Updated technology needed for Opera House - group

The Opera House needs technical upgrades before it opens officially, PADG says

Without updated technology, high quality productions cannot be performed at the refurbished Opera House, a performing arts group has said.

The Performing Arts Development Group (PADG) said in an open letter to the Chief Minister the new Jersey Opera House needed technical upgrades to be successful before it officially opened in September.

Jersey Opera House (JOH) said it needed an additional £1.5m to complete the works so it could officially open and operate, but the government said it had requested more information.

Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel said: "The Opera House could open with the current tech while we're speccing it out, which we all support."

Deputy Kirsten Morel said it needed more than one quote before it provided funding

In the letter, PADG Chair Tim Evans said it had been "concerned" the refurbishment had not included an upgrade of the technical equipment.

He said: "In meetings we had with representatives of the government and the JOH in the early stages of, and during, the planned works on the theatre, the members of this group were led to believe by the minister that the funding included for the improvements needed to bring the technical side into the twenty-first century.

"Without an upgrade to the onstage and backstage sound, lighting and communication systems, the local companies would be unable to present any of the high-quality productions this island has come to know and love."

Mr Evans said the venue needed to "be able to operate to its full potential" to make it the "gem" it should be.

"Finishing off the refurbishment to allow this to happen would enable the performers to perform and the audiences to enjoy the shows, in the stunningly historic, yet technically modern surroundings, that this island deserves," he said.

'Find a solution'

Speaking at a scrutiny meeting on Thursday, the economic minister Deputy Kirsten Morel said he had only been provided with one quote for the equipment.

He said: "Firstly, the Opera House could open with the current tech while we're speccing it out, which we all support."

Morel added: "It only had one quote from one supplier via the Opera House that we were seeing - we had asked many months before for more than one quote, that quote was talking about millions of pounds.

"You cannot in government spend millions of pounds on one quote from one supplier - we never received alternative options."

Jersey's Chief Minister Deputy Lyndon Farnham said he supported Morel's views.

He said: "I do share Deputy Morel's disappointment that we are having these last minute talks.

"I'm confident we will find a solution, get the right technology which will enable us to put on the very best or provide the very best facilities and equipment for shows.

"In the meantime, while we're doing that, there's no reason we can't open the Opera House and get some shows and some entertainment there."

Jersey Opera House Board has been contacted for comment.