The Merry Widow Opens Buxton International Festival in Spectacular Style
Buxton International Festival 2026 opened last night with a reimagining of Lehár's 1905 operetta, The Merry Widow.
A collaboration between Opera Holland Park, Scottish Opera and D'Oyly Carte Opera, The Merry Widow unfolds over three acts. Audiences are transported to 1950s New York for Act One, where Don Zeta celebrates his 50th birthday. The operetta bursts into life with vibrant costumes, dazzling performances and incredible vocals as the party gets underway. Here we meet the enchanting and eligible Merry Widow herself, Hanna Glawari, alongside her on-again, off-again love interest, the charming ladies' man Danilo.
Act Two moves to Sicily, where the celebrations continue in the lemon grove belonging to Hanna's late husband. Against the beautiful Italian countryside, the group attempts to unravel the mystery of which married woman is having an affair with the French singer, Camille.
The final act returns to New York and Maxim's, Zeta's bustling cabaret bar, where Hanna and Danilo's relationship finally reaches its emotional climax.
Audiences are in for a treat as comedy, romance and dance intertwine with glorious operatic music to create a truly unforgettable evening. The immensely talented cast is led by Paula Sides and Dominic Sedgwick as Hanna and Danilo, whose outstanding vocals are a joy to listen to.
The production is seamless, blending nostalgic Hollywood glamour with stunning set design, beautiful costumes and outstanding live music from the Buxton International Festival Orchestra, conducted by Iwan Davies.
The Merry Widow is a must-see and has set the tone for what promises to be a brilliant festival, running until 26 July and celebrating the very best of opera, jazz, music and books.
Picture Credit: Genevieve Girling
