Jenny Kerry Performing Arts Centre

Jenny Kerry Performing Arts Centre Grand Opening

Today we had the pleasure of being joined by numerous special guests including HM Lord Lieutenant Susie Sheldon for the grand opening of our Jenny Kerry Performing Arts Centre.

The afternoon began with speeches, a ribbon cutting ceremony and the unveiling of a plaque. We were honored to be joined by twenty members of Jenny Kerry’s family (The Tyerman Family) who travelled from America to be with us for this special occasion.

The new theatre, named the Jenny Kerry Performing Arts Centre was made possible by Vern Tyerman, husband to the late Jenny Kerry, a former Upper Chine Girl and one of three generations to attend Upper Chine and Ryde School. Vern’s vision was to create a suitable legacy for his wife on the Island she loved and for the School she had enjoyed being part of for so many years. He challenged the old Upper Chine Girls’ and parents of Ryde School to raise extra funds and through his major funding, their seat sponsorship and donations, the new theatre was born.

After the official opening ceremony the theatre donors enjoyed a special production on stage with both old Rydeians and current students performing. Our Head Master Mr Waldron gave a speech and Rt Rev Bishop for the Arts Rob Gillion celebrated the Jenny Kerry Performing Arts Centre with a wonderful dedication. “We give thanks for Jenny Kerry and her family, for this legacy as we dedicate this Arts Centre to Your Glory and pray today for a glimpse of Heaven in the realms of Arts and entertainment”.

Champagne was flowing in the Upper Chine Foyer before an inaugural performance of Jesus Christ Superstar put on by our extremely talented Senior School Students.