For the first time in their 16 year history the highly acclaimed professional Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company will move from their traditional Buxton Opera House home to present a week-long open-air run of “The Yeomen of the Guard” with Oxford Castle as its dramatic background. Jeff Clarke’s dramatic new production opens on Bank-Holiday Monday August 30 and plays through to and including Sunday September 5th.
Set in the Tower of London, “The Yeomen of the Guard” is the closest that Gilbert & Sullivan came to Grand Opera. Gilbert’s satire and thought-provoking one-liners abound. There are plenty of topsy turvy complications to the plot and many believe that the musical score is Sullivan’s finest.
A cast to match the splendour of the occasion has been assembled including some of Britain’s finest specialist G & S performers - Charlotte Page (Elsie), Richard Gauntlett (Jack Point), Bruce Graham (Sgt Meryll), Oliver White (Fairfax) and Jill Pert (Dame Carruthers). The renowned National Festival Orchestra with musical direction from John Owen Edwards will add further excitement to Jeff Clarke’s dramatic new production.
This is a fantastic and rare opportunity to see some of the very best Gilbert & Sullivan performed against the backdrop of the imposing and quite magnificent Oxford Castle walls – some of which date back to the 11th century. So if you thought Oxford was just about elegant spires and world-class academia then think again! Join us for a wonderful performance in an atmosphere of history which is perfect for one of Gilbert & Sullivan’s finest works.
Programme of Events:
Monday August 30th – Friday September 3rd – Evening Performances commence at 7.30 pm. Saturday September 4th – Matinee Performance 2.30 pm and Evening Performance 7.30 pm. Sunday September 5th - Evening Performance 7.30 pm. Tickets: First 4 rows - £44.00 including a glass of Buck's Fizz and programme.
Middle 5 rows - £30.00
Rear 4 rows - £22.00
GROUPS OF 10+ ENJOY A 10% DISCOUNT. Tickets can be booked online at www.wegottickets.com/GandS or just call us on 01422 323252 if you need any assistance or more information.
ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES
We are delighted to offer accommodation packages to those visitors who would like to stay in Oxford and have blocked rooms at the Barcelo Oxford Hotel (this is the same group as The Palace Hotel in Buxton).
This is a four star hotel located only two miles from the city centre and minutes from the A34 and M40. Modern, designer en suite bedrooms, sauna, fitness centre, indoor swimming pool, Turkish/steam bath, squash. Restaurant, bar and car parking for over 250 cars.
PACKAGE 1 - 1 NIGHT
Arrive Monday August 30th (Bank Holiday)- check-in from 2.00 pm.
Ticket for Yeomen of the Guard (£44.00 to include a glass of Buck's Fizz and programme). Transportation will be arranged from the hotel to Oxford Castle and return after the performance.
Breakfast is included in the price the following morning and an open air bus tour of Oxford.
Price per person sharing a double/twin room: £195.00
PACKAGE 2 - 1 NIGHT
Arrive Wednesday September 1st - check-in from 2.00 pm.
Ticket for Yeomen of the Guard (£44.00 to include a glass of Buck's Fizz and programme). Transportation will be arranged from the hotel to Oxford Castle and return after the performance.
Breakfast is included in the price the following morning and an open air bus tour of Oxford.
Price per person sharing a double/twin room: £195.00
PACKAGE 3 - 2 NIGHTS
Arrive Friday September 3rd - check-in from 2.00 pm
Friday evening - Dinner in the hotel and a fun concert performance of The Mikado. Saturday morning - half-day open air bus tour of Oxford. Saturday evening - Performance of Yeomen of the Guard (£44.00 Ticket including a glass of Buck's Fizz and programme). Transportation from the hotel to Oxford Castle is included. Sunday morning - tour to Blenheim Palace.
Price person sharing a double/twin room: £295.00
To reserve your package please email: sarah@gs-festival.co.uk or call 01422 323252
