MORE than 22,000 people have visited the Opera House since its grand re-opening last year.
The theatre was closed for more than five years – initially due to the Covid pandemic and then for major refurbishment work.
A new government report on Arts, Culture and Heritage has revealed that the Opera House hosted 12 sold out performances, and sold a further 5,293 tickets across 26 off-site performances. The theatre also hosted 32 companies, including a mix of local organisations, UK-based companies, international artists and creative teams.
The report states: “This breadth of activity highlights the Opera House’s role as a regional cultural hub, reconnecting Jersey audiences with national and international work while continuing to support local creative partners.”
In the report, Jersey Opera House chief executive Sebastian Warrack said: “Jersey Opera House has undergone a significant capital project, generously funded by the Government of Jersey, and we are privileged to receive ongoing public investment that enables us to serve the Island community.
“Following a five-year closure, we are rebuilding the organisation with a clear ambition: to present a varied, high-quality programme with something for everyone, while ensuring the Opera House remains a vibrant and sustainable cultural asset for Jersey.”
Among the highlights since it reopened have been the Liberation Day Concerts, a special animal-themed concert to commemorate Gerald Durrell’s 100th birthday featuring the Jersey Chamber Orchestra and local children and the Royal visit of Princess Anne.
Other major productions have included a stop on musician Nerina Pallot’s latest tour and Gala (Encore! Welcome Home), which marked the grant re-opening.
150th Anniversary Gala
Picture: TONY PIKE
Mia Procter, a young Jersey performer who took to the Opera House stage both before the renovation, said that having the theatre operational again was hugely important to the Island’s dramatic and artistic scene.
“The Opera House is such a fantastic venue and was sorely missed during the period of restoration,” she said. “It’s key not only to the performing arts community, but also to everybody on the Island – it brings people from all different walks of life together to enjoy and appreciate the creativity and talent on that stage.
“By breathing new life into the Opera House, it means that the wider community can come together and enjoy incredible, inspiring and entertaining performances once again.”
She added that the “atmosphere is always absolutely incredible” and described the Opera House as an “iconic stage in the most beautiful theatre”.
That combination of nerves and excitement is so special and can’t be replicated elsewhere, and the memories and friendships I’ve formed will last a lifetime,” she added. “Also, performing for people from my own community is something very special to me, and just makes it even more meaningful.”
