Letter: Theatre plans

Your article on theatres at risk in Scotland (15 July), does not mention one of the finest and largest theatres that is still dark - the Kings Theatre in Dundee.

Situated in the Cowgate, it is over 100 years old, was designed by Dundee architect Frank Thomson, and opened in March 1909. It housed many performances of variety shows, drama, pantomime, ballet and opera. It was converted for Cinerama in 1962, when the stage surround was demolished, but many original features remain, including mouldings, stained glass, the undercroft, and the fine central ceiling. It now houses two night clubs.

The Kings Theatre Company aims to purchase the building, refurbish the auditorium to its original Edwardian splendour, and reopen the theatre. The time scale depends on raising funds to purchase and refurbish the building, estimated at about 15 million.

It will be a performing house mainly for touring companies of drama, musicals, ballet and opera, particularly for our national companies. It will also house the larger-scale productions by Dundee Repertory Theatre, Dundee College performing arts students, local amateur companies and others, and a large scale pantomime over the winter season.

PETER MURRAY SPENCER

Convener,

The Kings Theatre Company Dundee LTD