Optimistic Outlook: Opera House Chairperson Enthusiastic About Venue’s Future

New Interim Chair Confident in Opera House’s Future Despite Leadership Changes

The Jersey Opera House’s new interim chairperson says she does not view the role as a “poisoned chalice,” despite being the third person to take on the position in 2025.

Laura Robertson stepped into the role at the historic St Helier venue on Thursday, just one day after the resignation of Cyril Whelan. Whelan stepped down two months after taking over from Dave Chalk.

The Opera House, which has recently undergone a £13 million renovation, has seen several leadership changes in recent months. Interim director Andy Eagle resigned in April, and board member Bruno Santos-Costa has also stepped down.

Robertson attributed the resignations to personal reasons and emphasized that significant work is underway to prepare an engaging and vibrant programme of events for the venue’s reopening.

The Grade II listed building hosted its first live performances in five years in May, with two Liberation Day concerts. The official reopening is scheduled for October.

“I’m certainly not personally viewing the job as a poisoned chalice,” Robertson said. “I joined the board 18 months ago because the Opera House was where I first experienced theatre as a child. It means a great deal to me.”

Reflecting on her predecessor, she added: “When Cyril chose to leave for personal reasons after 13 years on the board—an amazing contribution—I felt strongly about stepping up to help lead the Opera House into an exciting new chapter and reconnect it with the community.”

Robertson acknowledged that the venue still faces technical hurdles ahead of the grand reopening, but said the managing board is tackling those challenges proactively.

“We’re planning some immediate technical upgrades, including improvements to lighting and sound, to ensure we’re ready to deliver the kind of shows the public expects and deserves,” she said.