She was co-president, with Sir Peter Crill, of the Opera House Restoration Appeal which by 2000 had raised £1.8 million to help refurbish the theatre.
‘I was horrified to learn from your letter that the Opera House is closed because of lack of funding from local government,’ Dame Judi writes.
‘After all the support and hard work that went into the restoration, I can hardly believe that the people of Jersey have let this happen.
‘Jersey will be the worse for it if funds are not made available to keep the theatre running.
This is, after all, a public resource and a tourist attraction.
Surely it is in the interests of the public and politicians to keep this theatre open? You certainly have my support to get the theatre reopened, and I wish you every success.’ Theatre director Ian Stephens said: ‘We have received many messages of support from the theatre industry, which is well aware of the importance of the Jersey Opera House to the Island and beyond.
‘It is obviously gratifying to receive support from someone of the stature and public profile of Dame Judi.
This letter will encourage people to continue making their very generous donations to the appeal.’
