The fate of the Whitehall Theatre is shrouded in mystery after claims that the final curtain had fallen were disputed.
The trust that owns the theatre has claimed that a series of scheduled performances will take place this autumn after its operating company went into liquidation.
Derek Shaw, chairman of the Whitehall Theatre Trust, has stated his belief that the troubled venue will reopen within weeks despite Whitehall Theatre (Dundee) Ltd, the charitable trust that dealt with the day-to-day running of the auditorium, closing.
Mr Shaw claims that a volunteer-run theatre would reopen, allowing the venue to remain available for schools, amateur dramatics societies as well as touring performers.
Claiming the theatre could be hosting shows as early as next month, he said: “There is a lot of goodwill for the theatre and many people have come forward offering their help and support. Our target is to be open for September 1 when Dundee Schools Music Theatre will put on the planned show, Me and My Girl.
“We have a duty to put this show on as hundreds of young people have been working for nearly a year and the theatre is for them and local societies. There is a lot of hard work ahead of us. However, with all the goodwill and offers of help we have received, the show must go on.”
It is understood that cash from future ticket sales has not been lost with the firm’s collapse but refunds are not expected to be immediately available. Mr Shaw said the liquidators would have to be given the space to do their work but added that it was the trust’s intention to honour all tickets sold.
West End councillor Richard McCready has expressed his sadness at the troubles faced by the historic theatre, adding that he intends to meet representatives from the venue.
“I am sorry to see that the Whitehall Theatre might close,” he said. “Dundee needs a variety of cultural activities and I would be disappointed if we lost the Whitehall Theatre.
“I know that these are tough times in the world of business and for the council but I will be looking to see if we can find any ways in which the council could assist the theatre in order to keep it running.”
Fellow ward councillor Fraser Macpherson said: “It is reassuring to learn that, despite the difficulties of the theatre company and the liquidation decision, the Whitehall Theatre Trust has signalled its intention to keep the theatre open.”