A Local Favourite: Opera Holland Park’s Summer Season 2025

As summer arrives in West London, so too does one of the city’s most distinctive cultural experiences. Set within the serene grounds of Holland Park, beneath a canopy of trees and sky, Opera Holland Park offers a season of world-class performances in a setting that feels a world away from the everyday.

A Venue Steeped in History

Opera Holland Park offers something truly unique among London’s cultural venues. The open-air stage sits beside the atmospheric ruins of Holland House, a Jacobean mansion that was largely destroyed during the Blitz. Today, its remains form a dramatic backdrop to summer performances that feel both intimate and grand.

Since becoming a permanent company in 1988, Opera Holland Park has built a reputation for imaginative productions and a strong connection to the local community. The canopied theatre seats around 1,000 people and allows audiences to enjoy opera in one of the most beautiful corners of West London.

The 2025 Season: Opera for All

Opera Holland Park’s 2025 season opens on 27th May 2025 with a new production of The Flying Dutchman, marking the company’s first staging of a Wagner opera. This year’s programme features a carefully curated mix of classics, lesser-known gems and something for the whole family. Highlights include:

• Puccini’s Tosca
  A revival of Stephen Barlow’s much-loved 2008 production, reimagined in the political glamour of 1960s Rome.
• Rossini’s The Barber of Seville
  A brand-new staging of this joyful favourite, full of wit, mischief and unforgettable melodies.
• Handel’s Acis and Galatea
  A lyrical tale of love and loss, and the company’s first venture into Baroque opera.
• Double Bill: Pagliacci and Il segreto di Susanna
  Two short operas exploring themes of jealousy, secrecy and human nature — one tragic, one surprisingly light.

Performances include English subtitles, making the season accessible whether you’re a long-time fan or just beginning to explore opera.

Find out more here.

An Open, Welcoming Experience

Opera Holland Park is known not just for what’s on stage, but for how it opens opera up to new audiences.

• Inspire £25 Tickets: A limited number of lower-priced seats are available for every performance, helping make opera more affordable.
• Family Performances: Interactive shows like The Petite Opera House offer a playful, engaging introduction for younger audiences.

The setting also adds to the experience — from picnics on the lawn to the peaceful backdrop of Holland Park itself.

More Than Just a Performance

A visit to Opera Holland Park is never just about the opera. It’s a chance to step out of the everyday, take in the beauty of the park, and enjoy an evening that feels a little more special.

Whether you’re a local or exploring West London for the first time, it’s one of the most memorable ways to enjoy summer in the city.