HDYTI contributor Deborah swapped preconceptions for prossecco as she and three mates stepped into the world of opera for the primary time — at none aside from Opera Holland Park. What adopted below the open-air cover was equal elements stunning, soulful, and a little bit bit magical.
Have You Ever Been to the Opera?
I hadn’t. Not till Friday seventh June, when I discovered myself heading to Opera Holland Park to observe Itch. I had no thought what to anticipate. I knew it was a recent manufacturing, which solely added to my curiosity (and confusion). Opera all the time felt like a world far faraway from mine — dramatic, elaborate, possibly even a little bit stiff. However Itch? The identify alone promised one thing totally different.
Let’s begin with the setting. Opera Holland Park is, sure, nestled inside the serene fantastic thing about Holland Park, a 54-acre oasis in West London. The park itself is a delight: assume manicured gardens, wild woodlands, and the breathtaking Kyoto Backyard, all woven collectively into a relaxed, sensory-rich expertise. Strolling by this lush surroundings to the venue already felt like an invite to decelerate and be current – one thing I appreciated earlier than even taking my seat.
The venue itself? Not your typical gilded opera home. I had half-expected a Bridgerton-style spectacle with velvet drapes and golden balconies. As an alternative, what greeted me was an open-air canopied auditorium — surprisingly elegant and refreshingly relaxed. And honesty? It labored.
You enter by an enthralling format that features the Theatre Bar, the Balustrades (tables below the cover overlooking a cricket pitch), and the Dutch Backyard Lounge — a brilliant, ethereal area with a medley of mismatched chairs and a really well-stocked bar. Glasses of crimson, white and prosecco sat prepared, inviting company to take a sip and soak within the environment.
That very same eclectic appeal prolonged into the auditorium. The primary few rows had been crammed with antique-style chairs, every one distinctive. I believed it gave the area a unusual character. On our approach in, we had been provided cozy blankets, which got here in helpful because the night air cooled. For somebody with a designer’s eye, I couldn’t assist however admire the intentional particulars. They made your entire expertise really feel curated and heat.
Opening Act: First Impressions
So, what precisely is opera – and what was Itch all about?
Opera is commonly seen as some of the highly effective and expressive artwork varieties. It fuses music, theatre, storytelling, and generally dance into one emotionally charged expertise. Historically it explores themes of affection, energy, and human battle in a heightened type. Itch, nonetheless, provided a contemporary twist.
Composed by Jonathan Dove and tailored from Simon Mayo’s best-selling novels Itch and Itch Rocks, the present was billed as an “element-hunting journey story for all ages.” Mixing science, comedy, and peril with wealthy musicality, Itch felt recent, humorous, and surprisingly transferring. One line stayed with us: “Individuals are poisoned by energy”. A strong reality, and one which felt particularly related in at this time’s world.
What caught me off guard, and admittedly made me chuckle at first, was that every little thing was sung. I believe I had a musical in thoughts once I went, the place there’s often a mixture of dialogue and music. However nope, this was pure opera, the place each phrase is sung. As soon as I adjusted, I discovered it added a enjoyable and dramatic rhythm to the present, particularly through the comedic scenes the place the musical phrasing made the jokes land in sudden methods.
And the orchestra? Pure gold. I used to play the violin as a baby, so listening to stay classical music once more stirred one thing in me. Each instrumentalist performed with precision and emotion. IT was stunning to see how the music wasn’t simply background — it formed the story.
The staging was cleverly achieved. Although there have been digital components, they weren’t overbearing. The group used one set throughout a number of scenes, counting on nice appearing and lighting to sign modifications. That type of considerate course impressed me.
There was one small problem. At occasions, I couldn’t make out the lyrics. Fortunately, surtitles (I promise that’s an actual phrase; fancy theatre-speak for English subtitles projected above the stage) had been seen from my seat. With out them, I’d have been very misplaced, smiling and nodding in any respect the incorrect moments, aha.
What to Put on and What to Eat
Certainly one of my favorite surprises? There’s no formal gown code. It created an informal, comfy vibe that suited the open-air format. You can gown warmly with out feeling underdressed and simply benefit from the present with out stress. The employees providing blankets made it really feel even cozier. One other element I appreciated.
Meals-wise, we didn’t plan forward (rookie mistake), however fortunately The Belvedere, the ambient restaurant close by, got here to our rescue through the interval. They kindly allow us to take away some freshly made chips, despite the fact that it’s not their traditional coverage. That small act of kindness secured a return go to. The restaurant’s inside is beautiful, and I’m already wanting ahead to returning for a full sit-down meal.
Our Evening on the Opera: What My Pals Thought
It wasn’t simply me who was drawn in by the expertise. My mates had some considerate reflections, too.
Hannah remarked, “One for households with youngsters who admire opera, particularly due to the storyline. And the venue? So distinctive — it felt like a hidden gem.”
Priscilla shared, “It introduced again reminiscences of highschool chemistry. I used to be fairly happy with myself for instantly noticing the periodic desk within the background!”
She added, “The storyline was simple to observe. It touched on so many themes: belief, greed, studying, household. The message about lifelong studying actually stayed with me. It jogged my memory to not let these passions die.”
And on the performances? “An awesome take a look at of a manufacturing’s high quality is whether or not you’re capable of really feel with the protagonist, which I positively did. Itch annoyed me at occasions, however the appearing was so robust it solely made his journey extra compelling.”
Curtain Name
There’s one thing about experiencing stay efficiency with mates — swapping ideas on the interval, reacting collectively in actual time — that provides one other layer of connection. The gang additionally felt various in age and magnificence, which helped break the stereotype that opera is just for a selected kind of viewers. Itch managed to really feel each accessible and elevated.
Would I watch Itch once more? Most likely not. It’s a greater match for individuals who love science fiction and drama. However I’m so glad I went. It modified how I see opera, and now I’m excited to discover extra. Perhaps a love story subsequent time? Or one thing fantastically tragic. Both approach, this may simply be my new pastime.
In a time when every little thing is digital, there’s one thing refreshing about watching actual folks carry out stay. It jogged my memory why I really like cinema, but in addition why generally the guide is healthier than the difference. Dwell efficiency has that very same high quality, an intimacy and presence that simply hits otherwise.
The Summer season Season Involves a Shut
Though Itch ended its run on June thirteenth, Opera Holland Park’s summer season season had an unimaginable run, and closed with Handel’s Semele on August twenty second. Whether or not you’re an opera common or a curious newcomer like me, mark your calendars for Opera Holand Park’s 2026 summer season season, as I hope you’re as delighted as I used to be by it’s open air appeal.
For extra data, go to www.operahollandpark.com.
