Running group stages fundraiser to boost charity-run theatre

More than £4,000 raised to help popular Dundee venue

Fundraisers have raised more than £4,000 for Dundee’s charity-run Whitehall Theatre after running a mile for every seat in the popular venue.

Twelve joggers spent much of the last few weeks running back and forth between Broughty Castle and the West End auditorium and completed the last of the 710 miles on Saturday.

They were welcomed at the finish line by a socially-distanced celebration on Bellfield Street, organised by fellow supporters.

The effort, which saw each runner put in as many miles as they could over a month, was organised by the theatre’s entertainment and events manager Scott McRuvie.

Named Rock the Road Run, the group had initially aimed to run 500 miles but increased this as donations flooded in.

Front of house manager Ewan MacGowan said the funds will go a long way to supporting the much-loved institution, which last year celebrated its 50th anniversary.

He said: “The only revenue that we get is when people walk through our doors.

“We don’t receive a regular grant that we can rely on so we have to apply for these when we get the chance.

“Frustratingly, the last four or five years we have been busier than ever.

“Sadly, we now need to get started again, whenever we can reopen.

“We are well-known as a friendly theatre and I think those who come to shows appreciate that.

“For these runners to raise £4,000 is absolutely fantastic.”

The theatre provides a stage for local amateur, dance and musical groups and was regularly packed out with customers pre-pandemic.

It attracts professional acts and celebrities to the city, helping to put Dundee on the map.

Alan Cumming, John Lydon, Paul Gascoigne and the Bay City Rollers are just some of the stars to have graced the stage.

Downfield Musical Society and Dundee Operatic Society also perform, giving young hopefuls an opportunity to showcase their talents on the big stage.

Mr MacGowan added: “The group smashed their fundraising target in a few days and just kept upping the number of miles so they could keep going and raise more.

“I have been shocked at the amount raised and it will really help.”

The only revenue that we get is when people walk through our doors. FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGER EWAN MACGOWAN