Island venue becoming 'testbed' for performers

Guernsey is becoming a "testbed" for comedians and performers to try their material, the deputy director of the island's concert hall has said.

Gregory Harrison said St James Concert Hall's new programme offers a mix of comedy, jazz and even opera.

Harrison said British comedian and TV presenter Zoe Lyons was the latest set to perform in Guernsey and said "diversification is the key to success".

He said the concert hall had "started to establish our place itself as a place that artists can really come and spend a bit of time and just be part of the island".

The venue in St Peter Port was known for classical music and the deputy director added: "Diversification is the key really to success and being able to be inclusive."

He said offering different genres gave audiences the chance to "open up to things that they might not have necessarily gone to otherwise, or feel like it's not necessary for them".

Harrison said he aimed to provide a "good, full, healthy, interesting spread for the island".

There will be jazz performances on 6 February from Jackson Mathos, as well as a Mowtown Night on 21 February.

Britain's Got Talent runner-up Jack Rhodes will also visit the island with a comedy and magic show in March.

Local bands are also set to perform throughout the year such as Decibel Tower, Static Alice, Hang in Pieces and Rosemary.

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