One Night Only . . . Again

Recently awarded an OBE for services to Music, Nicky Spence has joined forces with Buxton Opera House to stage a fundraising concert with a mission to raise money to improve the 120-year-old Matcham Theatre’s accessibility provisions.

Joined by Soprano Mary Bevan MBE and the Northern Chamber Orchestra for a night of opera and musical theatre, One Night Only… Again is on Saturday, September 9, 7.30 pm.

We’ve all heard the phrase ‘break a leg’, well that’s exactly what operatic tenor Nicky Spence did last year, breaking both of his legs in an accident on the way to a European opera house. Wheelchair bound for 6 months, Nicky personally experienced what it was like to perform at Buxton Opera House with accessibility needs and since then has made it his mission to support the venue.

Of the experience Nicky said “Although sustaining these potential life-affecting injuries were no doubt the lowest ebb of my career, I did get a first-hand view at how poorly equipped some of our best-loved venues are in terms of accessibility. Buxton Opera House is very special to me and I’m happy to help lead the way in improving the experience of future performers and audiences in Derbyshire.”

Built in 1903 by architect Frank Matcham, Buxton Opera House is a Grade II listed building.

Much of the venue’s infrastructure has remained the same since its inception and although it is important to preserve this historic building, there are some areas which require updating to ensure the venue can be accessible for all and will ensure the future of the theatre for the next 120 years.

The funds raised from One Night Only… Again will provide essential support to this vital area of work and will make a significant contribution to Buxton Opera House’s long-term redevelopment plans.

Soprano Mary Bevan and tenor Nicky Spence will perform a rich collection of well-loved classics, opera and musical theatre in One Night Only… Again.

The Concert will feature the Northern Chamber Orchestra, conducted by John Andrews, and the Kinder Chorus.

Nicky Spence, awarded “Personality of the Year” by BBC Music Magazine in 2022, is an artist of great integrity.

His unique skills as a singing actor and the rare honesty in his musicianship have earned him a place at the top of the music profession.

Recent highlights include Jenufa for the Royal Opera, The Valkyrie for English National Opera and Kafa Kabanova at Glyndebourne Festival.

Mary Bevan is internationally renowned in baroque, classical and contemporary repertoire, and appears regularly with leading conductors, orchestras and ensembles around the world. She has recently appeared in Alcina at the Royal Opera House.

One Night Only…Again is on at Buxton Opera House on Saturday, September 9, 7.30pm.

Tickets available at buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/event/one-night-only-again.