Magnificent contribution to Whitehall

I READ with interest the article in the Tele of March 30 looking back at the history of the city’s Whitehall Theatre and I am very pleased that our iconic theatre is doing so well.

However, I disagree with your version of historical events which are inaccurate and disrespectful to the dedicated people who served the theatre over many years.

The theatre was not, as you stated, formed by the people you mentioned in your article as they arrived some considerable time later.

As the liaison person for Dundee City Council and the Whitehall Theatre Trust, I attended trust meetings chaired by the longserving Norman Robertson MBE and I was well aware who the members were.

More than anyone, Mr Robertson and his trust kept the theatre operating with his financial support of the private company you mention, Whitehall Theatre Ltd, and the trustee you interviewed, should know that as he was a member of the failed company.

As you quite rightly mention, the theatre did face ruin but thanks to surpluses left by David Strachan of Sounds Spectacular fame, chairman Derek Shaw, and Norman Robertson and myself raising all the money for the refurbishment, it was given a clean bill of health — a magnificent contribution by those I have mentioned, I can assure you.

The city council was undervalued and understated also by the few words in your article and the help mentioned only scratches the surface when you consider the secondment of council officer Davy Barr to manage the theatre, negotiated by Derek Shaw and myself.

Davy’s contribution was “above and beyond the call of duty”. The council also paid for the refurbishment of all the seating in the theatre and the Caird Hall. The expertise of Susan Gillan kept the entertainment alive and council staff gave of their time to help us keep the theatre open.

The worst omission of all was that there was not one word of thanks or recognition to the people who give their lives to the theatre, the volunteers.

It goes without saying that I and others are none too pleased with the sentiments expressed in your article but nevertheless recognise that the present success is what we all crave for and hope it continues.

Please don’t try to change the history of the theatre.

John Letford.