“The Whitehall Theatre is open for business.”
That was the message from Kenny Christie, vice-chairman of the Whitehall Theatre Trust, this week as plans to develop the future of the venue get under way.
Following months of uncertainty Mr Christie has unveiled a vision that will see the Whitehall become a social centre for the west end of Dundee and a means of educating and entertaining people across the city.
As the financial woes are resolved and the support of Dundee City Council and Leisure and Culture Dundee in running the theatre is cemented, the only thing required to make the new venture a success is the backing of the public.
Mr Christie said: ”We need to make sure that people are aware that the Whitehall is back open for business. We need to harness all of the people who voiced concerns at the closure of the theatre, turn that on its head and harness that energy in a positive way.
”We want this to be the people’s theatre and get young people involved in it. There will be partnerships with the education department and plans to populate the building so that it doesn’t just open and close for a show.”
Mr Christie envisages something of a rebirth for the theatre following the negative publicity. With the issue of refunds on the way to being resolved, it is clear he and fellow trust members hope a sorry chapter in the theatre’s history is at an end.
Keen to reassure Dundonians the Whitehall’s future is now in safe hands, he said: ”Things have maybe taken time but we are keen to get things right as we move forward. There is a very special feeling from the public towards the theatre and we are trying to represent that, to have transparency in our dealings and above all get it right for the people of Dundee.”