Jersey Opera House bosses say they need to raise another £1.5 million by the end of March to make the theatre 'fully functional'.

Despite a now complete £12 million upgrade, the operators say they won’t be able to attract touring productions without new staging and lighting equipment.

Last week it emerged that a lease is still to be signed between the government and Jersey Opera House Limited, suggesting a wrangle over aspects of the refitted historic theatre. 

We had already previously been told its reopening would be pushed back to autumn 2025, despite the construction work being on schedule to be finished at the end of 2024.

Now, Theatre Director Andy Eagle has confirmed that essential technology, such as lighting and cabling, has not been covered from the Economic Development budget:

“Essential technical infrastructure upgrades are still required to ensure that the Opera House can operate as a fully equipped theatre. 

“Without these upgrades, we have a beautiful building, but the type of productions it can stage is severely limited, affecting local productions and reducing the scale and quality of events we can both present and bring to the island. 

“Modern staging and lighting equipment are essential for the Jersey Opera House to meet the standards of a mid-scale receiving theatre. Upgrades such as a new prompt desk, performance communication systems, and the supporting cabling infrastructure must be installed for us to become the fully operational theatre we all wish for Jersey.  

“For the last 18 months we have worked with the Economic Development department to find a way forward on the inclusion of these essential works, but a solution could not be found.”

Jersey Opera House, November 2024

Andy Eagle confirmed to Channel 103 that he found out the £12 million pound government investment would not cover staging and lighting 'at the end of 2024'. 

He wants to raise 1.5 million by the end of March, but says even if the fundraising goal is not reached, the theatre still aims to open in autumn:

"We will be opening in autumn regardless of whether we find this additional money to make the investments we need and realise our full potential.

"If we can't raise that money, then we will open in the autumn and we will just be a lesser theatre and not able to put on the events and performances we would like to see and what I believe Jersey audiences would like to see."

Jersey Opera House, November 2024

Supporters have so far donated £1 million to cover the costs, but an urgent £1.5 million is still needed before the end of March.

Mr Eagle is asking anyone who can support the appeal to contact him. 

“We remain committed to providing the Jersey community with the theatre experience it deserves and upholding our aims and those of Jersey with the Arts Strategy, to provide exciting entertainment that enriches the lives of islanders. 

We encourage all stakeholders, supporters, and the public to join us in this crucial fundraising effort to make the Jersey Opera House a cultural centrepiece once again.”