Red Velvet Farewell: St Helier's Storied Theatre Exhibition

By Alyssa | WhatsOn local events writer Alyssa picks out timely events, local favourites and useful places to eat, stay and explore.

A cornerstone of the island's performing arts scene is preparing for a major visual send-off as the Berni Gallery hosts An Audience With…, a commemorative retrospective honouring five decades of stage history and the beloved community that filled its auditorium. As Jersey Arts Centre prepares to bid a fond farewell to the iconic red velvet seating that cushioned generations of theatregoers, this landmark exhibition gathers evocative photography capturing the actors, back-of-house crews, directors, and audiences who turned the Phillips Street venue into Jersey's beating cultural heart. Whether you grew up watching youth productions from those very seats or are a visiting theatre enthusiast keen to discover the island's homegrown creative spirit, this free showcase offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes portrait of local theatrical heritage right in the heart of St Helier.

Red Velvet Memories and Decades of Stagecraft

Stepping inside the gallery space, the sensory shift from the bustling winter streets of town is immediate. Warm gallery lighting glints off framed monochrome portraits and vibrant production stills, evoking the hum of interval anticipation, the faint scent of polished floorboards, and the nervous backstage hush just before curtain-up. The curation pairs candid, unstaged captures of islanders clutching show programmes with dynamic action shots taken from the wings, illustrating the sheer breadth of performance that has enlivened the proscenium arch over the decades. Daytime gallery-goers can take their time studying the faces of celebrated local actors in costume alongside spontaneous moments of laughter shared between front-of-house volunteers. In the early evening, as the building buzzes with visitors arriving for seasonal stage productions, the gallery hums with energetic conversation as theatre lovers point out familiar faces, classic set designs, and historic performances preserved on the gallery walls.

Celebrating St Helier's Storied Creative Community

What sets this collection apart from an ordinary retrospective is its deliberate focus on the people in front of the stage rather than solely the stars on it. Decades of community plays, visiting touring acts, workshops, and school festivals have established the arts centre as an egalitarian hub where entire families grow up sharing artistic discoveries. The gallery floor during this run draws an engaging, multi-generational crowd: seasoned island theatre patrons recounting the opening nights of decades past stand alongside young performing arts students spotting their drama mentors on the walls. There is a palpable sense of collective ownership in the room—an affectionate celebration of an auditorium that has served as a safe haven for artistic experimentation, community debate, and shared tears and laughter across half a century.

Know Before You Go

• Plan a midday visit between 12:00 and 14:00 if you want quiet, uninterrupted time to inspect the archival prints before the lunchtime rush fills the surrounding foyer.
• Pair your gallery walk with an evening show or festive performance in the main auditorium to experience the historic seats in person before the refurbishment programme begins.
• The gallery is fully accessible via street-level access and internal lifts, making it an easy and comfortable walk-in stop during a festive shopping trip through town.
• Public parking is available nearby at Minden Place Car Park or Green Street, both located within an easy five-minute walk through the pedestrianised high street.
• Admission is completely free with no pre-booking required; verify current daily gallery access and upcoming season schedules via the official Jersey Arts Centre exhibition page.

Make a Weekend of It

Make a complete cultural day of your visit by pairing the gallery with some of central St Helier's finest food, heritage, and waterfront spots. Before or after touring the exhibition, head down to the building's ground-floor café, Cafejac, Jersey Arts Centre, an island favourite celebrated for its artisan roast coffee, hearty stacked wraps, and relaxed, artsy vibe. If you are keen to continue your cultural trail through town, wander across to Jersey Arts Centre box office to see what live stage plays or touring concerts align with your dates.

For a deeper dive into island history, take a gentle ten-minute walk through the town centre towards Weighbridge Place to explore the fascinating galleries at Jersey Museum & Art Gallery, where you can wander through a restored gas-lit Victorian townhouse. Continue your stroll towards the commercial harbour to discover handmade crafts, prints, and ceramics produced by island makers inside The Harbour Gallery Jersey.

When the sun dips and you are ready for a memorable dinner, reserve a table at The Square overlooking the Weighbridge, where you can savour chargrilled steaks, fresh local catch, and craft beers in a cosy setting with live acoustic music. Those extending their cultural getaway into a full weekend stay will appreciate the timeless comfort of the Pomme d’Or Hotel, located right on Liberation Square with sweeping views of the marina and quick walking access to every theatre and gallery in town.

See you in the gallery, Alyssa for What's On Jersey.