What Happens When Four Friends Go to the Opera? Inside the world of Itch at Holland Park

HDYTI contributor Deborah swapped preconceptions for prossecco as she and three friends stepped into the world of opera for the first time — at none other than Opera Holland Park. What followed under the open-air canopy was equal parts surprising, soulful, and a little bit magical.

Have You Ever Been to the Opera?

I hadn’t. Not until Friday 7th June, when I found myself heading to Opera Holland Park to watch Itch. I had no idea what to expect. I knew it was a contemporary production, which only added to my curiosity (and confusion). Opera always felt like a world far removed from mine — dramatic, elaborate, maybe even a little stiff. But Itch? The name alone promised something different. 

Let’s start with the setting. Opera Holland Park is, yes, nestled within the serene beauty of Holland Park, a 54-acre oasis in West London. The park itself is a delight: think manicured gardens, wild woodlands, and the breathtaking Kyoto Garden, all woven together into a calm, sensory-rich experience. Walking through this lush environment to the venue already felt like an invitation to slow down and be present – something I appreciated before even taking my seat. 

The venue itself? Not your typical gilded opera house. I had half-expected a Bridgerton-style spectacle with velvet drapes and golden balconies. Instead, what greeted me was an open-air canopied auditorium — surprisingly elegant and refreshingly relaxed. And honesty? It worked. 

You enter through a charming layout that includes the Theatre Bar, the Balustrades (tables under the canopy overlooking a cricket pitch), and the Dutch Garden Lounge — a bright, airy space with a medley of mismatched chairs and a very well-stocked bar. Glasses of red, white and prosecco sat ready, inviting guests to take a sip and soak in the atmosphere. 

That same eclectic charm extended into the auditorium. The first few rows were filled with antique-style chairs, each one unique. I thought it gave the space a quirky character. On our way in, we were offered cozy blankets, which came in handy as the evening air cooled. For someone with a designer’s eye, I couldn’t help but appreciate the intentional details. They made the entire experience feel curated and warm.

Opening Act: First Impressions 

So, what exactly is opera – and what was Itch all about? 

Opera is often seen as one of the most powerful and expressive art forms. It fuses music, theatre, storytelling, and sometimes dance into one emotionally charged experience. Traditionally it explores themes of love, power, and human conflict in a heightened style. Itch, however, offered a modern twist. 

Composed by Jonathan Dove and adapted from Simon Mayo’s best-selling novels Itch and Itch Rocks, the show was billed as an “element-hunting adventure story for all ages.” Blending science, comedy, and peril with rich musicality, Itch felt fresh, humorous, and surprisingly moving. One line stayed with us: “People are poisoned by power”. A powerful truth, and one that felt especially relevant in today’s world. 

What caught me off guard, and admittedly made me laugh at first, was that everything was sung. I think I had a musical in mind when I went, where there’s usually a mix of dialogue and song. But nope, this was pure opera, where every word is sung. Once I adjusted, I found it added a fun and dramatic rhythm to the show, especially during the comedic scenes where the musical phrasing made the jokes land in unexpected ways. 

And the orchestra? Pure gold. I used to play the violin as a child, so hearing live classical music again stirred something in me. Every instrumentalist played with precision and emotion. IT was beautiful to see how the music wasn’t just background — it shaped the story. 

The staging was cleverly done. Though there were digital elements, they weren’t overbearing. The team used one set across multiple scenes, relying on great acting and lighting to signal changes. That kind of thoughtful direction impressed me.

There was one small challenge. At times, I couldn’t make out the lyrics. Luckily, surtitles (I promise that’s a real word; fancy theatre-speak for English subtitles projected above the stage) were visible from my seat. Without them, I’d have been very lost, smiling and nodding at all the wrong moments, aha.

What to Wear and What to Eat

One of my favourite surprises? There’s no formal dress code. It created a casual, comfortable vibe that suited the open-air format. You could dress warmly without feeling underdressed and just enjoy the show without pressure. The staff offering blankets made it feel even cozier. Another detail I appreciated.

Food-wise, we didn’t plan ahead (rookie mistake), but thankfully The Belvedere, the ambient restaurant nearby, came to our rescue during the interval. They kindly let us take away some freshly made chips, even though it’s not their usual policy. That small act of kindness secured a return visit. The restaurant’s interior is stunning, and I’m already looking forward to returning for a full sit-down meal.

Our Night at the Opera: What My Friends Thought

It wasn’t just me who was drawn in by the experience. My friends had some thoughtful reflections, too.

Hannah remarked, “One for families with kids who appreciate opera, especially because of the storyline. And the venue? So unique — it felt like a hidden gem.”

Priscilla shared, “It brought back memories of high school chemistry. I was quite pleased with myself for immediately noticing the periodic table in the background!”

She added, “The storyline was easy to follow. It touched on so many themes: trust, greed, learning, family. The message about lifelong learning really stayed with me. It reminded me not to let those passions die.”

And on the performances? “A great test of a production’s quality is whether you’re able to feel with the protagonist, which I definitely did. Itch frustrated me at times, but the acting was so strong it only made his journey more compelling.”

Curtain Call

There’s something about experiencing live performance with friends — swapping thoughts at the interval, reacting together in real time — that adds another layer of connection. The crowd also felt diverse in age and style, which helped break the stereotype that opera is only for a particular type of audience. Itch managed to feel both accessible and elevated.

Would I watch Itch again? Probably not. It’s a better fit for those who love science fiction and drama. But I’m so glad I went. It changed how I see opera, and now I’m excited to explore more. Maybe a love story next time? Or something beautifully tragic. Either way, this might just be my new hobby.

In a time when everything is digital, there’s something refreshing about watching real people perform live. It reminded me why I love cinema, but also why sometimes the book is better than the adaptation. Live performance has that same quality, an intimacy and presence that just hits differently.

The Summer Season Comes to a Close

Although Itch ended its run on June 13th, Opera Holland Park’s summer season had an incredible run, and closed with Handel’s Semele on August 22nd. Whether you’re an opera regular or a curious newcomer like me, mark your calendars for Opera Holand Park’s 2026 summer season, as I hope you’re as delighted as I was by it’s open air charm. 

For more information, visit www.operahollandpark.com.

Writer & Photographer

Deborah Kombe is a London-based writer and photographer crafting immersive stories and visual narratives that explore culture, travel and lifestyle.

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