THE Jersey Opera House is hoping to be ‘the one and only’ place to be from this autumn – after unveiling a blockbuster reopening programme including performances from Chesney Hawkes and an acclaimed ABBA tribute band after five years in the dark and a £12.5 million refurb.
Yesterday, the historic theatre revealed the production that will mark the official reopening of its historical stage in a couple of months’ time, and what is set to follow in the next six months.
ENCORE! Welcome Home will welcome local audiences into the 125-year-old auditorium for the first time in over five years from Friday 3 to Sunday 5 October.
The production will see over 100 local aspiring and professional performers come together for three evenings of music, dance and storytelling. Nick Carver, Victoria Hermitage, and Luke Brown, who have been part of local musicals Shrek, Chicago, and Ghost, have devised and directed the performances.
Announcing the schedule, Rebecca Stanier, the theatre’s programme manager said it had been an “incredibly busy” 18 months for the team.
“After a five-year wait,” she said, “Our vision for reopening was to create a diverse and inclusive programme that offers something for everyone – and we’re absolutely delighted with how the season has come together.”
“The autumn programme is full of variety – from Olivier Award-winning improvised musicals and our brand-new Comedy Club to puppetry shows in the studio and returning sell-out favourites,” Ms Stanier added.
“It promises to be a season to remember.”
What’s on:
- An evening with music legend Gilbert O’Sullivan on Wednesday 17 December.
- On Thursday 18 December, the original London cast of The Rat Pack at Christmas returns to the island with festive favourites direct from the West End.
- The Jersey Bounce Big Christmas Show will take place on Saturday 20 December. It will see Jersey’s biggest show band return to the theatre after six years, joined by special guest Chesney Hawkes.
- On 29 January, a brand-new comedy club night will commence with award-winning compere Sally-Anne Hayward and rising stars Tom Lawrinson and Michael Akadiri.
- A few days later, from 30 to 31 January, ABBA fans will Thank You for the Music with an acclaimed tribute show of all the 70s hits.
- An Evening of Burlesque Cabaret will then welcome a celebration of cabaret, comedy, and world-class burlesque artistry on 13 and 14 February.
- The Olivier Award-nominated West End hit The Tiger Who Came to Tea will visit Jersey on 28 and 29 March 2026, bringing Judith Kerr’s classic children’s tale to life.
