Review: James Bond Concert Spectacular at Buxton Opera House*

James Bond Concert Spectacular at Buxton Opera House

[Ad-gifted] Buxton is a delightful spa town that boasts some excellent architecture, and Buxton Opera House is a stunning example: it was built in 1903, it has just over 900 and is located right next to the park. The venue is easily reached from Manchester by rail. The town’s spa waters still run (warm and free) from St Anne’s Well, located just round the corner from the Opera House – don’t forget to bring a bottle and take some home with you!

We all know a few Bond tunes, even those of us who are not avid fans. The names of John Barry, Shirley Bassey, Piers Brosnan, Sean Connery, Duran Duran and Adele are now part of the fabric of the 007 empire that was started by author Ian Fleming with his first Bond book, Casino Royale, in 1953.

I asked my sister to join me this evening for Q The Music – The James Bond Concert Spectacular, because we rarely get to go out and have a bit of fun together these days. As we approach the crowd starting to gather outside the Opera House, three stunning Aston Martins come into view – offering the audience a chance for a selfie memento photograph.

The entertainment: Q The Music perform the James Bond Concert Spectacular

The band, Q The Music, was formed in 2004 and was the world’s first dedicated tribute band for 007’s theme tunes and popular hits. So good are they, they were invited to the Pinewood Studios (the iconic home of the Bond films) to celebrate the life of Sir Roger Moore, and have also performed for HM Secret Service.

Caroline Bliss was an original Bond girl, starring as Moneypenny in The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill. The band members (cast) all hail from leading orchestras and are musicians at the top of their game.

What did we think of The James Bond Concert Spectacular?

It looks like a full house tonight, and many of us have dressed up Royale-ly for the occasion. There are two enormous golden guns hanging behind the ten-piece band, setting the scene for the evening. As soon as Q The Music strike up, we know we are in for a treat. These musicians aren’t just talented, they are clearly enjoying entertaining us. There is a six-piece brass section (led by Warren Ringham, formerly of the RAF Squadronaires), percussion, keyboard and a guy with a red guitar – all in dinner suits and bow ties… and then the fabulous female vocalist Kerry Schultz comes sashaying on set in a glittering dress and absolutely belts out her first number. Kerry owned the stage tonight.

Compere Caroline Bliss introduced the band, accompanying us through the music, and providing the links between the tracks and the films. She had funny anecdotes for the audience about her time on set during filming, including wonderful detail about how Sean Connery got the part of Bond and also her own rise and subsequent demise as Miss Moneypenny.

We were treated to both female and male vocals tonight. Male vocalist Matt Walker was almost hiding in the band, disguised as a percussionist at the back – then down he came to the front and absolutely slayed Sam Smith’s Writing’s on the Wall. It was a performance that Sam would have been proud of, and in my opinion, the multi-talented Matt had got the edge!

It was all brilliant: from the drumstick twirling to the pyrotechnics and the wonderful six-part harmony vocals provided by the brass section at the end, so we didn’t let Q The Music go without them wowing us with an encore. It’s hard to pick a favourite part out, but as a guitarist, I think I was particularly enjoying the guitarist’s moment at the front of stage with that red Strat… the sound was clean and refreshing, and he had a great cameo with Kerry right at the front as the show drew to a close.

We have on stage:

Caroline Bliss, compere. Kerry Schultz and Matt Walker, vocals (Matt on percussion too). Mark Upton, Nathan Bray (what a fab name for a trombone player!), Warren Ringham, Nick West and Josh Haywood on brass. Jez Davies on keyboards. Lee Aaron on drums. We also have Dan Booth/Steve King on guitar and Joe Kemp on percussion (depending on the show).

Expect to hear…

Diamonds are Forever, Goldfinger, From Russia with Love, Live and Let Die, Nobody Does it Better… all the theme tunes from your favourite Bond films.

Creatives

Presented by Q The Music
Director Warren Ringham

How much are the tickets for The James Bond Concert Spectacular? 

Ticket prices £29 full price/£1.50 off for concessions (groups of eight or more, children, seniors, JSA, disabled – excludes Dress Circle seats)

How do I book tickets to watch The James Bond Concert Spectacular?

Tickets are now on sale and available from the Box Office, by calling 01298 72190 or visit Buxton Opera House’s website here here.

The booking office is normally open from 10am to 6pm on weekdays. When there is a performance, it is open until 8pm on weekdays, also 12pm to 6pm on Saturdays and 4pm to 8pm on Sundays.

You can catch the show at different dates and venues up and down the country by going to www.QTheMusicShow.com.

How long is the show for and what are the timings?

The show opened on 27 April in York but will be at Buxton Opera House for just one night on Sunday, 11 May 2025 at 7.30pm. The show will then continue its tour and end its final performance on 21 December 2025 at The Victoria Hall in Stoke-on-Trent. The show started at 7.30pm in Buxton and runs for 2hrs 45mins (including the interval).

Where is Buxton Opera House?

There is free parking after 6pm in the car park behind Pavilion Gardens, a short walk from both venues (Please note: the covered area of the car park closes at 6pm). There is also free on-street car parking after 6pm close to the theatre, but please make sure that you avoid the Residents Parking Scheme areas. Electric car charging is available at The Lee Wood Hotel and The Old Manse Guesthouse at the discretion of the guesthouse/hotel.

The train station is also a ten minute walk from the Opera House and operates a regular service from Manchester Piccadilly calling at all stations to Buxton. For more information on available services and any service updates visit: www.northernrail.org

Water street
Buxton
Derbyshire
SK17 6XN
boxoffice@boh.org.uk

Parking and Refreshments

There are plenty of pay-and-display off-road parking spaces available round the venue, but these get taken fairly quickly. Alternatively, you can park in the large two-storey car park off Burlington Road and take a pleasant five-minute walk down to the venue past the Pavilion Arts Centre, or through the park.

Drinks are available from one of the bars at the Opera House. Ice creams are also usually served. Just outside the Opera House is the Old Club House, where you can get food. There is also a selection of bars and restaurants nearby, especially along the Quadrant.

About Buxton Opera House

Buxton Opera House is a beautiful Edwardian theatre in Buxton, Derbyshire, England, designed by Frank Matcham.Opened in 1903, this Edwardian Baroque style building was later restored in 2001, It is one of the finest examples of his theatre design and is a key part of Buxton’s thriving cultural scene. The theatre hosts a diverse range of performances, including opera, musical concerts, comedy, and more. 

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Photo Credit: Buxton Opera House/Q The Music

* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.