treat us...
Just to squeeze more money out of people who can ill afford it and force patrons with disabilities into risking their health and their lives climbing dark windy and over crowded stairways most with no handrail in order to fulfill the greedy and grabbing demands of the management...Oh and the staff were miserable and kept demanding to see our tickets as if we were trying to sneak in without paying...it was a very horrible experience...Thank Goodness Joseph and the cast were Wonderful...because everyone else seemed determined to ensure we had an uncomfortable and unpleasant experience...
After Decades of bringing us Joy...this is now what the Opera House has become...a cold and uncaring environment focused on money making above the safety and means of the people who have supported it through the hardest of times...
Shame on you...

What a charming almost boutique opera house, in the town centre, redolent of past Edwardian musicals, sort of "chabby-chic" but well preserved like a maiden aunt
A well rehearsed Gilbert & Sullivan operetta, but well accompanied by a superb orchestra, who for their size, gave a great and accurate rendition. Seats a bit on the tight side, but good fun being there

Saw Fisherman's Friends last night, February 26. The singing was, for me, spoilt by too much guitar and especially accordian accompaniment. Except the grand finale, South Australia which was sung a capella and sounded gorgeous.

Top quality shows in a fantastic looking venue.

Tickets booked. Easy to navigate website , seating plan clear , staff really helpful and all friendly, the opera house is the jewel in Buxtons crown - everyone should visit ❤️

A fantastic performance of Blood Brothers.
brilliant singing and acting.
Gripping story ,some very funny scenes,
Fast moving story . Scenery spot on.
Staff very helpful.

I have booked a show for the 1/10/2025 and they have moved the date to March 2026. This date is not suitable for me so I phoned the ticket office who informed me they wouldn't give me a refund because they sent me an e mail with a deadline for a refund, absolute joke and now I'm seeking legal advice

I was so impressed when I entered the building as there were lots of staff to help and guide visitors. I was glad of this as I was attending alone, the volunteers are wonderful. The building is beautiful. I only have one negative comment, I was there to see Robin Trower, he was, of course, superb. Unfortunately I don't think the sound was set up correctly as we couldn't hear the singer, that was a shame as he has a great voice.

Went to see haunting of blaine manor. I was very impessed with every aspect of the play and setting. What spoilt it for me was that i needed the hearing loop, but it didnt work because it wasnt charged. This was the case with two sets. I therefore only heard less than half of the play.

Absolutely awful experience
Went to see Mikado which was a disappointment as not Japanese version and frankly some of the performers were not very good at singing.

But even worse was the rudeness of some of the staff!
Also The apparent lack of disabled facilities such as a simple lift for those in wheelchairs or with mobility problems.
Shockingly there’s no concessions for the disabled, as far as I’m aware.
Also it was very overcrowded and very hot - I’m sure the temperature was above the health and safety recommendations !
Would it break the bank to instal fans or air conditioning ?

The antiquated building is a disgrace and the prices don’t really reflect the experience.
I’d rather pay a little more to see a more professional performance, get a better environment and nicer staff. The architecture is interesting but
It’s not charming - it’s out dated and antiquated !
I read it was last refurbished in the 1970s! That’s over fifty years since they improved it…!
Definitely overdue for a refurbishment !

I would not waste my energy, life, money, time and fuel to go to this place in the back of beyond
There are many other theatres that cater for their customers far more and don’t charge as much😕

I went to watch Carmen 6/07/24. I was so disappointed. The scenery was virtually none existent and very poor quality. There were just five people who took part in the actual event, the costumes were absolutely diabolical we were so confused who was who I actually though one was part of the audience as he was dressed so casually in everyday clothes.
My friend and I paid £50 each for front row tickets which I feel were over priced and certainly not worth the money. Absolutely terrible!!!

I would need to say that I have visited this venue many times for concerts. It is a relaxed and beautiful venue. And, unlike other venues, they accept dancing in the Isles which is a great atmosphere of joy for all to experience, even the security staff bopped. Thank you Buxton op house for some really special evenings out.

Superb volunteers at this wonderful theatre. Smiled from beginning to end. 5 year old grandson said 'I can't understand why you're laughing, what is the joke'? We loved it, they loved it, it was wonderful to see their happy faces. Love being a Buxtonian from Harpur Hill 🤣. Wonderful Christmas outing - I'm now Christmas ready.

Resolved a problem very sensitively, such kind staff and lovely building.

Had tickets booked for Walter Trout concert which unfortunately has had to be postponed a couple of times due to Covid. Each time BOH were quick to respond, with renewed dates. Sadly, we could not attend this new date and a refund was swiftly offered and back in my account super-fast! Spoke to Bernadette who was really helpful and very knowledgable. I would like to hope BOH is supported by all during these difficult financial times - they deserve it!

lovely quaint place to go and visit for a show - great!

Superb venue for so many different types of things including plays, comedy and music.
My wife and I went to see Sarah Millican here and it was a brilliant night out.
The staff are all so friendly and helpful, the bar is brill too.
It's quite a small venue but feels very upmarket, amazing surroundings and great acoustics.
Can't wait to go back.