Live performances return to revamped opera house

The charity behind the venue says it is still raising funds to improve stage lighting and sound

Jersey Opera House is to reopen later with a full programme of performances - the first regular live events in more than four years.

The island's best-known theatre has undergone a £12.7m government-funded refurbishment to mark its 125th anniversary after an extended closure at the start of the pandemic in March 2020.

Audiences had already been given a sneak peak of the refurbishment, which includes a refreshed interior with a new colour scheme and seating, when two special concerts were shown to mark Liberation Day in April.

Other upgrades include a new heating system, plant room, two dance studios and expanded hospitality space, while the vintage chandelier remains.

The island's best-known theatre has undergone a £12.7m government-funded refurbishment

The reopening begins with Encore! Welcome Home, a three-night gala performance featuring a cast of homegrown talent, some of whom have also appeared on the West End stage.

Deputy Kirsten Morel, minister for sustainable economic development, said: "It is really exciting to see the opera house ready to reopen for a new season of performance as the heart of the island's cultural life."

Interim chairwoman Laura Robertson added: "Our programme for the autumn and winter offers something for everyone, including sell-out performances from Gilbert O'Sullivan and Jasper Carrott & Rory Bremner.

"We are thrilled that islanders are keen to return to the newly refurbished opera house, and we look forward to welcoming them through our doors."

Interim chairwoman Laura Robertson said there was huge enthusiasm from audiences for the return of live performances

The board of Jersey Opera House Limited said its mission was to deliver "outstanding live performances, supported by education and community engagement" while creating "a resilient, ambitious organisation that balances creativity with commercial strength".

While the building has been modernised, the charity behind the venue said it was still raising funds to improve stage lighting and sound.

Tickets for the opening shows were on sale through the opera house website.