Investec Opera Holland Park is a summer opera company which produces an annual season of opera staged under a canopy in Holland Park, west London. Each season half a dozen operas are staged. Many are well known classics but the company has developed a reputation for producing more obscure works.
This summer sees the first professional London performance of Flight – a british Opera about a refugee, stuck in a major international airport. Every day, a plethora of quirky people pass through the airport, some holiday bound, some on business and others to welcome loved ones into the country. But as night falls and the planes stop, things fall quiet and only the refugee remains, cold and alone with no where to go and no one to turn to. This show takes a fly on the wall look at these people and what they get up to when a raging storms breaks out, all flights are grounded and the travellers must spend the night at the airport.
Opera Holland Park is one of those places you have to go to, at least once in your life. Emerged in the middle of the leafy park is a beautiful outdoor venue (covered by a canopy). As night falls and the show goes on, the sun sets and and there is no noise to disturb you from listening to the music on stage. It really is a very tranquil experience.
Flight is funny and entertaining, with flight attendants canoodling in lifts, arguing couples and drunken antics. With an orchestra of forty-five players, this is more than you could expect to see at any West End show and there is something truly remarkable about listening to a band of this size. The flight controller, Jennifer France has an incredible voice, as does James Laing (the refugee). Kitty Whately and George von Bergen bring camp comedy as the Airline Stweards and Bill and Tina (played by Jeffrey Lloyd-Roberts and Ellie Laugharne) have great chemistry between them on stage.
Opera isn’t for everyone, but if you are interested in giving it a whirl but not sure where to start, Flight is a great introduction. Book your flight today!
Reviewed by West End Wilma
Flight is playing at Opera Holland Park 10, 12, 17 & 19 June 2015. Click here for more information and to book tickets.
