Jersey Opera House's interim chair steps down

Jersey Opera House's interim chairperson has stepped down two months after taking on the role.

The venue said "growing pressure" from Cyril Whelan's other commitments meant he had decided to dedicate more time to those roles.

Mr Whelan - who is a coroner, Employment and Discrimination Tribunal judge and the Gambling Commission chair - became interim chair of the St Helier venue in April after Dave Chalk stepped down from the position.

The Grade II listed building reopened after five years in May following a major £13m refurbishment scheme.

A spokesperson for the venue said Mr Whelan was "born in the shadow" of the building and had been associated with the Opera House for 13 years.

They added Mr Whelan's efforts had helped secure £12.5m of public money for the renovation work.

"We thank him for his dedicated service to the Opera House - his efforts have contributed to the building celebrating its 125th birthday in grand style and have secured its future," the spokesperson said.

The Opera House said a "diverse artistic programme" was in place for the autumn season.

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