Event Descriptions 2009

Events marked * denote advanced bookings can be made from the Opera House Box Office 0845 127 2190 (or online). Bookings are now open!

Follow these links to jump to a Category: Comedy Theatre Dance Visual Arts Music Film Spoken Word For Families Street Theatre Other Events

Diary

Comedy

Al & Ned

Al and Ned's Balding Fringe - Al and Ned (New Writing)
Welsh double-act Al and Ned have been friends since birth. Their variety show features sketches, songs and banter. During the show, cracks emerge in their 'perfect' partnership which collapses into a chaotic and destructive inevitability. A must for fans of black comedy, public ruin, psychological torment and unbeatable value cut-price supermarkets!
Underground Venues - Barrel Room 23, 25 Jul 10:00pm to 11:00pm £8.00 Children and Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

Stand-Up in the Barrel Room

Barrel Of Laughs - Underground Events
Underground's ever-popular comedy club returns with three jam-packed evenings of side-splitting, uncensored and unpredictable stand-up from the best names in the business. Complete sell-out 2006, 2007 and 2008. All in the atmospheric vaults of the Old Hall (with equally atmospheric bar at hand!) Every Friday night of the Fringe.
Underground Venues - Barrel Room 10, 17, 24 Jul 8:30pm to 10:30pm £9.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

Clever Peter

Clever Peter - Whitebone Productions (New Writing)
Last year's winners of Best Comedy Show, Clever Peter return to Buxton Fringe with a brand new hour of the bizarre, the ridiculous and the just plain funny! 'Pretty much top of the class'. **** The Scotsman. 'One of the best troupes we've seen in years'. **** Metro.
Underground Venues - Pauper's Pit 11 Jul 11:00pm to midnight, 12 Jul 8:00pm to 9:00pm £8.00 Children and Concessions £6.00 - Adult content Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

Who sent rock star Johnny Dysfunctional crazy!

*Family Victim - Dolls House Players (New Writing)
Rock star Johnny Dysfunctional has been set up by his manager to appear on a dish-the-dirt TV show and the star's family from hell have been booked to give their warts and all accounts of Johnny. Audience interaction. Music - Boy in a Dolls House. www.boy-in-a-dolls-house.co.uk/family.html
Grove Hotel, Grove Parade 24-25 Jul 9:00pm to 10:30pm £7.00 Children £3.00 Concessions £2.00 Review
Direct bookings via 01298 214454
Direct Opera House Online Booking

Midnight Candle Players Presents A Flame in Hero's Tower

A Flame In Hero's Tower - Midnight Candle Players (New Writing)
Hero has been banished to a lonely tower by her fairly stern father. However, she lights a nightly flame to attract Leander, who, thus, makes a dodgy swim off the Hellespont. Is their's an eternal Love or a base Lust? Venus and her cynical son, Cupid, intervene to find out.
Underground Venues - Pauper's Pit 9 Jul 5:00pm to 6:00pm, 10 Jul 3:30pm to 4:30pm, 11 Jul 8:00pm to 9:00pm, 20 Jul 7:45pm to 8:45pm £8.00 Children and Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

Comedy every night at Underground Venues

GSOH Presents: Comedy in the Barrel Room - Week 1 - Good Sense Of Humour
Award-winning comedy producers GSOH return to the Buxton Fringe for their third mini stand-up festival. Week 1 features Alexis Dubus & Marcel Lucont (9th), Andrew O'Neill (10th and 11th) and John Robins (12th and 13th). Catch Edinburgh's best stand-up comedians, before they even reach Scotland! www.gsohcomedy.co.uk
Underground Venues - Barrel Room 9 Jul 7:00pm to 8:00pm, 10:00pm to 11:00pm, 10 Jul 11:00pm to midnight, 11 Jul 8:30pm to 9:30pm, 12-13 Jul 10:00pm to 11:00pm £7.00 Children £5.00 Concessions £6.00
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

Nik Coppin

GSOH Presents: Comedy in the Barrel Room - Week 2 - Good Sense Of Humour
Award-winning comedy producers GSOH return to the Buxton Fringe for their third mini stand-up festival. Week 2 features Nik Coppin (14th and 15th), Matt Price (16th and 17th) and Elis James (18th and 19th). Catch Edinburgh's best stand-up comedians, before they even reach Scotland! www.gsohcomedy.co.uk
Underground Venues - Barrel Room 14-16 Jul 8:30pm to 9:30pm, 17 Jul 11:00pm to midnight, 18-19 Jul 8:30pm to 9:30pm £7.00 Children £5.00 Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

James Sherwood

GSOH Presents: Comedy in the Barrel Room - Week 3 - Good Sense Of Humour
Award-winning comedy producers GSOH return to the Buxton Fringe for their third mini stand-up festival. Week 3 features Alex Maple (20th and 21st), Kent Valentine (22nd and 23rd) and James Sherwood (24th and 25th). Catch Edinburgh's best stand-up comedians, before they even reach Scotland! www.gsohcomedy.co.uk
Underground Venues - Barrel Room 20-23 Jul 8:30pm to 9:30pm, 24 Jul 11:00pm to midnight, 25 Jul 8:30pm to 9:30pm £7.00 Children £5.00 Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

Barbara Nice (Barbara as in Streisand, Nice as in the biscuit)

Hiya and Higher - Barbara Nice
In a world of disappearing community, Barbara Nice - Stockport's very own housewife superstar - wants us all to get a bit more involved with each other. Janice Connolly (star of Phoenix Nights) returns with her latest critically-acclaimed show. 'A hybrid between Victoria Wood and Mrs. Merton'. The Times. ***** Chortle.
Underground Venues - Barrel Room 18-20 Jul 10:00pm to 11:00pm £8.00 Children and Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

No End Of An Ass - Tom Levitt

No End of an Ass - Tom Levitt
Alan Bennett, Al Read, Bob Newhart and Jake Thackray - just some of the great names who won't be appearing in this show. Using sketches and songs to tell a story, Tom helps us remember their work - along with some new comedy material for good measure.
Underground Venues - Barrel Room 10, 17, 25 Jul 7:00pm to 8:00pm £8.00 Children and Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

Matt Pritchard a.k.a. Johnny Facade

Parannoyance - Lab Monkey Productions (New Writing)
Fringe favourite Johnny Façade is back (and looking behind his back). Join the award-winning comedian as he grabs the horns of a world that's as crazy as a bull in a butcher's shop. Fusing magic, mentalism and silly pseudo-science. 'Rapid-fire delivery of jokes and well-rehearsed sleight of hand'. Fringe Review.
Underground Venues - Pauper's Pit 11-12 Jul 1:00pm to 2:00pm, 19 Jul 5:00pm to 6:00pm, 25 Jul 1:00pm to 2:00pm, 26 Jul 5:00pm to 6:00pm £8.00 Children and Concessions £6.00 Ages 8+ Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

Phil Buckley

Phil Buckley's Stupid World Tour - Phil Buckley (New Writing)
Having made a career out of telling stories about his own stupidity, comedian Phil Buckley is going to take a long look at the world around him and figure out if he really is that dumb. 'Slick expertise'. Chortle; 'Downright hilarious'. Three Weeks; 'I think I love Phil Buckley!' www.edfringe.com
Underground Venues - Barrel Room 9, 12-13 Jul 8:30pm to 9:30pm £8.00 Children and Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

Piff the Magic Dragon

Piff-tacular! - Piff the Magic Dragon
Finalist of the Hackney Empire New Act of the Year, Piff the Magic Dragon is on a mission! Armed only with astounding magical skills, a mind-reading fish and a penchant for princesses can he become the Greatest Magic Performing Dragon of All Time? Or at least at Buxton 2009?
Underground Venues - Barrel Room 22-23 Jul 5:30pm to 6:20pm, 24 Jul 4:00pm to 4:50pm £7.00 Children £5.00 Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

Helen Keen

The Primitive Methodist Guide to Arctic Survival - Helen Keen (New Writing)
Helen (Buxton Fringe's Best Comedy Performer 2008) returns with the story of her devout whale-hunting ancestor's Arctic adventure. Packed with gags, silliness, science, stiff upper lips, dodgy props and useful survival tips for any 19th-century whaling expeditions you might join. 'Crisp, sophisticated comedy'. Guardian. 'Wonderful imagination'. Three Weeks.
Underground Venues - Barrel Room 22-24 Jul 7:00pm to 8:00pm £8.00 Children and Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

Rosie Wilby (credit: Alexis Dubus)

Rosie Wilby and The Science of Sex - Rosie Wilby (New Writing)
Reprising the successful spoof lecture format and naughty neuroscientist character from her acclaimed 2008 show I Am Nesia, Rosie's brand new show will investigate the science of attraction, sexual chemistry and sexual identity. What makes us gay or straight? What turns us on? What are pheromones? and more... www.rosiewilby.com
Underground Venues - Barrel Room 19, 21 Jul 7:00pm to 8:00pm £8.00 Children and Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

Rosie Wilby (credit: Alexis Dubus)

Rosie Wilby: I Am Nesia - Rosie Wilby (New Writing)
Join Funny Women finalist Rosie Wilby as she embarks on an investigation into the human memory, aided by spoof Greek mythology, games, beginner's neuroscience and handmade props. I Am Nesia is her second solo show. 'Hugely engaging presence'. Chortle; 'packed with witty, conversational humour' **** Three Weeks. www.myspace.com/rosiewilbycomedy
Underground Venues - Barrel Room 18, 20 Jul 7:00pm to 8:00pm £8.00 Children and Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

The Shrimps

The Shrimps: Scared Scriptless - The Shrimps
An hour of totally improvised comedy from Sheffield's award-winning Shrimps. The Shrimps have taken leave of their senses by performing an entirely unscripted show based completely on audience suggestions. Anything can happen! 'The future of improvised comedy'. Toby Foster, Phoenix Nights. www.shrimpsimprov.com
Underground Venues - Pauper's Pit 8, 10, 12 Jul 11:00pm to midnight £8.00 Children and Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

Hinton is also available for christenings and corporate events.

The Truth Is I Can't Stop Telling Lies - Tam Hinton (New Writing)
Hogwash. Balderdash. Fibs. Lovable idiot Hinton combats the terrible truth with an hour of wonderful lies. Hilarious and bizarre tales that conjure imaginary people too strange to exist, from the firm Fringe-favourite and Best Comedy award-winner. Give a man a mask, and he'll tell the truth. Or rob the post-office.
Underground Venues - Pauper's Pit 10 Jul 8:00pm to 9:00pm, 14, 16-17 Jul 11:00pm to midnight £7.00 Children £5.00 Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

The Fabulous, Hilarious, Jenny Vegas

Welcome to Fabulous Jenny Vegas - Totally Blinds (New Writing)
Stars multi-talented, award-winning Jenny Vegas as she embarks upon a really big tour to promote her new single, novel, and fitness DVD. She is delighted to have Penny Capper and Steve Haythorne as her entourage but would like to point out that the talent is all her own...
URC Hall, Tideswell 24-25 Jul 8:00pm to 9:30pm £8.00 Children n/a Concessions £6.00 - some strong language, adult themes Review
Direct bookings via 07718 24 50 50 or johannesargent@hotmail.com

A Runcible Spoon

What on Earth is a Runcible Spoon? - 101 Laughs (New Writing)
Was Old Mother Hubbard's Cupboard really bare? Who pushed Jack and Jill? What is the runcible spoon? This sketch show delves into traditional nursery rhymes, turning them inside out. With a blend of absurdist comedy and subversion, this side-ways look presents the familiar in a hilarious new form.
Underground Venues - Pauper's Pit 9 Jul 11:00pm to midnight, 11 Jul 9:30pm to 10:30pm £7.00 Children £5.00 Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

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Dance

Pictures taken by Brian Slater

Apex, Pinnacle and Summit Boys' Dance Companies - Buxton Community School
A chance to see pieces performed by student dance companies from Buxton Community School and local primary schools. A mixture of contemporary and street dance.
Buxton Community School-Drama Studio 20 Jul 7:00pm to 8:00pm £3.00 Children and Concessions £2.00 Ages All Review
Direct bookings via 01298 212150

Chapel MM Dancing at Opera House (Fringe 2005) credit: Robin Edwards

Day of Dance - Chapel-en-le-Frith Morris Men
A day of dance featuring morris dancing of many varied styles. You will see dancers at various locations throughout the town including The Slopes, Spring Gardens, the Opera House and Market Place, culminating in a massed display in the Pavilion Gardens.
Around the Town 18 Jul 10:30am to 4:30pm Free Ages All Review

Photo: Daniel Clarke

*Lost and Found - Made by Katie Green
Live contemporary dance piece, Lost and Found, tells a story of resilience, of love lost and found, and of finding a way out. Created by double award-winning choreographer Katie Green, whose previous works have been described as 'meaningful, moving', 'compelling', 'tender and beautiful' (Sanjoy Roy, Amy Johnson, Kate Larsen).
Buxton Community School-Drama Studio 9-10 Jul 7:00pm to 7:45pm, 11 Jul 7:00pm to 8:00pm £5.00 Concessions n/a Ages All, particularly 11+ Review
Direct bookings via katie@greenbeandance.co.uk
Direct Opera House Online Booking

The performers use their bodies in this unfolding visual conversation

The Meeting - First Movement - Spiral Performance Company
The Meeting is an absurdist movement piece for performers and a circle of chairs lasting between three and 15 minutes. Spiral use an original sound track devised by the group to complement the action of this dynamic piece. The Meeting can take place almost anywhere with a flat open space.
Pavilion Gardens 11 Jul 10:00am to 2:00pm Free Ages All
for further information 01629 734848

(credit: James Dodd - www.jamesdodd.net)

Spiltmilk Say Dance - Spiltmilk Dance (New Writing)
The Fringe award-winners return to dazzle Buxton with their unique brand of dance performance. This year the company take a fresh look at social dance crazes from the 20th century. See the hand jive, disco, the twist and rave as you've never seen them before! 'A Fringe must-see'. Buxton Fringe Review.
Underground Venues - Pauper's Pit 19 Jul 2:15pm to 2:45pm, 21-22, 24 Jul 5:30pm to 6:00pm £7.00 Children £5.00 Concessions £6.00 Ages 6+ Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

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Film

Buxton Film

Buxton Film Weekend - Buxton Film
A weekend of film at the Dome Theatre including: Slumdog Millionaire, Hunger, Waltz With Bashir, Two Days in Paris and The Secret Life of Bees. Plus free screenings of BAFTA Short Film winner, September; nine other shorts and two great documentaries. www.buxtonfilm.org.uk - for full programme and booking details.
University of Derby Buxton - Lecture Theatre 17-18 Jul 5:00pm to 10:30pm, 19 Jul 4:00pm to 9:30pm - see www.buxtonfilm.org.uk for programme details £5.00 Children and Concessions £4.00 Review

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For Families

*Accordes: Renaissance and Baroque Lute Songs - Accordes
See the MUSIC section for full details

*Animal Farm - Black Box Theatre School
See the THEATRE section for full details

Annual Art Exhibition - Burbage Art Group
See the VISUAL ARTS section for full details

Another Five Go Mad

Another Five Go Mad in Buxton - Black Box Theatre Company (New Writing)
Winners of 2008 Best Family Show, Black Box are back with Dick, Julian, George, Anne and Timmy the dog in this tribute to Enid Blyton. Join our intrepid adventurers as they investigate mysterious goings on at Solomon's Temple in their third and best adventure yet!
Underground Venues - Pauper's Pit 15-17 Jul 4:45pm to 5:45pm, 18 Jul 2:00pm to 3:00pm £8.50 Children £5.00 Concessions £6.50 Ages All Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

Apex, Pinnacle and Summit Boys' Dance Companies - Buxton Community School
See the DANCE section for full details

Art Spectrum - Art Spectrum
See the VISUAL ARTS section for full details

The Boy With the Bomb Beneath His Bed - Charles Christian
See the SPOKEN WORD section for full details

Buxton Carnival Float - Buxton Festival Fringe
See the OTHER EVENTS section for full details

Close Up Magic Evening - High Peak Magic Society
See the VISUAL ARTS section for full details

Concert - Manchester Recorder Orchestra
See the MUSIC section for full details

Darkest Angel

*The Darkest Angel by Martin Beard. - The Young REC Theatre Company (New Writing)
When computer games are played for real, the consequences can be terrifying, especially for those playing the game. Thinking they are inside a theme park adventure, the children realise that they really are trapped in the Dark Angel game and face perilous adventures in a fight against their worst nightmares.
The Marquee - Poole's Cavern Grounds 8-11 Jul 7:30pm to 8:40pm £5.00 Children £4.00 Concessions £4.50 Ages 7+ Review
Direct bookings via 07532 01 44 76 or www.nicevenues.com
Direct Opera House Online Booking

Day of Dance - Chapel-en-le-Frith Morris Men
See the DANCE section for full details

Emma Hopkins - Emma Hopkins (New Writing)
See the MUSIC section for full details

Entente Art Florale - High Peak Artists' & Craft Workers' Association
See the VISUAL ARTS section for full details

*An Evening with Africa's Lady of Song - Margaret Ferguson (soprano) accompanied by Jonathan Ellis (piano)
See the MUSIC section for full details

Fabulous Fund-raising Fair - Three's Company, Blue Sky Music and P B Theatricals
See the OTHER EVENTS section for full details

Fringe Readings - Buxton Festival Fringe
See the SPOKEN WORD section for full details

Fringe Sunday - Buxton Festival Fringe
See the STREET THEATRE section for full details

Guided Walk - Vera Brittain's Buxton - Jennie Ainsworth
See the OTHER EVENTS section for full details

Image2009 Festival Fringe Photographic Competition - Bookstore Brierlow Bar
See the VISUAL ARTS section for full details

Peak District cave dwellers (credit: Derbyshire County Council)

Investigating the Ice Age - Buxton Museum and Art Gallery
Join us for this Festival of British Archaeology event and investigate the icy world of the Peak District more than 10,000 years ago with hands-on activities and a visit from the local Finds Liaison Officer. Plus, flintknapper Karl Lee will be demonstrating his skills and will lead a flintknapping workshop.
Buxton Museum and Art Gallery 25 Jul 10:00am to 4:00pm Free Ages 8+ Review

It Ain't Just Baroque - The Buxton Minstrels
See the MUSIC section for full details

*Keeping The Flame Alive - The Bronte Legacy - Bronte Legacy (New Writing)
See the MUSIC section for full details

*La Traviata - full concert version - City of Manchester Opera
See the MUSIC section for full details

*Lost and Found - Made by Katie Green
See the DANCE section for full details

The Meeting - First Movement - Spiral Performance Company
See the DANCE section for full details

Mendelssohn & Bach - A Summer's Celebration - Manchester Chamber Choir
See the MUSIC section for full details

*Music for a Summer's Evening - British pianist David Schofield
See the MUSIC section for full details

*Music for Oboe and Guitar - Marios Argiros and Dimitris Dekavallas
See the MUSIC section for full details

*Music for Strings - Amaretti Chamber Orchestra
See the MUSIC section for full details

Open Auditions for The Pirates of Penzance - Pamela Bilik Theatricals
See the THEATRE section for full details

Open Poetry Slam - Word Wizards (New Writing)
See the SPOKEN WORD section for full details

*Operatastic! The Accessible Guide to Opera - Relative Pitch Opera (New Writing)
See the MUSIC section for full details

Our World Tour - Chapel Jam Nite (New Writing)
See the MUSIC section for full details

Parannoyance - Lab Monkey Productions (New Writing)
See the COMEDY section for full details

*Partita: Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Music - Partita
See the MUSIC section for full details

*Pirates in the Caribbean - Richard Parry (baritone), Will Taylor (piano)
See the MUSIC section for full details

*The Roses of Eyam - The Roses of Eyam Project
See the STREET THEATRE section for full details

*Sacred Medieval Singing in a Natural Cathedral - Bright Cecilia
See the MUSIC section for full details

Seachanges - Susie Self and Michael Christie (New Writing)
See the MUSIC section for full details

Spiltmilk Say Dance - Spiltmilk Dance (New Writing)
See the DANCE section for full details

The Tempest - Black Box Theatre Company
See the THEATRE section for full details

*The Tideswell Male Voice Choir in Concert - Tideswell Male Voice Choir
See the MUSIC section for full details

The Unknown Land - Cotton Grass Theatre (New Writing)
See the THEATRE section for full details

Upon the Moon the Earth's Shadow Fell - Sue Mortin
See the VISUAL ARTS section for full details

Vers@Tile Exhibition for Fringe30 - Vers@Tile
See the VISUAL ARTS section for full details

Little Pixie Productions

*What Became of the Red Shoes? - Little Pixie Productions (New Writing)
Granny's attic is full of old junk... or is it? On a rainy day a curious child explores it. Discovering forgotten treasures including an interesting pair of shoes her imagination is sparked and she embarks on a magical journey told through original music, movement and more.
Buxton Methodist Church-Church Hall 17-19 Jul 2:30pm to 3:15pm £5.00 Children £4.00 Concessions n/a Ages 3+ Review
Direct bookings via 07932 94 15 76 or rebecca@littlepixieproductions.co.uk
Direct Opera House Online Booking

Toad, Bertie & Elvira- in rehearsal

*Wind in the Willows - Xtension Productions
An exciting adaptation of Wind in the Willows brought to you by Xtension Productions. Xtension Productions is a youth theatre company formed by students from Sidney Stringer School and other local children from the Coventry area. A fun show for all the family.
Pavilion Gardens-Paxton Suite 18 Jul 6:00pm to 8:00pm £3.50 Children and Concessions £1.50 Ages All Review
Direct bookings via 07813 60 45 75 or seedlingag@hotmail.com
Opera House Online Booking

Ye Gods

*Ye Gods! by Martin Beard, Music by Laura Monaghan - The Young REC Theatre Company (New Writing)
A new musical comedy. Gods and mortals don't always mix, especially when it comes to affairs of the heart. Vulcan tries to twist the fate of mortal lovers, Zeus is tempted to dabble and their respective wives are none too pleased! Comic chaos from multi-Fringe award-winner, Martin Beard.
The Marquee - Poole's Cavern Grounds 15-18, 22-25 Jul 7:30pm to 9:00pm £7.00 Children £4.00 Concessions £6.00 Ages 8+ Review
Direct bookings via 07532 01 44 76 or www.nicevenues.com
Direct Opera House Online Booking

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Music

Helen and the Love Notes

Acapella Jazz and Blues - Helen and the Lovenotes
The fabulous blues singer Helen Watson teams up with stunning jazz acapella group The Lovenotes. Classics with new and unusual arrangements and delightful new compositions. Join us for an afternoon break (with lunch menu from The Old Hall) or at night for the perfect way to end your day.
Underground Venues - Barrel Room 14 Jul 1:30pm to 3:00pm, 10:00pm to 11:00pm, 16 Jul 1:30pm to 3:00pm, 10:00pm to 11:00pm, 21 Jul 1:30pm to 3:00pm, 10:00pm to 11:00pm £7.00 Children £5.00 Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

*Accordes: Renaissance and Baroque Lute Songs - Accordes
Songs for one and two voices to the lute, theorbo and baroque guitar including music by John Dowland, Alfonso Ferrabosco and the 16th-century Spanish manuscript, El Cancionero de Palacio. Sasha Johnson Manning - soprano; Holly Marland - contralto; Roger Child - lute, theorbo, baroque guitar.
St John's Church 22 Jul 7:30pm to 9:30pm £10.00 Children and Concessions £8.00 Ages All
Direct Opera House Online Booking

old English violin

Anniversary Celebrations via String Quartet - Quatuor Deconet
Four of the greats have significant anniversaries this year. Come and enjoy their music in a string quartet setting: Mendelssohn Op 80, Haydn Op 50 No 1 and wonderful arrangements of favourites by Handel and Purcell. Louise Latham, Nicola Bright (violins), Mary Anderson (viola), Mary Dainton (violoncello).
St John's Church 23 Jul 7:30pm to 9:30pm £8.00 Children Free Concessions £5.00 Review
Direct bookings via 01625 614651 or nicolabright175@tiscali.co.uk

photo by  Patricia Taylor Photography

*Are We There Yet? - Opera Larks and pianist David Barnard
'Lively & hugely entertaining'. Buxton 2008. Fly cattle-class with divas Donna Wannabe and Katherine Withakay on a titanic journey across the globe on their way to their big break in Las Vegas! A show of hits from musicals and opera presented in ways you'd be hard pressed to imagine... www.myspace.com/operalarks
Railway Hotel 17 Jul 4:00pm to 5:00pm, 18 Jul 1:30pm to 2:30pm, 19 Jul 4:00pm to 5:00pm £8.00 Children £2.00 Concessions £6.00 - Some adult humour, no strong language. Review
Direct bookings via 07932 12 92 16 or diana@operalarks.co.uk
Direct Opera House Online Booking

Celloscope

Celebrating the Cello: Music for Cello Ensemble - Celloscope
Award-winning ensemble, Celloscope, will perform a unique range of music specially composed and arranged for cello ensemble.The five cellists (members of the Halle and BBC Philharmonic) will be joined in this concert by participants from a workshop held earlier in the day.
St James the Less, New Mills 19 Jul 7:00pm to 9:00pm £10.00 Children Free Concessions £8.00 Review
Direct bookings via 01663 733073 or email dalecello@onetel.com

James Rippingale Classical Guitar

Classical Guitar Recital - James Rippingale - Classical Guitarist
Known for his eclectic programming and sensitive playing, James has been praised for his 'careful attention to dynamics' and 'wonderful versatility'. His programme will include works by Bach, Tarrega, Dowland and Sor. An occasion not to be missed! (Peformance at Scrivener's - 15 seats only; £5/£3 concessions). Visit www.james-rippingale.co.uk
Scrivener's Bookshop 16 Jul 10:35am to noon, King Sterndale - Christ Church 7:30pm to 9:00pm, St Peter's Church and Hall 18 Jul 1:00pm to 2:30pm, Buxton Methodist Church-Church 20 Jul 1:00pm to 2:30pm £6.00 Children and Concessions £4.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07934 38 67 01

MRO at St Johns

Concert - Manchester Recorder Orchestra
The MRO returns with a varied programme, including Mozart's popular Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and Sousa's Liberty Bell - played not in their normal orchestral format, but on a group of 50 recorders of all sizes. As always, it promises to be a highly enjoyable evening for all ages! Free refreshments.
Trinity Church 18 Jul 7:30pm to 9:30pm £7.00 Children Free Concessions £6.00 Ages All, particularly 8+ Review

Anthony Houghton - Conductor

A Concert for Bastille Day - Orchestra of KEMS Macclesfield
Our concert for Chamber Orchestra has a French flavour appropriate for July 14th and highlights the French influence on Haydn and Mozart. Haydn's Symphony No 82 in C, 'L'Ours', Saint-Saëns' Suite Op 49; Debussy's Suite Bergamasque; Mozart's Symphony No 31 in D, 'Paris'. Conductor - Anthony Houghton
Trinity Church 14 Jul 8:00pm to 9:40pm £8.00 Children £3.00 Concessions n/a Review
Direct bookings via www.kems.org.uk

Critical Mass bassist & host Emlyn Vaughan

Critical Mass featuring Gilad Atzmon - Critical Mass with Gilad Atzmon!
Gilad Atzmon (sax), Al MacSween (piano), Emlyn Vaughan (bass), Graham Garside (guitar), Eddie Hick (drums). This exciting group of young players form a cohesive lyrical quartet playing original music influenced by western, jazz and Indian music. Gilad Atzmon's unparalleled bebop virtuosity promises to create a special performance. Go to www.gilad.co.uk
Beltane 23 Jul 9:00pm to 11:00pm Free Review

(credit: Hannah Zair)

Dulcinea - Dulcinea (New Writing)
A singer-songwriter duo formed by Alexandra Bowen and Alastair Powers. They take their name from the unrequited love of Don Quixote. Poetic narrative and beautifully entwining melodies are laced with a bittersweet darkness, a romance both tragic and urbane.
Underground Venues - Barrel Room 14-16 Jul 7:00pm to 8:00pm £6.00 Children £4.00 Concessions £5.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

(credit: Backline Photography)

Emma Hopkins - Emma Hopkins (New Writing)
Local singer/songwriter/pianist Emma Hopkins will be performing songs from Katie Melua and Eva Cassidy, as well as her own original compositions. Professional credits include orphan Annie starring alongside Ruth Madoc and Su Pollard, and Brat in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Whistle Down The Wind in London's West End.
Underground Venues - Barrel Room 11, 15-17 Jul 5:00pm to 6:00pm £6.00 Children £4.00 Concessions £5.00 Ages 12+ Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

At the Royal Albert Hall

*An Evening with Africa's Lady of Song - Margaret Ferguson (soprano) accompanied by Jonathan Ellis (piano)
A 2008 nominee for Best Individual Performer with the City of Manchester Opera, this year Margaret presents her own concert. Enjoy an evening of opera, oratorio, lieder and musical numbers - in English, German, French and Italian. Expect humour and surprises! See and hear at www.AfricanSoprano.com
Buxton Methodist Church-Church 17 Jul 7:30pm to 9:15pm £10.00 Children Free Concessions £8.00 Ages All Review
Direct bookings via www.AfricanSoprano.com or 07757 78 32 77
Direct Opera House Online Booking

Recorder Player (Frans Hals)

It Ain't Just Baroque - The Buxton Minstrels
An eclectic mix of baroque and jazzy music performed by an ensemble specially put together for the Fringe. Featuring piano, recorder, strings, musicians old - Martin Bisknell, Alison Bletcher, Andrew Cummings - and new - Maddy Brown, Miriam Brown, Ailsa Hoyle and Caz Sampson - promise an evening to delight you.
St Peter's Church and Hall 10 Jul 7:30pm to 9:30pm £6.00 Children Free Concessions £5.00 Ages 8+ Review

Lyrics composed by Val Wiseman

*Keeping The Flame Alive - The Bronte Legacy - Bronte Legacy (New Writing)
A musical tribute to Patrick Bronte and his famous children, Charlotte, Branwell, Emily and Anne, this series of songs is based on their poetry and characters from their novels. Presented by celebrated singer and lifelong Bronte enthusiast Val Wiseman with musical director Brian Dee and the Bronte Legacy Musicians. www.brontelegacy.com
Buxton Methodist Church-Church 21 Jul 7:30pm to 9:30pm £10.00 Children £6.00 Concessions £8.00 Ages All Review
Direct Opera House Online Booking

City of Manchester Opera - Sandbach 08

*La Traviata - full concert version - City of Manchester Opera
After winning Best Music Entry in 2008, the City of Manchester Opera are back this time with La Traviata. The full concert version will be sung in Italian with English surtitles.
St John's Church 11 Jul 7:30pm to 10:00pm £12.00 Children and Concessions £10.00 Ages 8+ Review
Direct bookings via 07772 66 62 78
Direct Opera House Online Booking

The Master of Calypso and Reggae returns  to Buxton after 11years

The Life and Times of Antigua Joe - Solo Artist/Poet/Story-teller
Telling of my 13 years of performing in Britain, 11 since my last Buxton, 38 years living in the UK, five cds, 58 years of being 'Melanin' in a very beautiful, but very racist world, run by moronic politicians and institutional idiots, through music, poetry and lots of other things.
Grove Hotel, Grove Parade 17-18 Jul 8:00pm to 11:00pm £5.00 Children n/a Concessions £4.00 - Adults only Review
Direct bookings via 07779 34 94 92 or antiguajoe2@mac.com

Martin Hall and Guests - Martin Hall and Guests (New Writing)
Singer songwriter showcasing new album - guitar and vocals, acoustic rock.
Railway Hotel 24 Jul 7:30pm to midnight £5.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07814 00 89 51

Men Diamler

Men Diamler - Beltane
One man and his guitar rarely sounds this unusual and surprising. With vocals that range from an operatic croon to a crazed bark and an idiosyncratic guitar playing style, Men Diamler plays off-kilter folk blues like you've never heard. See http://www.myspace.com/mendiamler Tickets may be available on the door.
Beltane 9 Jul 8:00pm to midnight £5.00 Children and Concessions n/a Review
Direct bookings via 01298 26010 or http://www.wegottickets.com/event/50391 or graeme@beltanebar.co.uk

Manchester Chamber Choir

Mendelssohn & Bach - A Summer's Celebration - Manchester Chamber Choir
Manchester Chamber Choir's concert commemorates the bicentenary of the birth of Felix Mendelssohn, also including music by his illustrious Leipzig predecessor, Johann Sebastian Bach.
St John's Church 19 Jul 3:30pm to 5:00pm £10.00 Children Free Concessions £8.00 Ages All Review
Direct bookings via 07717 86 29 69 or jackiecuthbert@hotmail.com

Angela Rowley

Moonlight and Music - Angela Rowley and James Pelham
Soprano Angela Rowley is returning to the Fringe after a couple of years' absence, this time with a new accompanist. Entertainment for a summer Saturday afternoon with songs from Purcell to Bernstein, so something for everyone.
United Reformed Church 18 Jul 2:00pm to 3:30pm £6.00 Children Free Concessions £5.00 Review
Direct bookings via 0161 440 9091 or angelarowley@ntlworld.com

British Concert Pianist David Schofield

*Music for a Summer's Evening - British pianist David Schofield
After his Carnegie Hall debut performance in 2007, David is pleased to play at the Buxton Festival Fringe. The concert will feature works by Bach, Scarlatti, Volodos and Stephen Hough and finish with Earl Wild's breath-taking Grand Fantasy on Gershwin's Porgy and Bess.
Buxton Methodist Church-Church 25 Jul 7:30pm to 9:45pm £10.00 Children Free Concessions £8.00 Ages 8+ Review
Direct bookings via 0161 480 4641 or veronica.bland@stockport.gov.uk
Direct Opera House Online Booking

Marios Argiros and Dimitris Dekavallas

*Music for Oboe and Guitar - Marios Argiros and Dimitris Dekavallas
Two concerts of music for oboe and guitar - an eclectic mix of works from different centuries and continents. Marios Argiros is well-known as a versatile solo, chamber and orchestral musician. Fellow Greek Dimitris Dekavallas is a rising star of the classical guitar world with many prizes and competition successes.
Buxton Methodist Church-Church 22 Jul 1:00pm to 2:00pm, St James the Less, New Mills 25 Jul 7:30pm to 9:30pm £9.00 Children Free Concessions £7.00 Ages 10+ Review
Direct bookings via 07976 98 53 73 or mcmsophie@hotmail.com
Direct Opera House Online Booking

Sam Brook - Soloist in Shostakovich Piano Concerto No. 1

*Music for Strings - Amaretti Chamber Orchestra
Amaretti Chamber Orchestra, is a small string orchestra formed by a group of friends who enjoy playing music to a high standard whilst raising monies for local charities. Programme: Shostakovich Piano Concerto No.1 with Sam Brook, Piano and John Bush, trumpet; Tippet Concerto for Double String Orchestra; and Suk Serenade for Strings. Conductor Louise Latham. Best Music Event Winner 2007
St John's Church 25 Jul 2:30pm to 4:30pm £9.00 Children Free Concessions £8.00 Ages 10+ Review
Direct bookings via 01663 719400 or peter@amaretti.org.uk
Direct Opera House Online Booking

Relative Pitch Opera

*Operatastic! The Accessible Guide to Opera - Relative Pitch Opera (New Writing)
Are you wowed by Wagner or puzzled by Puccini? Let Relative Pitch Opera take you on an informal but informative trip through music, featuring professional opera singers, a pianist and an actor. A fabulous show for opera virgins or aficionados alike. In fact it's Operatastic!
Buxton Methodist Church-Church 23-24 Jul 7:30pm to 9:30pm, 25 Jul 2:30pm to 4:30pm £9.00 Children Free Concessions £7.00 Ages All, particularly 8+ Review
Direct bookings via 07932 94 15 76 or rebecca@littlepixieproductions.co.uk
Direct Opera House Online Booking

*Orchestra Concert - High Peak Orchestra
Rossini's The Thieving Magpie, Rachmaninov's Symphonic Dances, Dvorak's Cello Concerto in B Minor - soloist: Simon Turner.
St John's Church 18 Jul 7:30pm to 9:30pm £9.00 Children Free Concessions £7.00 Review
Direct bookings via 01663 719400 or hpo@ukgo.com
Direct Opera House Online Booking

Our World Tour - Chapel Jam Nite (New Writing)
Members of Chapel Jam invite you into their world. Our World Tour brings street performance to a variety of venues in Buxton town centre. Using original music and lyrics, the group present a lively opportunity to enter the wonderful world of Jam.
Around the Town 18 Jul 2:00pm to 6:00pm Free Ages 8+ Review

*Partita: Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Music - Partita
Medieval, Renaissance and baroque music of England and Europe for voice, lute, theorbo, baroque guitar, viol, recorder, harp and harpsichord. Including music by Purcell (350th anniversary), Handel (250th anniversary), Eustache Du Caurroy (400th anniversary) and Henry VIII (500th anniversary of accession).
St John's Church 15 Jul 7:30pm to 9:30pm £10.00 Children and Concessions £8.00 Ages All Review
Direct Opera House Online Booking

Richard Parry in Pirates in the Caribbean

*Pirates in the Caribbean - Richard Parry (baritone), Will Taylor (piano)
A chance to see and hear versatile and award-winning performer Richard Parry in a swash-buckling voyage on the high seas - a unique musical adventure, presenting once well-loved but neglected English songs in a vibrant and delicious dramatic setting, especially created to widen the audience for these fantastic British songs.
United Reformed Church 13, 17 Jul 3:00pm to 4:00pm, 19, 25 Jul 2:30pm to 3:30pm £9.00 Children £5.00 Concessions £7.00 Ages 10+ Review
Direct bookings via 07961 11 98 13 or waverleymusic@live.co.uk
Direct Opera House Online Booking

Blues Train - Friday 24th July

PoWer Music Weekend - Prince of Wales
The Prince of Wales pub hosts a weekend of music from local bands to finish off the festival with a bang. Including Blues Train, Long in the Tooth, The Lizards and Ruby Highway.
Prince of Wales 24 Jul 9:00pm to 11:59pm, 25 Jul 4:00pm to 7:00pm, 9:00pm to 11:59pm, 26 Jul 4:00pm to 7:00pm, 9:00pm to 11:59pm Free Review

Project Adorno

Project Adorno's Top Ten of Popular Culture - Project Adorno (New Writing)
From avatars to zeitgeists: songs and poems about the way we live today... from the aesthetics of the M25, Stockhausen's disco years and alternative uses of a library date-stamp. A skewed celebration of contemporary culture for the list-loving generation. 'Like the FT being sung by Soft Cell'. Culture-Deluxe Magazine.
Underground Venues - Barrel Room 18-19 Jul 2:00pm to 3:00pm £6.00 Children £4.00 Concessions £5.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

Bright Cecilia sound out Banshee Canyon, USA (credit: Graham Bier)

*Sacred Medieval Singing in a Natural Cathedral - Bright Cecilia
Part I: A Cry in the Dark. Semi-staged, intensely dramatic scenes of lamentation and praise from 12th and 13th-century medieval music dramas (July 22nd and 24th). Part II: A Patchwork Mass à 2. Rarely-heard fragments from 14th-century English, Italian, and French manuscripts woven into a captivatingly varied whole (July 23rd and 25th).
Poole's Cavern 22-25 Jul 7:30pm to 8:30pm £8.00 Children £4.00 Concessions £6.00 Ages old enough to deal with the cold - bring warm clothing! Review
Direct bookings via 07532 01 44 76 or http://www.nicevenues.com
Direct Opera House Online Booking

Sam Dunkley

Sam Dunkley - Sam Dunkley
Fringe award-winning Sam Dunkley returns to Buxton with his unique combination of singing and talking. He has developed a loyal following with his mix of folk songs, self -penned numbers and humour. This show will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. And not a set list in sight!
Underground Venues - Barrel Room 18-19, 24-25 Jul 5:30pm to 6:30pm £7.00 Children £5.00 Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

Susie Self - singer/songwriter

Seachanges - Susie Self and Michael Christie (New Writing)
Enchanting songs by Susie Self. Her beautifully melodic world music/classical fusion encompasses exquisite harmonies. With noted cellist Michael Christie and orchestral backing from her latest album, Seachanges. Her opera career has taken her all over the world. Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear her in the UK.
Buxton Methodist Church-Church 19 Jul 4:00pm to 5:00pm £7.00 Children Free Concessions £5.00 Ages All Review
Direct bookings via 020 8959 7370 or selfmademusic@aol.com

Liath Hollins

Song and String - Liath Hollins
It can call warriors to battle or lull a child to sleep. The harp has stirred the British soul for a thousand years. Liath presents a collection of songs and tunes from the heart of that tradition: themes of love, joy, loss and enchantment, in a perfect afternoon of music.
Underground Venues - Barrel Room 19 Jul 4:00pm to 5:00pm, 22-24 Jul 2:00pm to 3:00pm £7.00 Children £5.00 Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

Strings and Oboe - Bright String Trio with Simon Beesley
We are coupling a great Mozart favourite, his oboe quartet, with Beethoven's String Trio in C minor, and then mirroring this with a 20th century offering of the rarely heard, beautiful string trio by Finzi with Britten's oboe quartet. Nicola Bright (violin), Mary Anderson (viola), Mary Dainton (cello), Simon Beesley (oboe).
United Reformed Church 19 Jul 7:30pm to 9:30pm £7.50 Children Free Concessions £5.00 Review
Direct bookings via 01625 614651 or nicolabright175@tiscali.co.uk

credit: Geoff Ford

*The Tideswell Male Voice Choir in Concert - Tideswell Male Voice Choir
The male voice choir sound by the superb local Tideswell Male Voice Choir.
St John's Church 14 Jul 7:30pm to 9:30pm £5.00 Children Free Concessions n/a Ages All Review
Direct bookings via 01433 650707 or jbe@ed777.f9.co.uk
Direct Opera House Online Booking

Nicholas Bennett

*A Way With Words - Nicholas Bennett & Christopher Ellis
Baritone Nicholas Bennett and pianist Christopher Ellis present an evening of music celebrating great poetry in song, including their debut performance of Vaughan Williams' Five Mystical Songs amongst works by Schubert, Finzi, Wolf and others.
Buxton Methodist Church-Church 22 Jul 7:30pm to 9:30pm £6.00 Children and Concessions £5.00 Review
Direct bookings via 0161 456 9118 or celia.cooper@googlemail.com
Direct Opera House Online Booking

Youth Orchestra and Youth Chorale Concert - Derbyshire City and County Music Partnership
The final event of a five-day residential course giving performers the opportunity to work with Peter Stark, international conductor and advisor to the BBC's Maestro. The Youth Chorale meet regularly and members have visited Japan giving concerts as part of the 10th anniversary of the link between Derbyshire and Toyota City.
Pavilion Gardens-Octagon 17 Jul 7:30pm to 9:30pm £5.00 Children £3.00 Concessions n/a Review
Direct bookings via 01629 580000 or kathryn.taylour@derbyshire.gov.uk

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Spoken Word

Duveen

*Art Deal or No Art Deal! - Ian C.V. Newton (New Writing)
Lord Duveen was the greatest art dealer in history! He built a career on the maxim 'Europe has a lot of art, America has a lot of money!' and saw American millionaires such as Rockefeller and Mellon build art empires buying masterpieces of British, Italian and French art.
Old Hall Hotel-Shrewsbury Room 18-19 Jul 2:00pm to 3:00pm £4.00 Children and Concessions £3.00 Review
Direct bookings via 0161 428 3949
Direct Opera House Online Booking

Charles Christian - storytelling at the Paupers Pit

The Boy With the Bomb Beneath His Bed - Charles Christian
In a series of linked, irreverent, self-indulgent monologues, Charles Christian tells the story of his early life, growing up in a Northern seaside town in the 1960s, unsuccessfully pursuing sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll, and all the while wondering what to do about the bomb he had beneath his bed.
Underground Venues - Pauper's Pit 12 Jul 6:30pm to 7:30pm, 13-14 Jul 2:15pm to 3:15pm £7.00 Children £5.00 Concessions £6.00 Ages 12+ Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

Wyn Hobson

An Ever-Fixèd Mark - Wyn Hobson
A spoken recital of poems on the subject of love, by poets ranging from Shakespeare to Sheenagh Pugh and from Donne to W.B. Yeats, Elizabeth Jennings and Gareth Owen. Given by the winner of the 2003 Lockwood West Poetry Speaker's Award.
Old Hall Hotel 22 Jul 1:00pm to 2:00pm £5.00 Children and Concessions £4.00 Review

Fringe Readings - Buxton Festival Fringe
A series of readings chosen by the readers themselves and covering, perhaps, fiction, fact and poetry. Take a breather from the festival, and spend around 30 minutes listening to.... whatever we present. Admission is free and the afternoon of July 18th is devoted to stories for children.
Old Hall Hotel 17 Jul 2:00pm to 2:30pm, 3:00pm to 3:30pm, 18 Jul 2:00pm to 2:30pm, 3:00pm to 3:30pm, 19 Jul 2:00pm to 2:30pm, 3:00pm to 3:30pm, 24 Jul 2:00pm to 2:30pm, 3:00pm to 3:30pm, 25 Jul 2:00pm to 2:30pm, 3:00pm to 3:30pm Free Concessions n/a Ages All Review

The Glasshouse - The Glasshouse
Ali Shaw and Dan Lafferty present The Glasshouse. An evening of raw and gritty social commentary/spoken word and acoustic music from Section 60 and Chris Alsop.
Grove Hotel - Slopes Cafe Bar 19 Jul 7:30pm to 11:00pm £3.00 Concessions n/a - Contains some strong language Review
Direct bookings via 07531 52 41 12

Free Your Inner Squirrel

Open Poetry Slam - Word Wizards (New Writing)
Open poetry event. Laugh, cry and scream. Original performances. Judged not by academics and laureates - but by YOU (audience judges). No props, costumes or musical accompaniment, just three minutes to capture your vote and progress to the next round. Artistry with attitude. Poetry with edge.
Grove Hotel, Grove Parade 21 Jul 7:30pm to 10:30pm £4.00 Children £2.00 Concessions £3.00 Ages All - May contain adult themes and strong language Review
Direct bookings via 01298 77362 or poetryslamuk@aol.com

F. Philip Holland

*Philip's Poetry and Piano - F. Philip Holland, Performance Poet (New Writing)
A performance of his latest poetry. A rich mixture of free verse, ballads, sonnets, haiku, and rhyming poems. Descriptive, reflective, dramatic and comic. Some containing dialect from his latest publication, Words of the White Peak. His sixth consecutive year at the Buxton Fringe. Infectious, but not fatal!
Old Hall Hotel-Shrewsbury Room 12, 18, 24 Jul noon to 1:15pm £6.00 Children £4.00 Concessions £5.00 Review
Direct bookings via 01298 27644 or philipholland@uwclub.net
Direct Opera House Online Booking

Mark Gwynne Jones and the Psychicbread

*The Spoken WorLd of - Mark Gwynne Jones and the Psychicbread
Recently described as New Age Musical Theatre, here is a breath-taking show of fine music, poetic-drama and surreal humour that leaves a lasting impression. 'Inspired... draws the audience into a world where things are not quite what they seem.' The Guardian. 'Astonishing... you'll love this show' . The Daily Mail.
Railway Hotel 18 Jul 8:30pm to 11:00pm £8.00 Children n/a Concessions £6.50 Review
Direct Opera House Online Booking

Credit: Simone Tripodi

Welcome to the UK! - Monkey Poet
A seven times Fringe-award winner! Don't miss this hilarious, outrageous, disgustingly poetic tour of the things that matter - sex, death and everything in-between! Warning: contains words (and gratuitous ones at that!). 'Funny, Bawdy, Passionate.' **** The Toronto Eye Weekly. 'A bullshit-free zone!' **** Nuvo Magazine, Indianapolis.
Underground Venues - Barrel Room 11, 15, 22 Jul 10:00pm to 11:00pm £7.00 Children £5.00 Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

A story about finding something in nothing, and that being enough.

When Nothing Happens by Sophie Tilley - The Spare Room (New Writing)
This is a story about keys, locked doors, cake and a summer funeral. A story about finding friendship in unexpected places. About finding nothing in something, and that being enough. Set in a fictional Derbyshire town, this is a story for adults scored with original music by Ed Millington. http://tillington.blogspot.com
Underground Venues - Pauper's Pit 21, 24 Jul 11:00pm to 11:45pm, 25 Jul 4:00pm to 4:45pm £7.00 Children £5.00 Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

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Street Theatre

Fringe Sunday 2008 - Martin Bisknell

Fringe Sunday - Buxton Festival Fringe
Catch the fun of the Fringe at this free outdoor event featuring music, drama, street theatre, puppeteers and tasters of Fringe events around the bandstand in the park. Bring the family, a picnic and enjoy the Fringe atmosphere - last year's event was glorious!
Pavilion Gardens-Bandstand 12 Jul 2:00pm to 4:30pm Free Ages All

*The Roses of Eyam - The Roses of Eyam Project
A promenade production of the play about plague in the village of Eyam in 1665, revisiting the sites used in the play - the churchyard, the village street and the stocks - involving the audience. It will be a community play involving Eyam village, Buxton Drama League and other local groups.
Church Street, Eyam Village 15-18 Jul 7:00pm to 9:30pm £7.50 Children £5.00 Ages 10+ Review
Direct bookings via 01433 631976
Direct Opera House Online Booking

The Shakespeare Jukebox

The Shakespeare Jukebox - Buxton Drama League
Back for a fourth year! Fast, furious and fun - Shakespeare as you've never seen it before. Is your favourite bit of the Bard in our jukebox? Put a coin in our hat, make your selection and enjoy the action. All proceeds to Buxton Samaritans. Sponsored by No. 6 Tearooms.
Buxton Opera House Forecourt 16, 18-21, 23-25 Jul 6:00pm to 7:00pm Free Review

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Theatre

Connect:4 - Scott Flynn, Nikita Lane, Rici Pidduck and Elizabeth Sale

9.47am - Connect:4 (New Writing)
This highly-energised, thought-provoking piece of devised theatre reflects on the attacks on the World Trade Centre in 2001. 9.47am looks at events from a number of personal perspectives, whilst avoiding being political and sentimental. The enormity of the attacks will resonate once again with audience members.
Underground Venues - Pauper's Pit 12 Jul 2:30pm to 3:05pm, 13 Jul 11:00pm to 11:35pm, 14 Jul 6:30pm to 7:05pm £7.00 Children £5.00 Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

Patricia Hartshorne in Absolute Pants  (credit: Michael Elphick)

*Absolute Pants - GlovesOff Productions (New Writing)
Camp, colourful - full of surprises. New cabaret from GlovesOff. Blends boots, beards - and fish-nets! With a song and a swagger, Patricia Hartshorne returns with this look at 'male', 'female', and the space in between. Who wears the trousers? Does it matter - or is it all absolute pants?
Old Hall Hotel-Shrewsbury Room 15-17 Jul 8:00pm to 8:50pm £8.00 Children and Concessions £6.00 Ages 12+ Review
Direct bookings via 07791 84 43 32 or mail@glovesoff.co.uk
Direct Opera House Online Booking

Comedy Trio (a.k.a. Three's Company) credit: Haz Al-Shaater

Adventure Time - Three's Company (New Writing)
The hapless 'Comedy Trio' attempt to record their latest CSI-meets-Agatha Christie-meets-Film Noir radio spoof... and stream it live on the internet. But an avalanche of catastrophes sees the audience pulled in to provide a little more than the traditional laughtrack. The latest comedy from the multi-award-winning team.
Underground Venues - Pauper's Pit 9, 13-14, 23 Jul 8:00pm to 9:00pm, 26 Jul 3:30pm to 4:30pm £8.50 Children £5.00 Concessions £6.50 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

*Animal Farm - Black Box Theatre School
The animals of Manor Farm have revolted against their human masters; they dream of a world where all animals are equal but soon discover some are more equal than others. Black Box Theatre School return to the Fringe with an adaptation of Orwell's classic.
Buxton Spa Swimming Pool-Activity Room 11 Jul noon to 1:30pm, 5:00pm to 6:30pm £7.00 Children and Concessions £5.00 Ages 10+ Review
Direct bookings via 07534 90 77 98 or admin@blackboxmerseyside.co.uk
Direct Opera House Online Booking

Anorak of Fire  (photo Helen Butler)

*Anorak of Fire by Stephen Dinsdale - Planet Rabbit Productions Ltd
The Life and Times of Gus Gascoigne, Trainspotter. With his NHS spectacles, flask and beloved anorak, this lovable geek tells the story of his life, love, locos and the joys of spotting. Genuinely funny. For further information please go to www.planetrabbit.co.uk
United Reformed Church 14 Jul 3:00pm to 4:00pm, 15 Jul 8:00pm to 9:00pm, 21 Jul 3:00pm to 4:00pm, 22 Jul 8:00pm to 9:00pm £7.00 Children n/a Concessions £6.00 - adult themes Review
Direct bookings via 07986 12 23 00 or info@planetrabbit.co.uk
Direct Opera House Online Booking

Art by Yasmina Resa

Art - Bath University Student Theatre
Yasmina Reza's acclaimed play, which won numerous awards when it was premiered, is a delightful comedy concerning the terrible effect on the friendship of three men of one of them purchasing an exciting piece of modern art, a large painting consisting of white lines on a white canvas.
Underground Venues - Pauper's Pit 8, 12-14 Jul 5:00pm to 6:00pm £8.00 Children and Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

Bane

Bane - Whitebone Productions (New Writing)
Bruce Bane is a hired hand that gets the job done. Join him on his journey through the city in this dark comedic tale of revenge. A one-man comedy written and performed by Joe Bone with live music by Ben Roe. From the company behind last Fringe's Best Comedy.
Underground Venues - Pauper's Pit 16-17 Jul 9:15pm to 10:30pm £7.00 Children £5.00 Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

Best Man Speech

Best Man Speech - Flat Earth Theatre
Addy is getting married. His marriage to Miranda should be the icing on the cake of his success story. But his best man has some life-changing truths to reveal, and uses his speech to do so. Funny, shocking and beautifully written, this is a gripping tale of loyalty and revenge.
Underground Venues - Barrel Room 9-10, 12 Jul 5:00pm to 6:00pm £8.50 Children and Concessions £6.50 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

Brokenville by Philip Ridley - Imagine Theatre Company
Nameless and with little knowledge of their previous existence, after their city has been left in ruins, a group of individuals try to recall their lives through the telling of stories. A physical and magical performance taking Imagine back to what they do best for the third year running.
Buxton Community School-Drama Studio 24-25 Jul 7:30pm to 9:30pm £4.00 Children and Concessions £2.50 - Some mild language Review
Direct bookings via 07794 06 05 26 or 07912 78 66 49 or emily_poulter@yahoo.co,uk

(credit: Adrienne Brown)

Butter Side Up by Maggie Dealey - Fragile Theatre (New Writing)
Chuckfarthing House. Breakfast is served. Which is tough when you have a hangover and you're the one who has to serve it. Butter side up or butter side down? Physics or Fate? Will the past always come back to haunt you? Organic grapefruit and tart, refreshing drama from award-winning playwright.
Underground Venues - Pauper's Pit 12 Jul 3:45pm to 4:35pm, 13 Jul 6:30pm to 7:25pm, 15 Jul 9:30pm to 10:20pm £8.00 Children and Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

If anybody asks...

Can't Stand Up For Falling Down - 1000 Twangling Instruments in association with LIPA
Through interconnected monologues, we see how one unseen male's brutal behaviour creates a connection between three women. Through their recollections of a fateful and memorable summer, they decide to take justice into their own hands, changing their lives forever. Set against a post-industrial landscape of canals, woodland and disused quarries.
Underground Venues - Pauper's Pit 20 Jul 3:45pm to 4:45pm, 21, 24 Jul 9:30pm to 10:30pm, 25 Jul 5:00pm to 6:00pm £8.00 Children and Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

Jaacq Hugo as The Very Good Family. (credit: Natasha Vassiliou)

Clothes To Fall Apart In - The Off-Off-Off-Broadway Company (New Writing)
You are invited to A Very Sad Woman's wake, where her brother and sister will reminisce about her life. Do not expect love. Expect dark humour, video, monologues, performance, an unstable grandmother, a tragic Adonis, morbid fashion shows, shoes and stockings - because death shouldn't stop you from looking good.
Underground Venues - Pauper's Pit 11 Jul 6:30pm to 7:15pm, 13-14 Jul 1:00pm to 1:45pm £7.00 Children £5.00 Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

The Cutting

*The Cutting - Freerange Theatre Company
Did Judith, a young woman held on remand, murder her mother? She has remained silent for five months and it takes Alex, a psychiatrist specialising in mutism, weeks to unlock her silence. What follows could never have been predicted. Freerange Theatre Company (2006 double winners with Mamet's Oleanna) are back.
Buxton Spa Swimming Pool-Activity Room 10 Jul 7:30pm to 9:30pm, 11 Jul 2:30pm to 4:30pm, 7:30pm to 9:30pm, 12 Jul 2:30pm to 4:30pm, 24 Jul 2:30pm to 4:30pm, 7:30pm to 9:30pm, 25 Jul 2:30pm to 4:30pm, 7:30pm to 9:30pm £8.00 Children n/a Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via bookings@freerangetheatre.co.uk
Direct Opera House Online Booking

Eighteen Stupid Reasons Why I Love You Lots And Lots

Eighteen Stupid Reasons Why I Love You Lots And Lots - Cheap Seats (New Writing)
'This is all about you. All of it. All this... stuff. Bits and pieces.' Will's girlfriend has left him. Using his new-found grasp of time travel, he attempts to make his memories of a romantic past a constant present. A comedy from the makers of the multi-award nominated Daisies.
Underground Venues - Pauper's Pit 18 Jul 7:45pm to 8:45pm, 22 Jul 11:00pm to midnight, 23 Jul 6:15pm to 7:15pm, 25 Jul 2:30pm to 3:30pm £8.00 Children and Concessions £6.00 - Very strong language Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

Faustus

Faustus - Non Stop Cabaret Theatre Company
An adaptation of Marlowe's original - drawing on classical text, physicality and clowning to create a stunning piece of contemporary theatre from the award-winning company. A youthful and naive Faustus is manipulated by grotesque and sinister, yet alarmingly alluring characters, taking him on a journey to eternal damnation.
Underground Venues - Pauper's Pit 20 Jul 9:15pm to 10:30pm, 21-22 Jul 3:45pm to 5:00pm £8.00 Children and Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

George - Don't Do That  (photo C. Butler)

*George - Don't Do That! by Joyce Grenfell - Planet Rabbit Productions Ltd
Joyce Grenfell's famous nursery school sketches. Six separate comedy monologues of a primary school teacher addressing a classroom of four year-olds, written by the legendary Joyce Grenfell in 1977. For further information please go to www.planetrabbit.co.uk.
United Reformed Church 15, 22 Jul 2:00pm to 2:40pm £4.00 Children and Concessions n/a Review
Direct bookings via 07986 12 23 00 or info@planetrabbit.co.uk
Direct Opera House Online Booking

George Telfer as John Gielgud

Gielgud - A Knight in the Theatre - George Telfer
Back by popular demand, George Telfer's award-winning portrayal of actor Sir John Gielgud. 'Delightful one-man show full of theatrical gossip, camp put-downs and moving moments. Telfer has the distinctive voice to a tee ... I lapped it up with pleasure'. Charles Spencer, Daily Telegraph. Winner, Best Actor, Buxton Fringe 2004.
Underground Venues - Pauper's Pit 19 Jul 3:15pm to 4:30pm, 7:45pm to 9:00pm, 20-23 Jul 2:00pm to 3:15pm £8.50 Children and Concessions £6.50 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

Ernesto Pietrantonio

Grimm's - Con Ghiaccio Theatre Company
A foolish girl nibbles daintily on a poisoned apple, two sisters hack away at their hideous feet, and a sly wolf explores the simple delights of donning women's attire. This is a witty, high-energy adaptation lovingly scooped from the combined imaginations of the Brothers Grimm and eight talented performers.
Underground Venues - Pauper's Pit 16-17 Jul 6:15pm to 7:05pm, 18 Jul 3:30pm to 4:20pm £7.00 Children £5.00 Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

The Last Laugh

The Last Laugh - High Peak Writers
A live performance of a radio play by Buxton's High Peak Writers with Benchmark Theatre Academy, Huddersfield, www.benchmarktheatre.co.uk. When a successful comedienne has a psychotic episode, her talents and the opiniions of others are tested to their limits This timely premiere shines a questioning light on the media's notion of mental illness.
***CANCELLED***

Leatherface

Leatherface - Verano Theatre Company
'I am Leatherface! The man with the chainsaw! I want to order pizza!' Based on true events, this is the story of one man's obsession with the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Originally written in German, this translation is the UK premiere.
Underground Venues - Pauper's Pit 19 Jul 6:30pm to 7:15pm, 20 Jul 5:15pm to 6:00pm, 21 Jul 6:30pm to 7:15pm £7.00 Children £5.00 Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

Kevin Clifford

Love and Other Magic Tricks - standnotamazed (New Writing)
'Love is like a magic trick; You can try and work it out ; But that would spoil the fun.' Part love story, part magic show, Love and Other Magic Tricks reveals the smoke and mirrors between a couple as they search for that delicate line between love and need.
Underground Venues - Pauper's Pit 22-23 Jul 9:30pm to 10:30pm, 24 Jul 8:00pm to 9:00pm, 25 Jul 11:00pm to midnight £8.00 Children and Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

The 'merry' wives of Henry VIII

*The Merry Wives of Henry VIII - Distraction Theatre Company (New Writing)
Watch the six Mrs Tudors struggle to keep their position (and their heads) as they rival for Henry VIII's attention to stay as Queen of England. With much more at stake than the Desperate Housewives' women, there's bound to be blood spilt! Watch history re-written with Distraction's distinctive comedy flavour.
The Marquee - Poole's Cavern Grounds 19-20 Jul 7:30pm to 9:10pm £7.00 Children and Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07532 01 44 76 or www.nicevenues.com
Direct Opera House Online Booking

Photo: Jan Schouten

Open Auditions for The Pirates of Penzance - Pamela Bilik Theatricals
Put on an opera in a week! Auditions for 'Pirates' are open to anyone between the ages of 8 - 18. Performances at New Mills Art Theatre. No previous performance experience required. Full details on our website: www.pbtheatricals.co.uk. (Includes details of The Mikado for 18 - 30 year olds). See you there!
Trinity Church 25 Jul 10:00am to 1:00pm Free Concessions n/a Ages 8 - 18
for further information enquiries@pbtheatricals.co.uk

Othello by William Shakespeare

Othello - Bath University Student Theatre
The smallest of suspicions can destroy even the happiest of unions; the slightest of proof can overwhelm even the greatest trust. Shakespeare's seminal tragedy of jealousy and pride explores how much we can ever truly understand the ones we love, or even understand ourselves.
Underground Venues - Pauper's Pit 8-9, 13-14 Jul 9:30pm to 10:30pm £8.00 Children and Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

7, 10 & 11 across: Pun (4,2,5)

Play On Words - Three's Company
The multi-award-winning sell-out hit returns. Starring Tom Crawshaw, Yaz Al-Shaater and Michael Grady-Hall (back together for the first time since 2005) switching the show's roles each night! Fred and Eddie race against time to unravel the mystery of their missing friend Jen - battling Beckettian calamity, Stoppardian wit and dried fruit.
Underground Venues - Pauper's Pit 15, 21-22, 25 Jul 7:45pm to 9:00pm £8.50 Children £5.00 Concessions £6.50 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

HHC is a public organisation

*Prosper and Queue by Andrew Beswick - Red End Salutations (New Writing)
Red End Salutations present this seminal work from the co-founder of the Bristol-based Hill House Collective. This piece, illustrative of the life and work of a contemporary artist, will include monologue, installation, musical performance and asks of its audience: 'queue here please'.
United Reformed Church - Room 2 8-10 Jul 6:15pm to 7:10pm, Buxton Library 11 Jul 2:00pm to 3:00pm, United Reformed Church - Room 2 6:15pm to 7:10pm £4.00 Children Free Concessions £3.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07927 09 05 68 or ak6750@bristol.ac.uk
Direct Opera House Online Booking

Road

Road by Jim Cartwright - Sketch Theatre Company
Under the guidance of the rum-soaked, wide-boy, Scullery, the audience is taken on an evening's tour of a scruffy, depressed Lancashire road. It captures with bawdy and sometimes obscene precision what it is to be a living reject in an Eighties' small town. Tickets on the door for this amateur production..
Buxton Community School-Drama Studio 16-17 Jul 7:30pm to 9:00pm £6.00 Children and Concessions £4.00 Ages 15+ - Contains some strong language Review

Standby On Stage Please (photo C. Butler)

*Standby on Stage Please by Claire Butler - Planet Rabbit Productions Ltd (New Writing)
Suzi, a well-known TV actress and 'celebrity' is starring in a top pantomime. Set in the wings of a theatre, the play follows Suzi's ludicrous requests and constant off-stage wittering in the direction of the long-suffering stage manager. For further information please go to www.planetrabbit.co.uk
United Reformed Church 14 Jul 2:00pm to 2:45pm, 15 Jul 7:00pm to 7:45pm £6.00 Children and Concessions £5.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07986 12 23 00 or info@planetrabbit.co.uk
Direct Opera House Online Booking

Neyire Ashworth in Stolen Voices

Stolen Voices - Neyire Ashworth (New Writing)
Musical triangle of love, deception and mouthpieces! A one-woman show about a mother with secrets, carrying her home on her back; a daughter bridging two worlds speaking two languages; and a clarinet. Colliding, they unearth the painful, comic and absurd world of the outsider. 'Excellent Neyire Ashworth'. The Times.
Underground Venues - Pauper's Pit 10 Jul 9:30pm to 10:30pm, 11 Jul 5:00pm to 6:00pm, 12 Jul 9:30pm to 10:30pm £8.00 Children and Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

The Tempest by William Shakespeare

The Tempest - Black Box Theatre Company
From Buxton Fringe's multi-award-winning Black Box Theatre Company, following the 2008 sell-out Richard III, comes Shakespeare's magical last play of love, tragedy and comedy. The usurped Prospero draws his enemies to his enchanted island to exact his revenge, yet ultimately finds peace and the ability to forgive.
Underground Venues - Pauper's Pit 16-17 Jul 7:35pm to 8:45pm, 18 Jul 4:50pm to 6:00pm £8.50 Children £5.00 Concessions £6.50 Ages 12+ Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

Tomb To Womb

Tomb To Womb - 2 Boards & A Passion (New Writing)
What is it that makes us who we are, or rather, who we become? Using a high-speed journey backwards through one woman's life, the play examines how events and the people we meet along the way affect life choices and shape our futures. A humorous, thoughtful observational drama.
Underground Venues - Pauper's Pit 10 Jul 5:00pm to 6:00pm, 11 Jul 3:30pm to 4:30pm, 23 Jul 4:45pm to 5:45pm, 24 Jul 6:30pm to 7:30pm £8.00 Children and Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

*Two Bennetts: A Double Bill - Stage Three Theatre Company
A Private Word, from an unpublished story by Edwardian journalist Edwin Bennett, is a delightful Northern comedy. What does the disturbing letter really mean? A Visit from Miss Prothero, by peerless satirist Alan Bennett, draws back the curtain upon office intrigue, presentation clocks and budgerigars.
Grove Hotel, Grove Parade 9-10, 17-18, 20, 23 Jul 8:00pm to 9:30pm £6.00 Children and Concessions £5.00 Review
Direct Opera House Online Booking

artwork: Stephen Hepworth

The Unknown Land - Cotton Grass Theatre (New Writing)
A new play by Buxton writer Caroline Small about the Arctic and the men who went there in the 1840s. A man answers a newspaper advertisement inviting him to join a ship to explore the unknown wastes north of Greenland. A collaboration between CGT and Ashbourne folk-singer Keith Kendrick.
URC Hall, Tideswell 17-18 Jul 7:30pm to 9:30pm £8.00 Children and Concessions £6.00 Ages 16+ Review
Direct bookings via 01298 871063

'happy families'????

*Weekend Breaks by John Godber - library theatre touring company
A stand-up comedian formulates his act whilst on a 'weekend from hell' in the Lake District with his mother and father. With his unique, incisive humour, Godber captures the awkwardness of a family with not just a generation gap but a class divide as well.
United Reformed Church 17-18 Jul 7:30pm to 9:20pm £8.00 Children and Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct Opera House Online Booking

Why Me? - Shot in the Dark Theatre Company (New Writing)
A light-hearted play about the meaning of life. As we get older we settle into a life of monotony, rules and acceptance and the child within us stops asking why. This play brings back our sense of wonder and fear through a unique blend of physical theatre, puppetry, music and poetry.
Underground Venues - Pauper's Pit 18-19, 25 Jul 9:30pm to 10:30pm £8.00 Children and Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

Helen Grady as Ruth in A Woman of Uncertain Age

A Woman Of Uncertain Age by Maggie Dealey - Fragile Theatre
With old age comes wisdom. With middle-age comes uncertainty, lost love and lost luggage. A bitter-sweet comedy. 'Warm and engaging'. Alison Steadman. 'Strong, original work'. Ian D. Fleming (Director). Winner of Best New Writing, Buxton Fringe 2003.
Underground Venues - Pauper's Pit 10 Jul 6:30pm to 7:05pm, 11 Jul 2:30pm to 3:05pm, 24 Jul 4:30pm to 5:05pm, 25 Jul 6:30pm to 7:05pm £7.00 Children £5.00 Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

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Visual Arts

View near Coombs (pen and ink/watercolour pencils) by Rachel Slaney

Annual Art Exhibition - Burbage Art Group
Burbage Art Group celebrates Fringe30 with a bumper show extended by two hours to enable even more people to see the exciting, diverse art works produced at the group's classes on Wednesday evenings. Free cakes, teas, coffees and children's quiz are provided at this popular exhibition. Further information: 01538 266220.
Burbage Institute 18 Jul 11:00am to 3:00pm Free Ages All Review

Art on the Railings Banner

Art on the Railings - Art on the Railings
Art on the Railings is an exciting public art event to celebrate Fringe30. It takes place along the Broad Walk on the Pavilion Gardens railings on Fringe Sunday. This is a fantastic opportunity to come along to view or buy some affordable pieces of original art direct from the artists.
Pavilion Gardens-Broad Walk 12 Jul 11:00am to 5:00pm Free Review

Early morning sun on the bandstand. by Kathy MacMillan

Art Show - Kathy MacMillan
Invitation to visit a showcase of art by award-winning artist Kathy MacMillan. Well known for her beautiful watercolours and oils of the Peak District landscape, towns and villages. New works include paintings of Andalucia, Tuscany and Venice. Original paintings, greetings cards and limited edition prints for sale. Commissions undertaken.
5 St Ann's Close, Chapel-en-le-Frith 8-12, 14-19, 21-26 Jul 11:00am to 5:00pm Free Review
for further information kathymaymac@yahoo.com

Exhibits at Art Spectrum

Art Spectrum - Art Spectrum
A lively, stimulating exhibition where art is brought alive by artists and the children of Buxton Infant School. The exhibition will be diverse with a variety of styles produced by a range of age groups. We are exhibiting work from all the generations and hope to provide something for everyone.
Buxton Infant School 18-19 Jul 10:00am to 5:00pm Free Ages All Review

Close Up Magic Evening - High Peak Magic Society
Ten top class magicians will amaze and amuse you at your table. Booking recommended.
Pavilion Gardens-Paxton Suite 23 Jul 7:30pm to 11:00pm £7.50 Children and Concessions n/a Ages 12+ Review
Direct bookings via 01298 83218 or chrisamaze@btopenworld.com

Rolling Clouds by Sandy Bartle, Winner, Derbyshire Open 2008

The Derbyshire Open 2009 - Buxton Museum and Art Gallery
The Derbyshire Open exhibition is an annual highlight. Professional and amateur artists of all ages have submitted work for consideration by an independent judging panel. The top award is a purchase prize worth £750. Sponsors include Derbyshire County Council, Tarmac Ltd and the Friends of Buxton Museum and Art Gallery.
Buxton Museum and Art Gallery 8-10 Jul 9:30am to 5:30pm, 11 Jul 9:30am to 5:00pm, 12 Jul 10:30am to 5:00pm, 14-17 Jul 9:30am to 5:30pm, 18 Jul 9:30am to 5:00pm, 19 Jul 10:30am to 5:00pm, 21-24 Jul 9:30am to 5:30pm, 25 Jul 9:30am to 5:00pm, 26 Jul 10:30am to 5:00pm Free Review

'Feral'

Don't Wake Me Up - Don't Wake Me Up
An exhibition of prints by Buxton-based illustrator Kelly Dyson.
Apertures Picture Framing, 51 High Street, Buxton 8-26 Jul 9:00am to 5:30pm Free - Illustration content slighty dark, possible nudity Review

Photograph by Bridget Flemming

Entente Art Florale - High Peak Artists' & Craft Workers' Association
35 exhibitors from the new art and craft gallery at the Pavilion Gardens have been challenged to produce a piece of work in their own medium, inspired by Buxton's entry into Entente Florale - the international horticultural competition. Includes ceramics, jewellery, textiles and fashion, paintings, photographs, embroidery and print making.
Pavilion Gardens-The Art Cafe 8-26 Jul 9:30am to 5:30pm Free Ages All Review

From Cuba to Curbar - Suzanne Pearson
Mixed-media collection of art work inspired by recent experiences and travels. Showing at the artist's home and garden during Fringe Wednesdays and weekends (and at other times by arrangement). Refreshments available.
54 Brown Edge Road 8, 11-12, 15, 18-19, 22 Jul 10:00am to 6:00pm Free Concessions n/a Review

The Great Dome Art Fair 2009

The Great Dome Art Fair - Peak District Products
PDP returns with its award-winning art fair showcasing unique, affordable originals representing visual art, jewellery, furniture, ceramics, textiles, fashion, photography, sculpture, stained glass, calligraphy, wood-carving, silver, fine food and mosaics. PDP, founded in 1991, is an association of around 60 professional craftspeople, artists and food producers around the Peak District.
University of Derby Buxton - The Dome 25-26 Jul 10:00am to 4:30pm Free Review

The Bookstore Brierlow Bar

Image2009 Festival Fringe Photographic Competition - Bookstore Brierlow Bar
Display of entries in three separate sections. Light & Nature, Weather in the Peak and a Children's section, Marvellous Animals (7-12 year olds). £50 book token 1st prize each section, all entries by June 29th. Call in to Bookstore to collect entry form, three miles south of Buxton on A515.
Brierlow Bar Bookstore 8-11 Jul 9:30am to 5:30pm, 12 Jul 10:30am to 5:00pm, 13-18 Jul 9:30am to 5:30pm, 19 Jul 10:30am to 5:00pm, 20-25 Jul 9:30am to 5:30pm, 26 Jul 10:30am to 5:00pm Free Ages 7+ Review

©Adrienne Brown: A Quilt for Chloe, from a drawing by her Dad at age 5

Planet Domestos - and Beyond! - Adrienne Brown and Langley Brown
Exhibition at the home of two local artists working in textile, digital media, construction, word, concepts, painting and photography, and on themes that include memory, childhood, the domestic, illusion/delusion and the shameless delights of shape, colour, word and texture.
18 White Knowle Road, Buxton 8-26 Jul 2:00pm to 6:00pm Free Review

Biding Time by Sue Platt

Theatre of the Unique - Buxton Museum and Art Gallery
An exhibition of work by Sue Platt, whose art is first and foremost concerned with the inherent history in a found object. She is fascinated by collections and collecting - treasure troves of objects waiting to tell their collective stories, which change and evolve depending on how they are exhibited.
Buxton Museum and Art Gallery 11 Jul 9:30am to 5:00pm, 12 Jul 10:30am to 5:00pm, 14-17 Jul 9:30am to 5:30pm, 18 Jul 9:30am to 5:00pm, 19 Jul 10:30am to 5:00pm, 21-24 Jul 9:30am to 5:30pm, 25 Jul 9:30am to 5:00pm, 26 Jul 10:30am to 5:00pm Free Review

Upon the Moon the Earth's Shadow Fell

Upon the Moon the Earth's Shadow Fell - Sue Mortin
What happens on a full moon lunar eclipse? Find out at this selling exhibition of colourful, contemporary paintings on display at Beltane's during opening hours throughout the Festival. Not to be missed!
Beltane 8-12, 14-19, 21-26 Jul 11:00am to 11:00pm - Restaurant's opening hours Free Ages All Review

Harpur Hill working with pastels for Fringe 30's 'Vers@tile project.

Vers@Tile Exhibition for Fringe30 - Vers@Tile
Come and see Vers@Tile, our Fringe30 multi-media arts project. Over 150 people from 15 groups and schools worked with five artists in masterclasses to celebrate 30 years of the Fringe! Free workshop for adults and children: Saturday July 18th, 10am - 12 noon and 1 - 3pm. Booking required (01298 24658).
Buxton Museum and Art Gallery 8-10 Jul 9:30am to 5:30pm, 11 Jul 9:30am to 5:00pm, 12 Jul 10:30am to 5:00pm, 14-17 Jul 9:30am to 5:30pm, 18 Jul 9:30am to 5:00pm, 19 Jul 10:30am to 5:00pm, 21-24 Jul 9:30am to 5:30pm, 25 Jul 9:30am to 5:00pm, 26 Jul 10:30am to 5:00pm Free Ages All Review

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Other Events

Pendragon: The Wizard's Daughter - Book Cover

*Book Launch - The Pendragon Novels - Anecdotes Publishing
Launch of two new novels with Celtic themes - Pendragon: The Wizard's Daughter and Hand of Glory. Readings, music, wine with author Dilys Gater; display of book covers by designer Christopher Jones. Cover display open throughout Festival - 07817 10 82 05 for opening hours.
Grove Hotel, Grove Parade 12 Jul 2:00pm to 3:30pm £2.50 Children and Concessions n/a Review
Direct bookings via 01298 212386 or anecdotespublishing@btinternet.com
Direct Opera House Online Booking

Buxton Festival Fringe float

Buxton Carnival Float - Buxton Festival Fringe
The Fringe will be taking to the streets of Buxton in its own inimitable style as part of this year's Buxton Carnival procession. Look out for the orange and white float complete with Fringe30 fairies!
Around the Town 11 Jul 2:00pm to 4:00pm Free Ages All

Come one come all!

Fabulous Fund-raising Fair - Three's Company, Blue Sky Music and P B Theatricals
Joy, jollity and jumble. A traditional, fun-filled fair for all the family. Test your skill, try your luck and come early for the best bargains. Tombola, face-painting, Splat the Rat, books, maps, bric-a-brac, cakes, competitions and goodness knows what else we'll have thought of by the time the doors open!
Bath Road Church Centre 18 Jul 10:30am to 1:00pm Free Ages All Review
for further information 07971 63 69 65

Orange is the colour by Haroun Al-Shaater

Fringe Awards Ceremony - Buxton Festival Fringe
The prestigious Fringe Awards Ceremony in The Dome Fine Dining Restaurant is open to all entrants and Fringe Friends.
University of Derby Buxton - The Dome 26 Jul 1:30pm to 3:00pm Free - Friends and Entrants

Haroun the barman in The Fringe Club

Fringe Launch Party - Underground Events
Join us for the official launch of Buxton Fringe 2009 - down in the atmospheric vaults of the Old Hall Hotel. Catch preview performances from across the Fringe, mingle with the stars behind it all and help us toast the 30th Fringe Festival! No booking required - just come along!
Underground Venues - Fringe Club 8 Jul 8:00pm to midnight Free
for further information 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

Guided Walk - Vera Brittain's Buxton - Jennie Ainsworth
A leisurely walk to follow the story of Vera Brittain's life in Buxton 1904-1915 and to see some of the locations mentioned in her book, Testament of Youth. Distance one mile; duration two hours. Start in the Pavilion Gardens building at the Vera Brittain plaque near the Octagon entrance.
Pavilion Gardens-Foyer 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24-25 Jul 2:00pm to 4:00pm £2.50 Children £1.00 Concessions n/a Ages All Review
Direct bookings via Jennie Ainsworth at the start of the walk

Market Place Well Dressing 2008

*Guided Walk - Water and Well Dressing in Buxton - Chris Simpson and Christine Gould
A walk around the centre of Buxton with two members of the Buxton Well Dressing Committee. The development and history of Buxton, its unique thermal waters and key personalities. Visit the Well Dressing at St. Ann's Well and learn how it is made with the designer.
Buxton Opera House Forecourt 9-10 Jul 10:30am to 11:30am £2.50
Direct Opera House Online Booking

High Jinx

High Jinx: Deliverance - High Jinx (New Writing)
A thrilling mix of magic, illusion, escapology, juggling and music from this unique brother and sister duo. Guaranteed to leave you entertained, amazed and possibly even scared! Winners of the IBM British Ring Shield - magic's most prestigious award. 'The best disappearing act since Lord Lucan'.
Underground Venues - Pauper's Pit 8-9 Jul 6:30pm to 7:15pm, 18 Jul 11:00pm to 11:45pm, 19 Jul 1:00pm to 1:45pm, 20 Jul 11:00pm to 11:45pm £7.00 Children £5.00 Concessions £6.00 Review
Direct bookings via 07980 29 29 78 or http://undergroundvenues.co.uk

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Diary