Rothes Halls incident: Community rallies for Glenrothes musical theatre group

Rothes Halls was closed after suspicious communication (Pic: Fife Free Press)

Glenrothes Amateur Musical Association (GAMA) was due to perform Oklahoma! at the Rothes Halls, however, the Friday show was cancelled after the theatre received “suspicious communication” which led to the building being sealed off.

The Rothes Halls was re-opened by police later that day, but the group had to wait until Saturday to hit the stage again.

GAMA’s president Glen McGill issued an appeal online urging people to come along to the two shows – and they did.

There was a full-house for the afternoon performance, while more than 370 turned out for the evening show.

As well as people turning out to show their support, Glen says people “have been coming out the woodwork with offers of help”.

One musical director in Aberdeen wants to make a donation, while the employee of a financial business has sent out an application form which could help the group win a funding grant.

“I think people value having something like this in the community,” Glen said.

“I guess there is a place for us – we must be more loved than we realised.

“It’s just nice to see the community working together.”

Glen says he was made aware of the closure around 3pm on Friday – hours before the evening performance – and praised OnFife for its support.

“They couldn’t have been more helpful,” he said.

“They gave us plenty of time to take appropriate action – stop people having wasted journeys.”

Glen found out later that day that GAMA would be able to go ahead with its Saturday performances, adding that he had a “very energised” cast for the two shows.

“It’s just a lesson to us all,” Glen concluded. “Something unfortunate happens and you just have to make the most out of a bad situation.”