June – October 2016
Beacon Arts Centre, Custom House Quay, Greenock PA15 1HJ
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welcome Custom House Quay, Greenock PA15 1HJ 01475 723 723 beaconartscentre.co.uk
I hope by the time this reaches you the sun is shining and especially on 17 and 18 June when the P1 Scottish Grand Prix of the Sea comes to Greenock. We’ll be joining in the fun with a stall on the Esplanade, please drop by and enjoy a Taste of Scotland bite prepared by our in-house kitchen team or help us make some nautical themed bunting!
It’s also fantastic to welcome jazz legends Brian Kellock and Tommy Smith to the stage for their first time here, get your tickets fast for that one. Another first, is our Midsummer Nights in the Bistro, live music over 3 evenings to enjoy the stunning views as we reach the longest night. For more information turn to page 7. Our Homegrown brand continues to build, highlighting the diversity of work from across Inverclyde, including Thistle Theatre Company who present Peter Pan this September. And if you’re looking for things to do with the kids, there’s some great shows and workshops including Grinagog Theatre’s Row Your Boat. Beacon thrives on feedback and I’d be delighted to hear from you. I’ve enjoyed recent conversations and look forward to having many more. And it was a real thrill to hear a customer say of our recent Courtney Pine concert that it was “the best gig they’d ever been to”. Here’s to lots more! See you at the Beacon!
Jackie Shearer, CEO
Homegrown Talent
Premiere – Pitch Perfect At Waterfront Cinema Thu 16 June | 7pm | Free
Inverclyde Place Partnership presents two shorts written and performed by local, young filmmakers Christopher Patrick, Lauren Grech and Rachel Anne Clarke.
Thank you for your support We are grateful for the support of our audiences, patrons, donors, key funders, charitable trusts and sponsors.
Greenock Arts Guild Ltd trading as the Beacon Arts Centre is a registered charity. Registered in Scotland Company No. SCO24805. Registered Scottish Charity no. SC003030.
Front page clockwise starting top left: Glasgow Girls, P1 Scottish Grand Prix, Brian Kellock & Tommy Smith, Beacon Youth Theatre
Back in the venue, and as a legacy from last year’s Folk and Roots festival, we have an array of music that nods to the best of the genre. From Scottish Album of the Year award winners RM Hubbert and Kathryn Joseph to Blazin’ Fiddles, RURA, James Grant and stalwarts of the folk scene, Phil and Aly.
comedy
Dead Sheep Comedy Nights Best of the Festival
Fri 5, 12 & 19 August | 8:30pm | £12 / £10
Dead Sheep Comedy Nights
Fri 16 September, Sat 15 October & Fri 11 November | 8pm | £12 / £10
Scotland’s number one comedy promoter brings their award-winning club to Beacon Arts Centre. We will announce the line-up for each night via our website and social media. However we can now confirm an exclusive Edinburgh Fringe Preview:
Gary Little & Des Clarke Fri 22 July | 8pm | £10
The two acclaimed comedians preview their acts here at Beacon Arts Centre before heading off to the Fringe in August. Having enjoyed sell-out runs last year, we expect more of the same – plus plenty of laughs.
Gary Little
Des Clarke
“Some of the best stand up I’ve seen”
“Possibly the funniest man I’ve ever seen”
KEVIN BRIDGES
BBC SCOTLAND
“Runs rings round his comedy peers”
“Clarke’s performances are in a league of they own”
GLASGOW HERALD
SUNDAY HERALD
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Quayside Live Bringing fantastic music to Beacon Arts Centre this year Following last year’s hugely successful Folk & Roots Festival and inspired by feedback from you, we are increasing our music programme to include a mix of contemporary and more established acts.
James Grant
Thu 9 June | 7:30pm | £16
James Grant is widely acknowledged as one of Scotland’s most prolific songwriters. He first came to international attention as the lead vocalist in Love and Money. Signed to Phonogram at just 18 years old, James wrote four classic albums for the band, including the astonishingly mature Strange Kind of Love. Recording in New York, he worked with producers such as Gary Katz of Steely Dan and Tom Dowd. The albums produced several hit singles, racked up silver disc sales and created a devoted world-wide fanbase. As a solo artists, James has released five acclaimed albums, with his first best-of collection released in spring 2012. Drawing from a broad palette of pop, folk, soul, country and blues influences, James twins darkly literate, melodically lush songcraft with his richly potent vocals and virtuoso guitar.
RM Hubbert & Kathryn Joseph Thu 30 June | 7:30pm | £10 / £8
A rare chance to see two of the UK’s finest contemporary songwriters on the same night. RM Hubbert and Kathryn Joseph won the Scottish Album of the Year Award in 2012 and 2015 respectively and have been responsible for some of the most emotive, engaging and intelligent music to emerge from Scotland in recent years. They will play two separate sets at the Beacon but if we are lucky there may be a collaboration or two!
Expect an evening of Love & Money favourites interspersed with James’ solo material from his vast repertoire.
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Blazin’ Fiddles Fri 19 August | 7:30pm | £15 / £12
Blazin’ Fiddles are one of the world’s most prolific fiddle groups. With a Blazers performance comes the rare opportunity to hear the regional expressions, from Scotland’s Highlands and Islands, and the individual style from each fiddler – Inverness’ Bruce MacGregor, Shetlander Jenna Reid, Nairn’s Rua Macmillan, and Orcadian Kristan Harvey – in a blend of ensemble and solo sets. Fiddles and bows come alight atop guitar and piano from Anna Massie and Angus Lyon, delivering a musically intoxicating evening for all.
Brian Kellock & Tommy Smith Fri 9 September | 7:30pm | £10 / £8
Two of Scotland’s greatest jazz artists, saxophonist Tommy Smith and pianist Brian Kellock team up to bring you a beautiful and imaginative performance. The critically acclaimed duo will be performing tracks from their three CDs on Spartacus records, Bezique, Symbiosis and Whispering of the Stars which feature the great American and European song book.
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Phil & Aly Sat 17 September | 7:30pm £16
Together Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham have established themselves as the epitome of excellence in the world of traditional music. 2016 sees Aly and Phil mark many milestones. This will be their 30th year of working together, Aly turns 70 (hard to believe!) in May and Phil also celebrates 40 years as a professional musician.
RURA Fri 30 September | 7:30pm | £13 / £10
Live Act of the Year - 2015 Scots Trad Music Awards With their second album, 2015’s Despite the Dark, accompanied by extensive international touring, RURA have cemented their reputation as one of Scotland’s most powerful folk-based bands. Steven Blake, Adam Brown, David Foley, Adam Holmes and Jack Smedley’s exquisitely rugged, yet refined, blend of fiddle, Highland pipes, whistle, flute, bodhran, guitar and voice has proven a resounding hit across the board, and a highlight of many of the world’s leading folk festivals.
Music in the Bistro Bistro Boat Club Sessions run on the last Sunday of every month from 1pm We also have free music performances by local musicians as part of the All Hands project - see page 33
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Music for Midsummer Nights We’ve teamed up with some outstanding musicians to make the most of summer’s long nights and the magnificent views from the Bistro. The Bistro will also be offering a special menu and bar snacks.
These events take place in the Bistro and are free to attend however you are advised to make a reservation on 01475 723723.
John Patton Tue 21 June | 7pm
Born in Greenock, John Patton’s interest in jazz began when he joined Strathclyde Youth Jazz Orchestra. He has gone on to perform with some of the country’s most exciting acts including Fat-Suit and Tommy Smith. John was featured in this year’s Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year and he released his debut album Green 14 in 2015. All this and he has only just finished his 3rd year of his jazz degree at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland!
Music for Midsummer Nights is a collaboration with Glasgow International Jazz Festival.
Capella String Quartet Wed 22 June | 7pm
From their base in Glasgow, the Capella String Quartet have played together for years after having met as young pups. They are now one of the busiest and best string quartets in the UK. Widely respected and comprising of players from some of the country’s top orchestras, they are a friendly and vibrant bunch with a passion for delivering first-class polished performances from their huge and varied repertoire. Capella have also been lucky enough to perform with Brian Wilson from the Beach Boys, Madonna, Kanye West, The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, Andrea Bocelli and Rod Stewart amongst others.
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Rachel Lightbody featuring Tom Gibbs Fri 24 June | 7pm
Vocalist, Rachel Lightbody is a young talent based in Glasgow. Growing up in Chicago she was immersed from a very young age in the sounds of American song. From Billie Holliday to James Taylor, the family home was always filled with music and sparked Rachel’s early interest in performance. Fast-forward to today and you’ll find her constantly singing with peers and mentors live and in the studio across Scotland, as well as teaching and working creatively in the community. Rachel has worked with artists such as Fat-Suit, Flembot, Bella Hardy and tonight with the wonderful pianist Tom Gibbs.
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P1 Scottish Grand Prix of the Sea Sat 18 & Sun 19 June
GRINAGOG THEATRE PRESENTS
Row Your Boat
It’s fast, furious, free to watch, family entertainment and it’s coming to Greenock! Catch a double bill of powerboat racing and jet ski action, freestyle displays, stalls and much more on the Clyde. You can also show your support for the Scottish P1 race boat, the “Spirit of Inverclyde”!
Sat 18 June | 11am & 1:30pm £6 / £5pp family ticket (family of 3 or more) Suitable for 3 - 7
For more information on the event please visit www.p1superstock.co.uk
Galoshans at P1 Grand Prix
To support the event, the Bistro will be providing “A Taste of Scotland” bespoke menu, open from 9am – 8pm.
Row, row, row your boat, gently through the pond, and if you hear a loud squawk, watch out for the swan! Two friends imagine they are on a boat. There’s a pond, a loch, the sea and even….a bath! Come aboard for an interactive and musical adventure where imaginative play comes to life.
Sat 18 June | Greenock Esplanade
UZ Arts and the Beacon present a taster of the Galoshans Festival at the P1 Powerboats. The wild, frenetic brass, drums and strings of Orkestra Del Sol will be there to keep you dancing in between the powerboat racing action. For more details about the Galoshans Festival 2016, see back cover. Orkestra Del Sol at the P1 Powerboats is brought to you by the Inverclyde Place Partnership.
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dance
Dance Schools This summer we play host to showcases by talented youngsters from the following dance schools.
Graffiti Dance Troupe
Dance 1 Studio Ooh là là!
Sat 4 & Sun 5 June | 6pm | £12
Fri 17 & Sat 18 June | 7pm | £8.50
The talented pupils from Grafitti Dance Troupe present a spectacular production including cute ballerinas, fierce and energetic hip hoppers, unstoppable freestylers and baton throwers.
Dance 1 Studio present their annual showcase of dance, starting the evening with a fashion show. Then onto a sleepover party followed by a Woodland Picnic, before rounding the evening off in Paris with a traditional can can and Showgirls. All proceeds are going to local charities.
Elite Academy of Dance Summer Show Fri 10 & Sat 11 June | 7:30pm | £10 / £8
Inverclyde’s only Royal Academy of Dance classical ballet school present a showcase of the student’s work this season. They will be joined by their Associate School - Alba Ballet and their new SQA Partner - New College Lanarkshire.
Elma Whyte School of Dance Sat 25 & Sun 26 June | 7pm | £14
Elma Whyte present their 50th performance – a showcase of talent from one of Scotland’s best independent dance schools. Featuring the stars of tomorrow.
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Q&A
In Our World: A Day On The Spectrum Tue 7 June | 1 & 7pm | £2.50 / £1.50
How much do you know about autism? With the hundreds of people living with autism in Inverclyde this sketch and Q & A explores themes of, education, bullying, criminal justice and acceptance. This will be a funny and moving piece created and performed by the youth of REACH for Autism using their own experiences. It may not be the most polished performance you’ll see, but it’s real and comes from the heart of six brave young people who want to make a difference to others living with autism. If you are willing to learn more about autism then come along and find out what a day on the spectrum is really like, In Our World. Please note that the performance is in aid of Autism Awareness and REACH for Autism and that some parts of the performance may not be suitable for people with autism.
drama BEACON YOUNG COMPANY
Hector Moray By Andy McGregor
Tue 28 June | 7:30pm | £7 / £5 | Suitable for 13+
It’s 2021 and Hector Moray is a below average teenager with a well below average name. His life is as normal as normal can be until the return of a ‘No’ vote in a second referendum sends Scotland, and Hector, into an adventure like no other. He finds himself at the centre of a deadly plot to overthrow the government and it’s all due to him fancying a girl purely on the basis that she has a worse name than him (Sylvia, since you’re asking). A rambunctious, knockabout of a play filled with intrigue, excitement and sandwiches. Originally created as part of the National Theatre of Scotland’s Exchange 2016 Festival.
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dance
CREATABILITY
Outside In Thu 23 June | 7:30pm | £3
A journey through the four seasons exploring how the weather affects us in unique ways - both physically and emotionally. Celebrating the joy of human connections and the natural elements through creative movement and aerial dance. Creatability is part of Beacon Arts Centre’s dance programme and brings together young people from REACH for Autism, Barnardo’s and Craigmarloch School to work with All or Nothing Aerial Dance Theatre and Waterbaby Dance. The participants have taken part in exciting aerial dance workshops which will culminate in this evening’s performance. The Beacon is excited to present their first Autism-friendly aerial performance.
Toasted Fiction: The Podcast Sessions
drama
Thu 7 July & 29 September | 7:30pm | £5 / £3 | Suitable for 14+
New writing. New writers. New way of watching. The Podcast Sessions is a new audio series of short plays and stories created by Inverclyde playwright and director Christopher Patrick (The Constant Soldier, Full Stop). Each month, a new episode features new writing from across Scotland. The episodes are recorded in front of a live audience and read by professional actors. Audience members are integral to the success of the recording, providing laughter where required and giving the performers the mood and ambience to inspire them. So come along – you will be supporting local talent and you will be one of the podcast stars too!
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drama
“spellbinding”
KAI FISCHER IN ASSOCIATION WITH NATIONAL THEATRE OF SCOTLAND
The Guardian
Last Dream (On Earth) Wed 20 July | 7:30pm | £12 / £10 | Suitable for 12+
A traveller stands on a beach in Morocco with a group of friends. Tonight, they are getting ready for a journey to change their lives. Decades earlier, a young man is getting strapped into a tiny sphere, ready for his mission: to become the first human in outer space. Experienced on headphones, this award-winning production creates a world of immersive sounds and stories, interweaving a driving live music score with accounts of those who risk their lives for a distant dream.
drama
“THRILLING”
PACHAMAMA PRODUCTIONS, NATIONAL THEATRE OF SCOTLAND, THEATRE ROYAL STRATFORD EAST AND REGULAR MUSIC
Express
Glasgow Girls
Supported by Citizens Theatre and Richard Jordan Productions Fri 29 July 7:30pm | Sat 30 July 2:30 & 7:30pm | £10 Suitable for 12+
The sold out show of 2012 comes to the Beacon for an Edinburgh Fringe preview. Cora Bissett and David Greig’s life-affirming, song-filled Scottish drama, based on the true story of seven feisty teenagers, whose lives change forever when their school friend and her asylum-seeking family are forcibly taken from their home to be deported. The young women are galvanised to take a stand and fight for the life of their friend, her family and, ultimately, for the rights of all children of asylum-seekers in Scotland. They take on the government and succeed where others have failed, capturing the imagination of the media and inspiring a whole community to unite behind its residents.
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dance YDANCE
Project Y 2016 Thu 4 August | 7:30pm | £6 / £4
An extraordinary collection of four new contemporary dance works choreographed by Anna Kenrick (YDance Artistic Director) and guest choreographers Liv Lorent and Gavin Coward (balletLORENT), Matthew Robinson (Scottish Dance Theatre) and Tamsyn Russell. Project Y is performed by 25 exceptional young dancers aged 16 to 21 and is touring across Scotland in August 2016. #ProjectY16
NO NONSENSE PRODUCTIONS
Para Handy The Wireless Show
drama
By Neil Munro Adapted by Gordon Neish Sun 7 August | 1pm | £19.95
No Nonsense Productions (It’s a Wonderful Life, Arsenic and Old Lace) presents Para Handy; The Wireless Show. Join the Master Mariner, Dougie the Mate, MacPhail the Engineer and Sunny Jim along with a host of other characters for six classic tales from Neil Munro. Performed as a 1950s radio broadcast against the stunning backdrop of the Clyde in the Beacon Bistro this production features live sound effects and period music. Price includes afternoon tea at 1pm and performance begins at 2:30pm.
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psychic AN EVENING OF MEDIUMSHIP WITH TV PSYCHIC
Tony Stockwell Wed 10 August | 7:30pm | £19.50
For those with an interest in mediumship, the name of Tony Stockwell will certainly need no introduction. Tony has been working tirelessly for over 25 years to demonstrate his belief that those who have passed can communicate with their loved ones. Tony’s insight into the lives of total strangers is inexplicable and remarkable as he attempts to offer fascinating revelations from the other side. Please note: Tony Stockwell is a Spiritualist Medium and spirit communication is part of his own religious belief, but we accept differing opinions exist regarding mediumship. Any demonstration of mediumship is an experiment and results are not guaranteed.
opera OPERA BOHEMIA
La traviata
Sun 21 August | 7:30pm | £15 / £12, £6 (under 18)
Scotland’s Opera Bohemia returns with one of the world’s most loved operas, La traviata. Verdi’s masterpiece tells the tale of the famous courtesan, Violetta who commits the cardinal sin of falling in love. Scottish favourite Catriona Clark (Violetta) and rising star Thomas Kinch (Alfredo) lead a cast of some of Scotland’s finest home grown talent, including Aaron McAuley, making his company debut in the role of Germont, and star of Gianni Schicchi, Andrew McTaggart as Baron Douphol. Including the famous Brindisi, and Sempre Libera, this intimate and gripping new production by Douglas Nairne is not to be missed. Sung in Italian with English subtitles and accompanied by piano and violin.
“One of the most exciting new opera companies in the country” THE HERALD
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comedy I KNOW A GUY PRODUCTIONS
Dirty Water
Fri 2 September | 7:30pm | ÂŁ12 / ÂŁ10 | Suitable for 16+
Set in the housing schemes of Glasgow, Dirty Water follows a misfit team of male cleaners. The merry band of lads are led by Jock, who is trying to come to terms with becoming a father for the first time, Ladies Man Boab, Crawford the functioning alky and man of wisdom and Brian, the private school boy and struggling actor. When mounting complaints lead to their jobs hanging in the balance, mopping floors starts to look a little harder than they first thought. A story about friendship and the jobs we hate to do. www.dirtywatershow.co.uk
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festival EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL’S BOOKED! PROGRAMMED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH INVERCLYDE COUNCIL, INVERCLYDE LIBRARIES AND BEACON ARTS CENTRE PRESENTS
Inverclyde Booked! Festival Thu 25 – Fri 26 August
The buzz of Edinburgh International Book Festival comes west for a two-day literary feast!
School and Community Group Events 10am - 3pm
For school pupils and community groups, each day offers free events with top authors, taking in everything from picture books and adventure guides to action heroes and blogging sensations, with a glut of drop-in activities, pop-up performances and more to be experienced. Get involved with the schools programme by contacting Katharine.Mulvenny@inverclyde.gov.uk
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Jan Patience and Louise Wyllie ARRIVALS AND SAILINGS: THE MAKING OF GEORGE WYLLIE (POLYGON) Thu 25 August | 4pm
Come and meet the two writers behind a new biography of one of Gourock's most famous residents, the late George Wyllie, and find out how they set about telling his story. Arrivals and Sailings: The Making of George Wyllie (Polygon) is the first-ever in-depth look at the life of the internationally renowned artist who gave the world the famous Straw Locomotive and its follow-up, The Paper Boat, as well as a bumper back catalogue of sculptures, public art works, drawings, prints, hand-made books, essays and poetry. Co-written by his elder daughter, Louise Wyllie, and arts journalist, Jan Patience, it tells the compelling story of how a wee boy from Glasgow, born in the shadow of the Great War, who grew up ‘disadvantaged but happy childhood’, and went on to meet his First Mate, Daphne in his early days with the Royal Navy, stationed in Portsmouth. It tracks an eventful war, from the D-Day Landings, to the liberation of Greece to an active theatre of war in the Pacific. A trip to Hiroshima just three months after an atomic bomb devastated the Japanese city and its population, was to haunt him until his dying day. After the war, Wyllie served as a Customs and Excise officer in Northern Ireland and in Greenock before ‘making time for art’ in middle-age. As the book reveals, George Wyllie was always creating; even from a very young age. It shows how, unfettered by a formal art education, he took on the world of contemporary art head-on with his ever-questioning – and unpretentious – approach to making his art. Books (£25, hardback) will be available to sign at this event.
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Packie Bonner and Gerard McDade Thu 25 August | 5:30pm | £5 / £3.50
The backbone of Ireland’s heroic World Cup 1990 side and Celtic’s most-capped player ever, goalkeeping icon Patrick ‘Packie’ Bonner is telling all in his much-anticipated autobiography The Last Line. Greenock resident and writer Gerard McDade joins Packie for a conversation covering some of the most memorable moments of the Scottish game and famous faces in world football: from Jock Stein to Jack Charlton, Parkhead to Italia 90. Hear about that penalty save, trophies won and lost, and an audience with another special ‘keeper: Pope John Paul II. Followed by a book signing; copies of The Last Line will be on sale.
Booked! Unbound Thu 25 August | 7 – 9pm | Free, drop-In
Unbound, the nightly cabaret caper features local literary and musical talents performing alongside special guests from Edinburgh International Book Festival. Look out for line-up updates on edbookfest.co.uk and beaconartscentre.co.uk
Booked! is Edinburgh International Book Festival on the road around Scotland throughout the year, bringing books to life for people in their communities, and is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
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musical THISTLE THEATRE COMPANY IN ASSOCIATION WITH THISTLE THEATRE ACADEMY
Peter Pan
Fri 9 & Sat 10 September | 7:30pm £18 / £14 child. Family tickets available
The classic British tale is brought to the stage in a musical extravaganza guaranteed to entertain and delight children and adults of all ages. Following the much loved story from J.M Barrie, the audience join Peter, Wendy, Michael and John as they embark upon an adventure, flying to Neverand where they encounter the Lost Boys, crocodiles, pirates and the dastardly Captain Hook. Staged by the Company that brought you Blood Brothers, The Diary of Anne Frank and Oliver Twist, this musical adaptation will enthral from start to finish.
Buddy Holly & The Cricketers
live music
24 YEARS OF ROCK ’N’ ROLLING THE WORLD! Sun 18 September | 7:30pm | £17 / £15
This breathtaking show has rock ’n’ rolled audiences across the globe from Cardiff to California, Barking to Bangkok and Swindon to Sweden and is guaranteed to have everyone singing along to the music and dancing in the aisles. It stars some of the finest actor-musicians in the UK whose combined West End credits include Buddy, Lennon, Forbidden Planet and Jailhouse Rock and was endorsed as Britain’s most popular Buddy Holly act when the boys guested on BBC One’s Saturday Night Live programme, The One and Only, hosted by Graham Norton. Whatever the season, whatever the excuse to party, make your Heartbeat a little faster with the show that has thousands of fans the world over saying: “I can’t believe it’s not Buddy!”
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drama
“Gorgeous... witty... resonant”
FIRE EXIT / DAVID LEDDY
THE SCOTSMAN
The Course of True Love By David Leddy
Tue 20 September | 7:30pm | £10 / £8
An everyday tale of caution, courage and Cleo Laine. Following sell-out success at Glasgow's legendary A Play, A Pie and A Pint, comes this playful and heart-warming new production from a multi-award winning ‘Star Scottish playwright’ (Metro). Photo: David Leddy
Celia and Oliver are in the world’s most expensive hotel, drunk on the world’s most expensive champagne. They have thirty minutes to make up their minds about a risky political proposal that could tear their lives apart. Will they find the courage to reveal their true feelings and speak truth to power?
dance JOAN CLEVILLÉ DANCE
Thu 22 September | 1pm | £10 / £8 | Suitable for 10+
You have a plan, and then you don’t. You have a dream, and then you wake up. You fall in love, and your heart gets broken. The question is: do you pick up the pieces and try again?
Plan B for Utopia is a show about how we choose to live our lives; about having a dream, giving it up and trying again, but above all, it is a story about friendship. Mixing dance, theatre and storytelling with a good dose of humour, the performance features classic songs like Somewhere Over the Rainbow and When You Wish Upon a Star.
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Photo: Nicole Guarino
Plan B for Utopia
drama
TRAM DIRECT
Touching Cloth By John Hughes
Fri 23 September | 7:30pm | £12 / £10
After the sell-out tour, Touching Cloth is now on the road again. This laugh a minute comedy set in the Glasgow shipyards in the 1980’s will entertain you with great one liners as we follow John, Paul, George and Shug as they philosophise about life waiting in line for the toilet practically “touching cloth”! www.tramdirect.com
drama
SLEEPING WARRIOR THEATRE COMPANY AND MACROBERT ARTS CENTRE IN ASSOCIATION WITH SHOWROOM PRESENT:
The Rise and Inevitable Fall of Lucas Petit
A fast and furious new comedy with music from the team behind Love 2.0. There’s only one remarkable thing about Lucas Petit, and that is how unremarkable he is. But, one day, a chance encounter with a tramp that may or not be God throws his whole world into disarray, as he is cast head-first into the murky world of organised crime and disorganised religion...
By Andy McGregor
Fri 23 September | 7:30pm | £10 / £8
Supported by Creative Scotland.
“Hilarious”
“Ingenious… great entertainment”
SCOTSMAN
TV BOMB
Reviews for Sleeping Warrior’s Love 2.0
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live music
The Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular Sun 2 October | 8pm | £22
Purveyors of Cool Swing into town with “The Greatest Music Of The 20th Century”
“Superb remarkable tremendously entertaining”
Wonderful memories of classic Las Vegas, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis.
THE STAGE
Totally live performance now in its 14th year that continues to be successful worldwide.
“MAGNIFICENT!” BBC
Every song is a winner: Come Fly With Me, Volare, That’s Amore, Under My Skin, Mr Bojangles, Sway, Mack The Knife and many more of your favourites. Always a fun night out! www.ratpack.biz
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“A very, very good comedian …. the new queen of the one woman show” DAILY RECORD
Michelle McManus
comedy
REALITY - THE MUSICAL Sat 1 October | 7:30pm | £15
After receiving five star reviews at the Edinburgh Festival and a sold-out performance in Beacon studio, the columnist, television presenter, actress and singer returns to the Beacon by popular demand, with an updated version of Michelle McManus’ Reality - The Musical. An upfront and humorous take on her life since winning Pop Idol just over a decade ago, with famous show tunes from the West End and Broadway. From Chicago to Cabaret, Les Miserables to Chess this fabulous evening of entertainment is set to have everyone singing along and laughing with Michelle as she recounts some of the ups and downs of her life as a TV reality show winner and exactly how she feels about Simon Cowell and Gillian McKeith.
“Brilliantly dark”
“Funny, intelligent, charming”
SUNDAY TIMES
EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS
comedy
LIVE NATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH MZA
Daniel Sloss – So? With special guest Kai Humphries
Sun 2 October | 8pm | £13.50 | Suitable for 16+
Don’t miss the stunning new show from Scotland’s internationally acclaimed and award-winning comedian! Daniel has sold out 8 consecutive Edinburgh Fringes and tours extensively throughout UK, Europe, Australasia and USA. His TV includes Sunday Night at the Palladium, Russell Howard’s Good News, and five appearances on Conan O’Brien. He co-created online sitcom M.U.F.F, gave a Tedx Talk, released a live DVD and is working on his pilot for Warner Brothers Studios. And, hot on the heels of last year’s incredible 80 date UK & European DARK tour, he’s made his New York debut with a smash-hit season at the Soho Playhouse followed by a sold out 2 month tour in Australia and New Zealand. SO?... what else is new…?!
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drama RAPTURE THEATRE IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE MACROBERT ARTS CENTRE
Democracy by Michael Frayn (Noises Off) Tue 4 October | 7:30pm | £12 / £10
Star casting to be announced!
West Germany, 1969. Charismatic Willy Brandt has been elected Chancellor. When Brandt ‘dares more democracy’, his own party conspires, plots and tries to destroy him. As his enemies tighten the noose around his neck, Brandt believes the only man he can truly trust is Gunter Guillaume, his devoted personal assistant. But in the world of political intrigue, espionage and betrayal, is anyone to be trusted? Shakespearean in scale but with all the twists and spins of modern politics, Democracy combines the fascination of a John Le Carre thriller (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and The Night Manager) with the dynamism of The West Wing and House of Cards.
family CULTURED MONGREL
Experts in Short Trousers
Wed 5 October | 10:30am & 1pm | £7
For school groups The young audience and their families arrive to a disaster; the cast, costume and set strewn everywhere! Having never ventured to earth before the cast need taught how to move, what to wear and how to rebuild their escape vehicle; with a cast distracted by the wonders of their new planet it is up to the Experts In Short Trousers to make sure the job gets done!
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drama
LUMINATE AND FISHAMBLE
Forgotten
Written and performed by Pat Kinevane Directed by Jim Culleton Produced by Eva Scanlan Thu 7 October | 7:30pm | £10 / £8 | Suitable for 14+
Pat Kinevane’s captivating portrayal of four older characters, living in retirement homes and care facilities around Ireland, is a unique collage of Kabuki dance and Irish storytelling. With vibrancy and haunting honesty, Kinevane’s stylized performance brings to life these sometimes forgotten voices of society. Luminate, Scotland’s creative aging festival, is delighted to present this boutique performance by the Olivier and triple Fringe First award-winning Fishamble: The New Play Company. Forgotten has been performed in over 50 venues nationally and internationally, supported by Culture Ireland. www.fishamble.com www.luminatescotland
live music
TIMELESS PRODUCTIONS
Rolling Back the Years Thu 13 October | 2:30 & 7pm | £16 / £14
Another sensational show from the producers of Memory Lane, All our Yesterdays, and Memories are Made of This. One of the biggest shows of its kind in the UK, taking the audience on a breathtaking musical journey through the 50s, 60s, and some of the brilliant sounds of the 1970s. Including songs by Buddy Holly, Cliff Richard, Frank Sinatra, Dolly Parton, The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Abba and many more. Based on the original show from 2012, with a host of new songs and costumes for 2016.
“Brillant show, wasn't born when a lot of the songs were out but loved it. Thank you.” M Michie
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comedy
“Riotously funny” INDEPENDENT
MZA & CHILL PRODUCTIONS
Craig Hill – Up and Coming!
Sat 22 October | 7:30pm | £14.50 / £12.50 | Suitable for 16+
Hot on the heels of last year’s sell-out tour, your favourite jet-fuelled kilty pleasure shoots back to the Beacon like a rocket full of fun! Craig is certainly ‘up’ and most definitely coming, so book early! @mrcraighill
“Flat-out hilarious... I’ve not heard a room laugh so long and hard… There isn’t anyone better at working a crowd… the audience was in absolute paroxysms of laughter… He has a wide appeal and it is genuinely funny.”
MIRROR
drama
TERRA INCOGNITA SUPPORTED BY MACROBERT ARTS CENTRE.
Invisible Army Thu 27 October | 7pm | £10 / £8 | Suitable for 12+
Three years ago Robbie McGuire started becoming invisible. It’s not a big problem. It doesn’t affect his daily life. Mrs Gillespie still gives him detention and Sarah Hargreaves still threatens to smash his face in. But people bump into him a lot in the street. Nobody ever really looks at him - they always look to the side or slightly behind. And this morning, the longer he looked in the mirror, the less he could see of himself. Created as a documentation of the experiences and imaginations of a group of young carers, Invisible Army follows Robbie through a very weird day.
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Photo: Steve Ullathorne
www.mrcraighill.com #upandcoming
opera SCOTTISH OPERA
The Elixir of Love Tue 18 October | 7:30pm £15 / £5 under 26 concession
Scottish Opera’s new production of Donizetti’s sunny comedy takes to the road this Autumn. Director Oliver Platt and designer Oliver Townsend (Rodelinda 2013) take their inspiration from the world of P.G. Wodehouse in a cheeky, vividly characterised show with its tongue firmly in its cheek. The lively and lyrical score sees Donizetti at his best, from the beauty of Una furtiva lagrima to the fun of Dulcamara’s patter songs. The cast includes Ellie Laugharne, Welsh tenor Elgan Llyr Thomas, and acclaimed baritone James Cleverton. They’re accompanied by five players from the orchestra of Scottish Opera in a new instrumental arrangement by Scottish Opera’s Head of Music, Derek Clark.
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Exhibitions We have a year round programme of exhibitions from local schools, groups and artists displayed in our foyer and landing areas. If you’d like to make use of the exhibition area, please contact us on info@beaconartscentre.co.uk
Jim Hardie THE POWER OF THE GROUP Until Sun 29 May Admission free
Jim Hardie, a former tutor at the Glasgow School of Art, presents a series of seven portraits of participants of the Inverkip Meditation Class, which has been meeting since 2012. During a dip in his creative output, Jim was moved to paint a self-portrait that was completed in September 2015. Six paintings accompany Jim’s self-portrait and each is accompanies by a reflective text by the classmates being painted. The exhibition is the result of a collaborative journey the group have taken together.
June
This exhibition of landscape watercolours from the children of St Josephs and Gourock Primary Schools shows off Inverclyde at its beautiful best. Working with local artist Anne McKay and using her Wee Dinkies© model, these miniatures showcase the extraordinary creative talent of Inverclyde’s children. A team of judges will select four of the pictures to be transformed into a tote bag for sale in the Beacon foyer during the summer months.
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calendar
June
7 In Our World 10 9 James Grant 4 10 & 11 Elite Academy of Dance 9 14 & 15 Graffiti Dance Troupe 9 17 & 18 Dance 1 Studio 9 18 & 19 P1 Grand Prix 8 18 Row Your Boat 8 21 John Patton 7 22 Capella String Quartet 7 23 Outside In 11 24 Rachel Lightbody featuring 7 Tom Gibbs 26 Boat Club Sessions 6 25 & 26 Elma Whyte School of Dance 9 28 Hector Moray 10 30 RM Hubbert & 4 Kathryn Joseph
July
29 The Podcast Sessions 20 Last Dream (On Earth) 22 Dead Sheep Comedy 29 Glasgow Girls 31 Bistro Boat Club Sessions
August
11 12 3 12 6
4 Project Y 2016 13 5 Dead Sheep Comedy 3 7 Para Handy 13 10 Tony Stockwell 14 12 Dead Sheep Comedy 3 19 Dead Sheep Comedy 3 19 Blazin’ Fiddles 5 21 La traviata 14 25 & 26 Inverclyde Booked! Festival 16 25 Writers Talk: Jan Patience 18 and Louise Wyllie 28 Bistro Boat Club Sessions 5
June – October 2016
September 2 Dirty Water 15 9 & 10 Peter Pan 19 9 Brian Kellock & Tommy 5 Smith 16 Dead Sheep Comedy 3 17 Phil & Aly 6 18 Budy Holly & The Cricketers 19 20 The Course of True Love 20 22 Plan B for Utopia 20 23 Touching Cloth 21 23 The Rise and Inevitable 21 Fall of Lucas Petit 25 Bistro Boat Club Sessions 5 29 The Podcast Sessions 11 30 RURA 6
October 1 2 2 4 5 7 13 18 15 22 27 30
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Michelle McManus 23 The Rat Pack Vegas 22 Spectacuar Daniel Sloss 23 Democracy 24 Expert in Short Trousers 24 Forgotten 25 Rolling Back the Years 25 The Elixir of Love 27 Dead Sheep Comedy 3 Craig Hill 26 Invisible Army 26 Bistro Boat Club Sessions 5
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PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Fri 9 Dec
7pm
Sat 10 Dec
2pm
7pm
Sun 11 Dec
1pm
5pm
Mon 12 Dec
No Performances
A Beauty of a Panto… A Beast of a Show!
Tue 13 Dec
10am
7pm
Wed 14 Dec
10am
7pm
Thu 15 Dec
10am
7pm
A handsome prince is cursed by an evil fairy to live as a hideous beast. The only way to lift the curse is for him to find true love - but who could love a beast? Join us to see if Beauty will see beyond appearances and fall in love with the Beast and overcome the terrible curse?
Sat 17 Dec
2pm
7pm
Sun 18 Dec
1pm
5pm
Mon 19 Dec
No Performances
With spectacular scenery, fabulous costumes, incredible special effects and bags of tradional pantomime slapstick fun, Beauty and the Beast is a delight for all the family to enjoy.
Mon 26 Dec
“Pithy local references, forays into punning wordplay and a commendable squirt of messy slapstick” The Herald on our 2015 production of Aladdin.
Fri 16 Dec
7pm
Tue 20 Dec
7pm
Wed 21 Dec
2pm
7pm
Thu 22 Dec
2pm
7pm
Fri 23 Dec
7pm
Sat 24 Dec Sun 25 Dec
1pm
No Performances – Merry Christmas 5pm
Tue 27 Dec
2pm
7pm
Wed 28 Dec
2pm
7pm
Thu 29 Dec
2pm
7pm
Fri 30 Dec
2pm
7pm
Sat 31 Dec
2pm
TICKET PRICES Schools Performances: £8. One teacher free with every 10 pupils Standard Performances: £17, £13 upper circle (Concessions £14, £10 upper circle). Family tickets £37-53 for a family of 4** or £45-£65 for a family of 5*** Premium Performances: £19, £15 upper circle (Concessions £16, £12 upper circle). Family tickets £45-61 for a family of 4** or £55-£75 for a family of 5*** Groups of 20+ £13.50. One ticket free with every 10 purchased. Disabled companions free **Must include at least 2 children ***Must include at least 3 children
Beacon-Arts-Centre
5pm
@thebeaconarts #aladdinbeacon
Beacon Youth Dance Summer Intensive
Mon 25 – Sat 30 July | 10am -5pm | £50 Suitable for 14 - 21 years Beacon Youth Dance Summer Intensive is a great way to develop your contemporary dance and ballet technique and gain essential skills in choreography and dance improvisation. Led by professional dance teachers and choreographers, participants will work towards a choreography to be presented on the main stage at the Beacon as part of the Project Y performance on Thu 4 August. All participants must be available to attend all dates. Some dance or performance experience is required. For any enquiries relating to dance please email gail@beaconartscentre.co.uk
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REGULAR CLASSES
Drama
Dance
Beacon Youth Theatre
We offer classes for fun and fitness, for everyone from 2 years upwards. Try your first class for FREE.
Every Sat until 25 June P1 & P2
10 – 10:45am
£36
P3, 4 & 5 10:45am – 12 noon
£44
P6 & 7
12 noon – 1:15pm
£44
S1 & S2
1:15 – 2:30pm
£44
S3+
2:30 – 3:45pm
£44
Beacon Youth Theatre is a dynamic group led by Andy McGregor and Marianne Yeomans. Participants are encouraged to use their imagination, share ideas and tell real life stories to create imaginative performances on stage.
Music Permission to Sing and Freedom with Songwriting 10 week terms Every Thu until 4 August 10am Shelagh McKay Jones delivers workshops in singing and songwriting for those who want to try their hand at both – no experience necessary!
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Spring / Summer term runs 25 April - 30 June 10 week block costs £50 Autumn term runs 22 August - 13 October 11 week block costs £55
For children and young people Micro Movers, 2-4 years Mon 11am – 12 noon Flying Feet, 4-7years Mon 5:30 – 6:15pm Young Groovers, 8-10 years Mon 6:30 – 7:30pm Junior Youth Dance Company, 11-13 years Mon 5 – 6:30pm Beacon Youth Dance Company, 14-21 years Thu 5 – 7pm £5 per week
For adults
Dance Workout Mon 6:30 - 7.30pm £5 per week Platinum 1 Mon 10 – 11am
£2 Donation
Platinum Plus Ongoing
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Beacon Arts Centre has teamed up with Inverclyde Place Partnership and Creative Scotland to present All Hands – a celebration of Inverclyde’s rich local heritage and strong cultural traditions. The project has led us to work with lots of different people to present a diverse and exciting programme. You too can be part of All Hands by joining us for one of the activities below. For more information on each activity visit www.beaconartscentre.co.uk or call 01475 723 723.
Beyond the Green Oak Tours at select times until 18 August | £10 / £7
Join us as we journey Beyond the Green Oak with this slightly surreal musical walking tour of Greenock. You will be led by tour guide Hector McMonigal who will introduce the sites & highlights of Greenock town centre. Along the way, you will encounter a host of comedy characters including Selkie Stick - half woman, half seal - who loves to sing and take selfies; a beatboxing Burns, Folk duo Green Oak, R&B act Tape & Style and DJ Jim ‘Electro’ Watt. #beyondtheoak
All Hands Music Performances
All Hands Watercolour Sessions
At selected times until Thu 19 August | Free
Thu 2 Jun – Mon 22 August | Various times £10 / £7 | Suitable for 12+
With James Ross and Michelle Burke
Join us in the Bistro for free music performance inspired by the All Hands theme! On 13th May our musicians will include pupils from Weymss Bay Primary and St. Francis’ Primary and on 25th May pupils from Whinhill, St. Michael’s and St. Joseph’s Primary. Other dates will feature performances from talented local musicians.
with Martyn McKenzie
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In these sessions, artist Martyn McKenzie will give one to one guidance in watercolour painting, offering methods on how to approach seascapes, focusing on light, colour and detail. Inspired by our riverside setting, participants will build skills in composition and learn how to paint the effects of water. After completing the paintings, participants will be able to discuss and share their work.
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Booking Information 01475 723 723 beaconartscentre.co.uk
Box Office
Mon – Sat 9am – 6pm (later on performance evenings) Sun – Open on performances evenings only
Call Us
01475 723 723. We will hold your tickets for collection or post them to you for £1. Credit card sales are subject to a £1 fee.
Look us up at
beaconartscentre.co.uk Online bookings are subject to £2.20 per transaction.
Group Bookings
1 free with every 10 tickets purchased (this offer excludes local theatre and showcase events).
Concessions
Concession prices are available where advertised and apply to Senior Citizens, Students, Children (16 and under) and those in receipt of benefits. Concessions must be claimed at time of purchase and proof of eligibility shown. Assisting companions for disabled patrons are admitted free of charge.
Refunds
Once you have bought a ticket it is non-refundable, unless the performance is cancelled or rescheduled.
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Bistro
Sun - Tue 9am – 6pm Wed – Sat 9am – 8pm Open later on performance evenings Please visit our website for our terms and conditions.
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Take in the Spoil views with some great the man in live music as you enjoy your life with our dinner or a glass of wine. bespoke Father’s Day menu on Midsummer Nights 19 June. 21, 22 and 24 June from 7pm
featuring classical, jazz and folk
Boat Club Session on last Sunday of the month 1-4pm
Christmas at the Beacon! We can cater for office parties, nights out, pre-show hospitality or just a festive catch up with friends.
Hire the Beacon? With a range of flexible and spacious rooms we can cater for the smallest of gatherings to larger scale conferences and weddings.
Enjoy riverside views with a glass of wine and a taste of our new menu. The Bistro serves breakfast from 9am featuring healthy porridge and light bites to a full Scottish breakfast. Lunch is from noon with the evening menu starting from 5pm. Coming to see show? Enhance your experience with a pretheatre, £12.95 for 2 courses of £15.95 for 3. Pre-booking advised to guarantee a table. Working? Inspire yourself in our airy venue and take advantage of complementary Wi-Fi. Add a working-friendly lunch, coffee or cake and bob’s your uncle! Private dining? Set your special occasion against the stunning backdrop of the Clyde Estuary and the mountains of Argyle and Bute. Book your table on
01475 723723
Speak direct with our events organiser Laura by email – laura.queen@ beaconartscentre.co.uk
“I would like to say sincere thanks to yourself and all your staff for our lovely tea yesterday… Nothing was too much trouble for your team and the food was delicious.” A Morrell
Coming soon . . .
Galoshans Festival 2016 28 – 31 October After the success of 2015, Halloween Comes Home again with Galoshans Festival 2016 with spectacular performance, street arts, street theatre and a halloween parade and so much more. Get involved, as an artist or as a performer – to take part in the programme or to volunteer – we’d love to hear from you. Drop us an email info@uzarts.com