Beaulieu Brings Chicago Teen Edition to the Jersey Opera House

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

High-octane choreography, sharp satire, and the intoxicating rhythms of the Roaring Twenties take over St Helier as Beaulieu Convent School presents Chicago – Teen Edition on the island’s premier proscenium stage. This ambitious production places one of musical theatre’s most demanding scores in the hands of Jersey’s rising stage talent, turning the spotlight on murderesses Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly in a dazzling contest for tabloid fame. Backed by Kander and Ebb’s blistering brass melodies, this high-energy staging provides a standout cultural showcase that proves island youth theatre can rival professional touring companies in poise, musicality, and sheer stage presence.

Velvet, Brass, and Fosse Hands

Stepping inside the historic auditorium during performance week feels like tumbling directly into a smoky 1920s speakeasy. The production leans into the iconic styling made famous by Bob Fosse, featuring crisp synchronised ensemble numbers, tilted fedoras, and slick, angular choreography that crackles across the boards. The auditorium vibrates to the sharp cadence of a driving pit band, where muted trumpets, snapping percussion, and sultry clarinet runs fuel showstoppers like “All That Jazz” and “Cell Block Tango”.

Rather than feeling watered down, the adapted Teen Edition preserves all the biting wit, satirical press conferences, and glittering showmanship that make the piece an enduring favourite. Younger theatregoers get swept up in the electrifying tap routines and the comedic spectacle of flamboyant courtroom theatrics, while seasoned musical lovers will appreciate the tight vocal harmonies and the clever staging designed specifically to complement the venue’s restored Edwardian sightlines.

A Showcase of Jersey Talent

The energy flowing through the auditorium during school productions at this scale is uniquely electric. The seats fill with an enthusiastic cross-section of island life: proud relatives clutching programmes, drama students analysing the scene transitions, and regular theatre patrons who recognise that Jersey’s performing arts schools regularly turn out performers destined for top UK conservatoires and West End stages. There is an unmistakable buzz in the foyer before curtain-up, marked by eager anticipation and the collective pride of seeing local students tackle complex, mature ensemble routines under the glare of full proscenium lighting.

Know Before You Go

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before the 19:30 curtain-up to navigate foyer ticket checks and settle comfortably into your seats.
• Secure your seats well in advance via the official Jersey Opera House box office, as community runs by local schools routinely sell out multiple evenings.
• Gloucester Street can become congested around showtime, so consider walking from nearby town-centre car parks like Sand Street or Patriotic Street.
• Accessible seating is located in the stalls, with level access available from the main street entrance; notify the box office team when booking if you require specific assistance.

Make a Weekend of It

A night of roaring jazz and courtroom drama calls for a proper evening out in town. Before taking your seat, wander a couple of minutes down York Street to La Taverne for rich French classics, pan-fried scallops, and a relaxed pre-theatre atmosphere. If you prefer a contemporary coastal bite alongside a pre-show cocktail, The Square over on Weighbridge Place offers prime grilled steaks, fresh fish, and a buzzing room that sets an energetic tone for the night.

If you are travelling in from outside St Helier or making a complete cultural getaway of the run, base yourself at the Pomme d’Or Hotel overlooking Liberation Square. From here, you are a leisurely five-minute walk from the stage door and right on the doorstep of the harbour.

During the day before curtain-up, immerse yourself in island heritage by visiting the Jersey Museum, Art Gallery & Victorian House just across the square, or stroll along the quayside to browse local paintings and handcrafted ceramics at The Harbour Gallery Jersey. If your creative curiosity is piqued, pop around the corner to check out the community exhibitions regularly hosted at the Jersey Arts Centre.

Whether you have a connection to the cast or simply love great musical theatre, catching Beaulieu Convent School’s Chicago – Teen Edition is one of the most entertaining ways to experience Jersey’s thriving community arts scene this February. — Alyssa, What's On Jersey