Jersey's Chief Minister has urged theatre bosses to get on with staging performances at the refurbished Opera House amid a disagreement over new technical equipment.
Deputy Lyndon Farnham has insisted that the existing kit works well enough for shows to be staged at the historic theatre, following its £12m taxpayer-funded refurbishment.
Last month, the Opera House said it needed to raise £1.5 million by the end of March to complete the upgrade with the 'essential' audio and visual technology needed to attract touring productions.
The equipment had not been covered by the public money from the Economic Development department's budget.
Performance groups recently wrote an open letter to the Chief Minister airing their concerns.
During Question Time in the States Assembly, Deputy Montfort Tadier asked Deputy Farnham if the government would consider match funding the £1m the Opera House has already raised towards the costs.
Deputy Farnham said a recent audit had shown the old kit can be used.
"The equipment is useable, fully functional. It is quite old, but it works. The Opera House, according to the report we have received, is capable of staging shows, and I think it's a huge disappointment that the current management are not prepared to do that, and have instead put their heels in the ground and said, 'we are not doing anything unless we get all of the new equipment that we need.'
"It can stage shows. Okay, we might not be able to get the all-singing, all-dancing West End touring shows over right now, but I would like to see the Opera House open for Liberation 80, with a great concert."
He went on to hint that the government would likely contribute eventually, but that it would take time.
"We want the Opera House to have the very best equipment, but that equipment can't be bought at any cost. We must do the research, we must go out to tender, we must make sure we are getting the right deal, and I am sure the government will find a contribution towards that equipment in due course."
In the meantime, the Chief Minister has urged theatre bosses to 'relax their position'.
"...and in the interests of Jersey and the taxpayer investment, get something going on there. They would have our full support if they were to do that."
Construction work was completed in December 2024, but the reopening is currently on hold until autumn 2025.
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