Buxton Opera House - What's on show?
The magnificent and regal Buxton Opera House was built in 1903.
The art nouveau inspired building was designed by renowned theatre architect Frank Matcham, who designed the London Pallladium, Blackpool Ballroom and many other theatres throughout the UK.
Our artwork captures the Opera House on a warm and sunny summers evening. Hidden silhouettes can be found in the windows.
We have hidden many theatrical, operatic, musical and comedic references throughout.
Firstly, the butterfly in the foreground is in reference to "Madame Butterfly", a world famous opera, which was performed at Buxton Opera House.
To the right of the main doors is a poster for the 'Magnificent Matcham’, the architect who designed this magnificent building.
A poster of Anna Pavlova, a famous Ballet dancer, is visible to the left of the main doors. Anna Pavlova famously performed the dying swan pose at Buxton Opera House as part of Swan Lake many years ago.
Within the doorway, a silhouette of a distinguished gentleman and a lady are both visible - both of whom are poised ready to watch the opera.
To the left, a shadow of an exotic and tropical plant creeps in from the Buxton Pavilion Gardens. A black swan can be seen flying elegantly behind the Opera House. Meanwhile, a sneaky weasel has snuck out from behind the Forest Gin bar!
The Opera House was built in 1903. This, coincidentally, is the same year the Wright Brother famously performed their first powered flight. The plane silhouette signifies this historic moment in history.
The saxophonist, in the window, symbolises the varied selection of musicals performed at the Opera House over the years.
The poster at the bottom shows "Mrs. Willoughby’s Kiss", which was the opening show when the Opera House originally opened in 1903.
The balcony shows Romeo and Juliet in a loving embrace.
The cherubs are blowing bubbles in reference to the orchestra pit being submerged in the water from Buxton Spring.
The top right window shows Ken Dodd, the tax evading comedy legend who has often appeared at Buxton Opera House.
On the right of the building you can see a scene from Hamlet, a show that has been performed many times at the Opera House.
Below Hamlet you will find Punch and Judy, a long standing traditional show that's been performed in Buxton for many generations.
On the bottom right of the picture there is a shadow of a Morris dancer in reference to the Morris dancing festival in Buxton.
The picture has a few other hidden references, see if you can spot them.
The picture has a few other hidden references, see if you can spot them.