Itch by Jonathan Dove and Alasdair Middleton based on the Itch novels by Simon Mayo; Opera Holland Park, London W8. 4****: Clare Colvin

Itch by Jonathan Dove and Alasdair Middleton based on the Itch novels by Simon Mayo; Opera Holland Park, London W8.

4****: Clare Colvin

Back in 2015, composer Jonathan Dove and librettist Alasdair Middleton’s opera Flight scored an instant hit for its light touch on the serious subject of refugees. Their new opera, Itch repeated the success at its Opera Holland Park premiere last week, directed again by Stephen Barlow, as a masterclass in chemistry, plus a warning on the dangers of science, wrapped up in a comedy about a teenage boy obsessed with chemical experiments.

The opera, adapted from radio broadcaster Simon Mayo’s two children’s books, takes place against designer Frankie Bradshaw’s high-tech screen of 118 shining tablets that make up the “castle” of the 118 elements constituting Planet Earth. In the first scene is an unmade bed where nerdy young Itchingham Lofte (Adam Temple-Smith) has just blown his eyebrows off while experimenting with phosphorus and water.

The sure fire device of a heroes and villains chase propels the plot as malignant, child-hating science teacher Nathaniel Flowerdew (Nicholas Garrett) tries to steal the mysterious new rock that Itch had recently added to his collection of elements. The rock comes with a warning from wandering hippy beachcomber, Cake, sung by counter tenor James Laing, that it brings sickness along with its power - shades of Wagner’s Ring of the Nibelung.

Undeterred, greedy corporate head of Greencorps Roshanna Wing joins the fray, providing soprano Rebecca Bottone with a fine opportunity for hitting the stratospheric high notes. Itch and his lively kid sister Jack (a winning performance from Natasha Agarwal) are abducted and finally Eric Greene as the children’s frequently absent father Nicholas realises his help is needed to keep the rock out of the wrong hands.

Dove makes inventive use of a wide range of musical instruments, especially in Itch’s sustained ode to the elements, and the 12-strong City of London Sinfonia is finely conducted by Jessica Cottis. The ending could be better defined, but it’s undoubtedly an enjoyable way of learning about the joys of science.

Conductor Jessica Cottis

Conductor (4 August) Matt Scott Rogers

Director Stephen Barlow

Designer Frankie Bradshaw

Lighting designer Jake Wiltshire

Projection Designer Jack Henry James Fox for Really Creative Media

Associate Projection Designer Louise Rhoades-Brown for Really Creative Media

Photos: Craig Fuller