The Ultimate Guide to Opera Holland Park
Your guide to making the most of your time at Opera Holland Park this summer.
Each summer, a canopy is built in Holland Park, ready to host a summer of opera, ballet and live performance in the beautifully designed auditorium at Opera Holland Park. With a month left of the 2023 Season, let us introduce you to this cultural oasis in the busy hub of West London.
In this guide, we'll delve into the rich history of Opera Holland Park and provide a comprehensive overview of what makes this venue so special.
Where is Opera Holland Park?
Opera Holland Park is nestled in the heart of Holland Park, just a stone's throw away from High Street Kensington. For those travelling by public transport from the centre of the city, Holland Park tube station is conveniently close, ensuring easy access to the theatre, as is Kensington Olympia for those travelling from the south. With its ideal positioning, Opera Holland Park offers a seamless blend of cultural indulgence and urban vibrancy, with wonderful bars and hospitality areas, making it a must-visit destination for opera aficionados and London explorers alike.
The backdrop to the stage at Opera Holland Park is the ruins of Holland House. Originally known as Cope Castle, it remained a stately home until it was bombed in September 1940. London County Council bought Holland Park and Holland House from the 6th Earl of Ilchester in 1952, when the ruins and grounds became a community resource. Opera Holland Park started as a small department within the local borough council, and we remain proud of our civic roots. Today we are an independent charity with an international reputation for our work on stage and in the community.
Innovative staging and musical excellence
Opera Holland Park is renowned for its commitment to showcasing rare and new works, pushing the boundaries of the repertoire. In 2022, they delighted audiences with Puccini's enchanting early masterpiece, Le Villi, in a double bill with Delius’ Margot la Rouge, and a captivating adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's novel, Little Women, by Mark Adamo. By bringing these lesser-known gems and contemporary creations to the stage, alongside classic works such as Rigoletto and La boheme, Opera Holland Park continues to ignite curiosity and offer a truly one-of-a-kind experience for opera enthusiasts and newcomers seeking artistic inspiration.
What to wear
At Opera Holland Park, there's no dress code! So throw away those formal gowns and tuxedos and embrace comfort without sacrificing elegance. Whether you're in your favourite summer dress, smart casuals, or even jeans, you're welcome to join the festivities and will never be made to feel out of place. This laid-back approach makes the opera experience accessible to everyone. Come as you are, enjoy the breathtaking performances under the stars, and revel in the magic of live music in London’s greenest theatre.
What to eat and drink
Opera Holland Park is not only renowned for its breathtaking performances but also for its bespoke and varied food and drink options. Patrons can indulge in mouthwatering delights such as sausage rolls, scotch eggs, and cheese straws, lovingly crafted to perfection, as well drinks a wide range of alcoholic and soft drinks. All of the food and drink at OHP is locally sourced, and comes from within a 40 mile radius of the park, and is served at our bars made from reclaimed and sustainably sourced wood. A visit to Opera Holland Park promises not just a visual and auditory feast but a delightful culinary adventure as well.
What to see
This summer, the world premiere of Jonathan Dove's new opera, Itch, at Opera Holland Park marks an exhilarating milestone for both the festival and the opera world. This commitment to creating fresh, contemporary operas is vital to attracting and engaging new audiences, breathing new life into the genre, and ensuring its relevance in the modern world. Sung in English and based on the novels by Simon Mayo, the premiere of this operatic thriller presents an opportunity to witness the birth of a new masterpiece and celebrate the heritage and future of opera as an ever-evolving art.