World Premiere cast and creative team announced for The Sorcerer’s Apprentice at Buxton Opera House

Cahoots NI and Buxton Opera House, in association with New 42 and the New Victory Theater, announce the full cast and creative team for their World Premiere adaptation of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, a visually spectacular family theatre experience blending live magic, original music, imaginative storytelling, and stunning puppetry.

This brand-new production runs at Buxton Opera House from Tue 2 – Sat 6 Jun (Gala Night: Thu 4 Jun), followed by a New York engagement in early 2027.

Among the cast is Buxton favourite Jennifer Hague, who returns to the Opera House stage to play Marit. Hague appeared as Mrs. Lovett in the BOH community production of Sweeney Todd (2022), the Queen in pantomime Sleeping Beauty (2022), and as Clara the shoemaker in last year’s festive family production of The Elves and The Shoemaker.

Hague joins a talented company of returning performers including Philippa O’Hara (The Vanishing Elephant) as Gunda, James Grimm (The Vanishing Elephant) as Dad, and Iris Schmid (The Vanishing Elephant) as Puppeteer. Making their Buxton debuts are Orla Gormley as Mum, Nimshi Kongolo as The Sorcerer, and Christina Nelson as Miss Fumble.

The creative team includes Charles Way (Writer), Paul Bosco McEneaney (Director), and Helen Foan (Puppetry Designer and Director), with music produced by Score Draw, songs composed by Fiona O’Kane, and a score by Fiona O’Kane and Neve Hutchinson.

The production is designed by Diana Ennis (Set and Costume Design), Guy Barrett (Illusion Design), Simon Bond (Lighting Design), and David Morgan (Prop and Set Design). The technical and production team includes Bethany Tays (Audio Engineer), Ross McDade (Production Manager), Amy Smyth (Stage Manager), and Declan King (On Stage Technician).

Set in a world of enchanted forests, snowy skies, and dancing northern lights, the show follows Gunda, an ordinary schoolgirl who discovers an extraordinary power hidden within and must face fierce competition for the chance to become The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.

This production of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is made possible through the generous support of Arts Council England and Culture Ireland.

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice plays at Buxton Opera House Tue 2 – Sat 6 Jun. Tickets are available here.