Building a cultural heritage through the arts is “very important” to Dundee’s development.
That was the view of Matthew Prichard, the only grandson of best- selling crime novelist of all time Agatha Christie, who is due to come to the city later this month.
Mr Prichard, a patron of the arts in Wales, is planning a visit to the Rep Theatre to see Witness for the Prosecution, an adaptation of his grandmother’s classic novel.
He said he was very much looking forward to the visit, adding: “I came to a performance in the Rep two or three years ago.
“I have spent a good deal of time within the public arts so I’m very familiar with post-industrial cities that have developed their arts.
“I think that for any city like Dundee, it’s very important much more important than people think to build up a cultural heritage.
“Witness for the Prosecution is one of my favourite plays and I’m very much looking forward to seeing the production at the Rep Theatre.”
Mr Prichard said he had many fond memories of going to plays with Agatha Christie, who taught him to appreciate the arts.
He said: “My mother was an only child and so was I, and my father was killed in the Second World War. So we were a small family, which perhaps made us closer.
“My grandmother and I shared a love for all the arts, not just literature but music, theatre and visual arts.
“She made all these things available to me and took me to see Shakespeare plays, festivals and many others.
“I sometimes think we underestimate the importance of good entertainment for all the family, so I congratulate all those in Dundee who are making this possible in the city.”
Witness for the Prosecution will run from February 24 until March 19, opening Dundee Rep’s spring season.
The production is directed by award-winning Kenny Miller and features a 28-strong cast of professional and community actors.
Set in the 1950s, this Old Bailey courtroom drama resolves the guilt or innocence of Leonard Vole, the prime suspect who stands accused of murder.
Dame Agatha Christie is the author of over 80 novels and short stories and is estimated to have sold over two billion books worldwide.