A bright future is being predicted for the Whitehall Theatre after it was hailed as one of the city’s finest visitor attractions.
The venue has been awarded “four-star” status by Visit Scotland in the wake of massive investment designed to turn the venerable theatre into a truly 21st Century venue.
The recognition shows that the Whitehall has emerged from troubled times, when money woes briefly threatened its very existence.
Lord Provost Bob Duncan was among the first to hail the award, saying: “The Whitehall Theatre is a huge asset for Dundee and this news is just brilliant.
“It is testament to the huge amount of work that has gone into transforming the theatre, whose auditorium now looks like a different building.
“It is beautiful.
“The theatre has always been home to traditional entertainment but it is now a very flexible venue and in the years ahead will play host to all manner of shows.”
The award of four-star visitor status by Visit Scotland is a first for the theatre and will help put the venue on the map nationally and also within the city itself.
The accreditation means that the Whitehall qualifies for “brown sign status”, meaning that directions to the theatre will be posted throughout the city, in a fashion similar to other top establishments such as Discovery Point and the Rep.
For Kenny Christie, chairman of Dundee Whitehall Theatre Ltd and the Whitehall Theatre Trust, it is recognition of years of hard work by everyone associated with the venue.
“It is worth bearing in mind that only two years ago newspapers were carrying headlines reading New crisis threatens Whitehall.
“The Visit Scotland accreditation, on top of improved facilities through our refurbishment, increased revenue through our bar and confectionery sales, more companies booking and returning to the theatre, along with better relationships with partners and those using the theatre, all demonstrate that those darker days are behind us.
“Through strong, principled leadership and by hard work and positively working with others the theatre has been on a transformative journey,” he said.
“I must also thank everyone who has supported us across the city and in theatre circles across the UK.”
Mr Christie added: “This excellent award, the first time the theatre has been part of such a scheme, validates the achievements of the whole team in providing the highest quality of patron experience to visitors to the theatre.
“Such a high grading is credit to the entire staff and volunteer team who provide such an excellent service.”
The theatre will not be resting on its laurels, as it narrowly missed out on achieving the top “five-star” rating from Visit Scotland.
Mr Christie said the Whitehall had been five points shy “on this occasion”, signalling his intention to shoot for the top mark in the future.