THE Opera House is expected to install a new sound and lighting system in 2026 – but the work will not be funded by government, it has been confirmed.
Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel said Jersey Opera House Limited had already carried out “show-critical” technical upgrades to allow the theatre to reopen, and was now planning further improvements for next year.
“The JOHL Board and its interim CEO are working together to improve the sound and lighting systems,” he said in response to a question from Deputy Montfort Tadier, adding that a full delivery plan for the upgrades was currently being finalised for 2026.
However, the Minister confirmed that no additional government money would be provided beyond the existing operating grant. Instead, the Opera House will fund the upgrades itself using a donation from a “private individual” specifically earmarked for improving technical equipment.
The announcement follows months of debate about the state of the venue’s ageing technical systems.
An external audit, which was made public following a request under the Freedom of Information Law earlier this year, found that while the Opera House could technically operate using fixtures dating back to the late 1990s and early 2000s, the existing lighting rig consumed large amounts of electricity, which consultants deemed “unethical when utilised in a theatre that has undergone a recent refurbishment”.
The report concluded the current system was only acceptable as a short-term “placeholder”, recommending a transition to a full LED rig that would cut energy consumption by 83%.
The findings triggered tension between the Opera House and government, with the Opera House team claiming that visiting companies would struggle to use the outdated equipment, while Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham accused management of “digging their heels in” by insisting on full upgrades before the theatre reopened.
The Opera House’s official reopening took place last month, with the show ‘ENCORE! Welcome Home’. The production saw more than 100 local aspiring and professional performers come together for three evenings of music, dance and storytelling.
It has since welcomed Jersey-born singer-songwriter Nerina Pallot and members of Ocean Colour Scene to its 125-year-old auditorium, while a concert from Gilbert O’Sullivan, and an appearance from ‘One and Only’ singer Chesney Hawkes, and an ABBA tribute act feature on the agenda for December and January.
