The trustees of Whitehall Theatre “lack ambition”, it has been claimed.
Former Dundee Lord Provost John Letford says his shock resignation as chairman of the trust was because the trustees refused to back his leadership and added he has a “genuine fear” for the theatre’s future.
That was due, he said, to the trust’s refusal to agree that the theatre board needed to bring in business professionals to drive the venue forward in a businesslike manner.
The trust had previously rejected a proposal by Mr Letford and treasurer Alex Scott who has also resigned to give £1,000 of the £27,000 youth theatre fund to support the Dundee Scout Gang Show.
Mr Letford said the move amounted to a vote of no confidence in the two men.
He said: “The donation I proposed to the Scouts was turned down, even though a donation was given some years ago to the Education Schools Music Theatre of £20,000.
“I duly resigned because of their lack of confidence in my leadership and I have had to apologise to the people who supported me with some £100,000 in donations, which has all gone on the refurbishment of the theatre thankfully.
“I have a genuine fear for the theatre in the long term because of a lack of ambition and the failure of the trust members to accept the fact that more qualified members are required to take the theatre forward.”
Kenny Christie, vice-chairman of the Whitehall Theatre Trust, declined to comment on Mr Letford’s views and said the board members would simply reiterate Tuesday’s statement that they deeply regretted accepting the resignations.
Mr Christie said: “The Whitehall Theatre Trust continues to move forward positively together with our partners in Dundee City Council and Leisure and Culture Dundee.”
Lord Provost Bob Duncan, who is chairman of Leisure and Culture Dundee, said the refurbishments at the theatre were “phenomenal” and John Letford had “left the theatre with a great legacy”.