Written by Katherine Chandler and brought to you by the team behind Hare and Tortoise (2023) and Rumpelstiltskin (2024). The Elves and the Shoemaker will be running at Pavilion Arts Centre in Buxton this December.
Here to spread the Christmas magic once again is Niamh Forster as Elf, who starred as Libby in last year’s production of Rumpelstiltskin. Niamh brings previous stage credits from BIRDIE (Salford Arts Theatre), her role in a Manchester Fringe Award-winning play, and various short films. Joining the cast for a third-year running is Adam Horvath, playing the storyteller. Adam has a multitude of stage and screen credits including Doctors (BBC) and Brassed Off (Derby Theatre). Jennifer Hague completes the cast in the role of Clara. Jennifer graduated from Guildford School of Acting with a Masters in Musical Theatre. She has previously played the Queen in our pantomime Sleeping Beauty (2022), and Mrs. Lovett in our community production of Sweeney Todd (2022).
It’s nearly Christmas and the elves are on a mission… who can they help tonight? Will it be the kind, hard-working shoemaker? Can they use their magic to work through the night and save the day? A classic story retold with music, interaction, and a whole lot of fun!
Cast
Starring Jennifer Hague as Clara/Elfie, Niamh Forster as Elf, and Adam Horvath as The Storyteller.
Creatives
The Elves and the Shoemaker is written by Katherine Candler, with music, lyrics and musical direction by Rob Green. Allie Spencer directs, and Kerry Allsop produces alongside Movement Direction and Tour Booking. The show’s design is by Vicki Smith, Lighting Design, Production Management, and Technical Stage Management is from Meg Ryder, Sound Design is by Adam P McCready, and Assistant Lighting Design is from Sam Berriman. James Morgan provides set building services, and Barry Hope is Head of Production for Buxton Opera House.
How much are the tickets for The Elves and the Shoemaker?
Tickets are on sale now, priced from £9.50. Show is suitable for kids aged 3+. 1 adult free per 10 children (for performance on 19 December only).
How do I book tickets to watch The Elves and the Shoemaker?
Tickets are now on sale and available from the Box Office, by calling 01298 72190 or visit Buxton Opera House’s website here.
How long is the show for and what are the timings?
The performance will be running from Saturday, 13 December until Tuesday, 23 December 2025 at 10am, 1pm and 4pm. at the Pavilion Arts Centre. There will also be signed and relaxed performance available. Do check the website for the exact date/timings.
Where is Pavilion Arts Centre?
There is free parking after 6pm in the car park behind Pavilion Gardens, a short walk from the venue (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.
Pavilion Arts Centre
St John’s Road
Buxton
SK17 6BE
About Pavilion Arts Centre
Just behind Buxton Opera House is the Pavilion Arts Centre, a flexible venue with 355 seats. It’s perfect for smaller performances like drama, stand-up comedy, and live music, including the popular Buxton Buzz Comedy Club and Coffee Concerts.
The Pavilion Arts Centre plays an important role in several major festivals:
- Buxton Fringe Festival
- Buxton International Festival
- International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival
It’s also home to Buxton Opera House Creates, a programme that supports community involvement in the arts. The space is used for creative projects, meetings and rehearsals, and performances by community groups.
You may also want to read this:
Review: A Fairytale for Christmas at Buxton Opera House
Win a family ticket to Cinderella at The Regent Theatre
Win a family ticket worth over £115 to Jack and the Beanstalk at Crewe Lyceum
Photo Credit: Buxton Opera House/
