Arts Guild Theatre - What's On Season Brochure - Autumn & Winter 2012

ARTS GUILD THEATRE

Bringing the Best in the Arts and Entertainment to Inverclyde

WHAT’S ON September-December 2012

MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO THE BEACON

Purchase a dedicated seat in the main auditorium of The Beacon and for the next decade it will be named with a plaque in your honour or in honour of a friend or loved one. Each named seat will cost £500 if paid as a lump sum, or £600 if as a direct debit of £10 per month for 60 months.

TAKE A SEAT This is your chance to help make one of the most exciting cultural developments in Scotland happen. We have only a little money left to raise and have come so far from when we first started the creation of a new arts centre.

The theatre we are opening for you will have two auditoria: one of 500 seats and a second of 130. It will also have a bistro, meeting and conference rooms and a function suite. The Beacon is no ordinary arts centre; it will be as good as, if not better than, anything of its type in any major European centre, with spectacular views across the Clyde to the hills from the site on Custom House Quay.

There are many ways in which you can Make a Difference to The Beacon including Corporate Donation, Sponsorship or Partnership as well as individual giving through One in a Million, Wish List, Bucket Collections, Jewellery Recycling or Just Text Giving. Whether you’d like to give £10 or £10,000 go to http://www.artsguildtheatre. co.uk/support-us for details of how to give and how the addition of Gift Aid to your contribution can make your help go even further. Thank you.

Please call us on 01475 723038 or email bookings@artsguildtheatre.co.uk if you you would to MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO THE BEACON

ARTS GUILD STAFF

Alex Ellis.............................. Caretaker Amanda Sunter.................... FOH Staff Angela Bryson...................... Box Office Staff Anne McEnaney................... Bar Staff Anne Wilson......................... Cleaning Staff Charles Price....................... Catering Manager Edward Fraser...................... FOH Staff Jade McAleney.................... Trainee Arts Administrator Jill Thomson........................ Office Manager Jim Richardson.................... Caretaker Julie Ellen............................ Artistic Director Karri Daisley......................... FOH Staff Kevin Curran........................ Bar Staff Kirsteen Moreland................ FOH Staff Laura Reynolds.................... FOH Staff Lauren Brown...................... Box Office Staff Lorraine Baird...................... FOH Staff Lynda Jewer......................... FOH Manager Lynne Stewart...................... FOH Staff Margaret Caven.................... FOH Staff Marie Woods........................ Accounts Administrator Sara McCaig........................ Bar Staff Shoona McCaig.................... Bar Staff Stephanie Woods................. Box Office Staff Wilma McPherson................ Cleaning Staff

PATRON

His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex, KG, KCVO

ARTS GUILD BOARD

Elliott McKelvie.....................Chairman Brian Gavin..........................Company Secretary Gordon Armour.....................Finance Officer Alan Beck.............................Director Jane Cox..............................Director Jane Davidson......................Director Andrew Gerrard....................Director David Gorry..........................Director Hugh Harris..........................Director Bill Knox...............................Director Stewart McMillan..................Director Norman Pettigrew.................Director Cllr David Wilson...................Inverclyde Council Representative Cllr Martin Brennan..............Inverclyde Council Representative

WELCOME Producing a performance is a complex business with many months of planning involved. Over the summer local and visiting companies alike needed to be sure which theatre they would be in so they could create their publicity and build their sets. The Beacon will be completed slightly later in the year than originally anticipated, so we have committed to staying in the Arts Guild for a fun packed season with a grand finale of Greenock Players’ Pantomime, Cinderella.

Many of this season’s shows have been at the Edinburgh Festival receiving 5 star reviews, winning awards and playing to packed houses; Craig Hill, Tam O’Shanter, Cassablanca, I, Tommy and Hitch and Crunch performers Kieran Hurley and Gary McNair. There was also fantastic festival success for our producing partners ThickSkin and Sell A Door. Thickskin’s The Static was written by Davey Anderson working in Port Glasgow and St Stephen’s High Schools. To follow that achievement they are making a partner project to The Static with local young people, on the Arts Guild stage with a live link up with their peers in Corby, called White Noise.

Des McLean, Colin McCreadie (River City, Taggart), Libby McArthur and Joyce Falconer (River City), Gavin Mitchell (Still Game) and take up the very special opportunity to meet the legendary explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes.

With such a variety of great performances I am sure you will be looking forward to the autumn season at the Arts Guild; we hope you enjoy the shows.

Julie Ellen, Artistic Director

We will also welcome a host of stars new to Inverclyde, be sure to look out for them, they include comedian

SEE WHAT’S ON...

DRAMA........................................................White Noise............................................................................ 04

The Static............................................................................... 06

Our Town................................................................................ 07

Hitch & Crunch...................................................................... 08

The Man Who Had All The Luck............................................. 09

The View From Shore Street.................................................... 09

Piece of Mind......................................................................... 10

Singing I’m No A Billy He’s A Tim............................................ 11 COMEDY/THEATRE......................................Calendar Girls......................................................................... 05

Tam O’Shanter........................................................................ 05

Casablanca: The Gin Joint Cut................................................ 06

The F Word with Libby McArthur............................................. 13

I, Tommy................................................................................ 15 COMEDY......................................................Craig Hill................................................................................ 16 MUSIC.........................................................One Night of Elvis................................................................... 11 OPERA.........................................................The Elephant Angel................................................................ 14

La traviata............................................................................... 16 MUSICAL THEATRE.....................................A Night of Musicals................................................................. 07

Rolling Back The Years........................................................... 13

Hello Dolly!............................................................................. 15 FAMILY SHOWS...........................................There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly......................... 10

Scout’s Gang Show................................................................. 17 Cinderella............................................................................... 17 EVENTS.......................................................Sir Ranulph Fiennes in Conversation....................................... 12 JOIN IN........................................................Art Classes & Hire a Space.............................................20 & 21 BOOKING, ACCESS & GETTING HERE.............................................................................................22 & 23

WHITE NOISE Saturday 1st September, 7.30pm

ARTS GUILD THEATRE TICKETS £3.00 SUITABILITY: AGES 10+ THICKSKIN PRESENTS DIRECTED BY NEIL BETTLES

White Noise is a ground-breaking digital project partnering two theatres and two communities in England and Scotland. In association with Arts Guild Theatre, The Core at Corby Cube, Reid Kerr College and Rusty Boat, White Noise is curated and directed by Neil Bettles, Artistic Director of ThickSkin.

Together with a team of directors and digital artists, White Noise will showcase Greenock’s exciting young talent at the Arts Guild Theatre. Two teams of local young performers will create an original and thrilling theatre production that will be performed in Greenock and Corby simultaneously. The actors and audiences will be linked from over 350 miles apart creating a live virtual reality.

‘Hot on the heels of the UK’s finest physical theatre companies.’

Time Won’t Wait ‘A truly inspiring mix of reality, physical theatre, audio/visual prowess and passionately poignant art.’ ***** Hairline on Blackout www.thickskintheatre.co.uk

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CALENDAR GIRLS 6th-8th September 2012 7:30pm

ARTS GUILD THEATRE TICKETS £10.00 CONCESSION £7.00 GREENOCK PLAYERS

BRAVE actresses from Greenock Players will strip off for a production of poignant comedy Calendar Girls.

Calendar Girls is based on the true story of Annie (played

by Claire Scott) whose husband dies of leukaemia.

While visiting John at the hospital, Annie and her best friend Chris (Pauline Cumming) note that the settee in the relatives’ room is so uncomfortable that they would soon need a new wing to treat victims of the settee. They decided to raise money for a new settee by printing a calendar featuring some of the members of the local chapter of the Women’s Institute, discreetly posing nude while engaged in everyday activities, such as baking and knitting.

Director Chris Gavin said: “Given the theme of the play, we decided it would be good to be able to help a charity which deals with victims of this disease and we are very pleased to be able to do the play in aid of Ardgowan Hospice which has been caring for and supporting cancer sufferers locally for more than 30 years.”

TAM O SHANTER Wednesday 19th September 2012 7:30pm

ARTS GUILD THEATRE TICKETS £12.00 CONCESSION £10.00 SCHOOLS 2 FOR £10.00 (40 seats available at this rate with a first come first serve policy) COMMUNICADO THEATRE COMPANY

Based on the famous poem by Robert Burns and incorporating many of his other works, this raucous production by Communicado is a celebration of the national bard’s lust for life and an exploration of his Ayrshire community, its rituals, courtships and working life.

With over twenty songs, live music and an eleven strong ensemble of actors, dancers and musicians, this evening of

outrageous hilarity, death-defying rhyming, anachronisms and short skirts is created and directed by Gerry Mulgrew.

“A production full of punk swagger” Guardian “A hugely entertaining show, which tramples cheerfully over traditional pieties about Burns’…and features a geeky 21stcentury Burns in Buddy Holly spectacles.”

Scotsman The Big Issue The Herald A superb ensemble pull out every trick in the book...and the result is truly intoxicating British Theatre Guide Nominated for Best Ensemble, The Stage awards Nominated for Best Musical, Best Music, Most Innovation, MTMUK awards’ A co-production from Communicado, Horsecross and Assembly Festival.

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THE STATIC Friday 21st September 2012 7:30pm

ARTS GUILD THEATRE TICKETS £10.00 CONCESSION £8.00 SCHOOLS £5.50 THICK SKIN

Following an award-winning debut in 2010, ThickSkin returns with a magnetic new play by Davey Anderson.

The Static is a kinetic coming-of age story about desire, guilt and mind over matter, and follow up to ThickSkin’s critically acclaimed sell-out success Blackout (winner of The Arches Brick Award).

Featuring a striking mix of multi-media, movement and text, this visually arresting and fast-paced new play explores the ugly flipside to positive thinking - the terrifying idea that our darkest fantasies could come true.

“Most people’s thoughts stay inside their head. Not mine.

My thoughts travel. My thoughts do things. Don’t believe me? Just watch.”

Meet Sparky, a bright but volatile 15-year-old boy, who is written off at school as a disruptive influence and a lost cause, but when he falls in love with a strange girl called Siouxsie he discovers a newfound superpower.

Suitable for ages 14 + Contains some strong language Developed in association with The Core at Corby Cube, in partnership with Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland and with support from National Theatre of Scotland and The Arches. Presented at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2012 in association with Underbelly Productions. www.madeinscotlandshowcase.com

Casablanca: The Gin Joint Cut is a lovingly disrespectful homage to one of the classic films of all time. Casablanca has some of the most iconic scenes and best lines ever written, so why not play it again? But this time in a tiny gin joint, with three actors.

Morag Fullarton’s fast paced distillation will have you raise a Bogart-style eyebrow, shed a Bergman-like tear and drown out the Nazis with a rousing chorus of the Marseillaise. Starring Jimmy Chisholm, Gavin Mitchell and Clare Waugh.

“Pure theatre magic… the secret of the show’s success lies in its combination of anarchic stage send-up and real passion for the essence of one of the great screen love-stories.” **** Scotsman “It’s Gavin Mitchell’s gloriously studied resemblance to Humphrey Bogart that captivates, both when Fullarton’s production is playing it for laughs and in the series of genuinely tear-jerking encounters between Rick and Ilsa.” **** The Herald

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CASABLANCA: THE GIN JOINT CUT Thursday 27th September 2012 7:30pm

ARTS GUILD THEATRE TICKETS £12.00 CONCESSION £10.00 GILDED BALLON

OUR TOWN Wednesday 3rd October 2012 7:30pm

ARTS GUILD THEATRE TICKETS £4.00 CONCESSION £2.00 PERFORMED AS PART OF THE SCOTTISH MENTAL HEALTH ARTS & FILM FESTIVAL

Created by the Media Production Group, a collective of young people from across Inverclyde this performance focuses on the personal growth of six young people attending a New Start Centre. This support network helps them through difficult periods in their personal lives and allows them to see their neighbourhood in a more positive light.

A NIGHT OF MUSICALS Thursday 4th October 2012 7:30pm

ARTS GUILD THEATRE TICKETS £16.00 CONCESSION £15.00 MAD ABOUT PRODUCTIONS

All New 2012 ‘A Night Of Musicals’ Starring Michael Courtney Still the number 1 show of its kind!

This ultimate West End experience transports you on a whistle stop tour to the heart of London’s theatreland visiting over 20 of your favourite musicals from composers such as Lloyd Webber, Boublil and Schonberg.

From the poignant ‘All I Ask Of You’ to the dramatic ‘One Day More’ ‘A NIGHT OF MUSICALS’ talented ensemble conjure stunning, high quality vocal performances, which evoke the true spirit of the West End. So, sit back and enjoy two hours of unforgettable West End and Broadway favourites, the stunning vocal talents of Michael Courtney and full supporting cast, top notch dancing, glitzy costumes and a brilliant lighting show.

Michael Courtney’ - hailed as ‘SUPERB! A RINGMASTER OF AN ENTERTAINER’ by the Stage APRIL 2012, and nominated in 2008 ‘PRODUCER OF THE YEAR’ this is one not to miss!

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HITCH & CRUNCH Sunday 7th October 2012 7:30pm

WALLACE BENNETT THEATRE TICKETS £10.00 CONCESSION £8.00 THE ARCHES

Catch two of Scotland’s most exciting young theatre performers Kieran Hurley and Gary McNair in this special performance double bill.

Kieran Hurley: Hitch “Warm, generous…unexpectedly moving…”

The Observer On 8th July 2009, the leaders of eight of the world’s most powerful countries met in the Italian town of L’Aquila to make plans for the future of our planet.

On 27th June 2009, Arches Platform 18 2011 award winner Kieran Hurley hitched a lift from Glasgow to be there. Join Kieran for this heartfelt autobiographical performance about global leaders, compassionate strangers, a young man and his thumb which asks questions about the meaning and purpose of political protest, the limits of personal power, and the genuine possibility of change.

Gary McNair: Crunch “A sneakily clever performance…” **** The Guardian A hilarious solo performance by writer, performer, director and Arches Platform 18 2010 award winner Gary McNair.

Gary believes you’ve got what it takes to complete his fivestep programme and that you can be liberated from the tyranny of money forever.

Is it a lecture? Is it a test? Is he really serious? Find out in this entertaining and thought provoking live experiment about the value of money. www.thearches.co.uk

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THE MAN WHO HAD ALL THE LUCK Monday 8th October 2012 7:30pm

ARTS GUILD THEATRE TICKETS £10 CONCESSION £8 Sell A Door Theatre, in association with Mull Theatre David Beeves is a motor mechanic in a Midwest American town in the late 1930s. Day after day he is blessed with good fortune while his family and friends face difficult times the more success David achieves, the more guilty and paranoid he feels. Soon he begins to wonder what will happen when his luck runs out…

Multi-award-winning Sell a Door Theatre Company in association with acclaimed Mull Theatre, present Arthur Miller’s rarely performed gem. www.selladoor.com

THE VIEW FROM SHORE STREET Wednesday 10th October 2012 7:30pm

ARTS GUILD THEATRE TICKETS £4.00 CONCESSION £2.00 Performed as part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts & Film Festival A performance telling the story of Shore Street residents, and how their lives were affected when the nearby shipyards were closed down. A sad but comic look at a generation whose skills and experience was suddenly no longer required, and how this impacted on their lives.

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PIECE OF MIND Wednesday 10th October 2012 7.30pm

WALLACE BENNETT THEATRE TICKETS £7.00 CONCESSIONS £5.00 DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE

Performed as part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts & Film Festival This documentary dance theatre work is back after a sell– out show at last year’s festival, rhythmically blending and bringing to life verbatim interviews with 15 to 25 year olds diagnosed with bipolar. Surprising, funny and captivating, this fusion piece will transform your perceptions about bipolar.

Supported by Creative Scotland

THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A FLY

Amazing New Diet On Show At The Arts Guild Theatre.

Thursday 18th October 2012 2.30pm

First written as a song in 1953 it was a chart topping hit for singer, actor and all round good guy Burl Ives before being adapted into a best selling book by Pam Adams a few years later. This version, found in schools, nurseries and homes across the world is soon to be celebrating its fortieth anniversary and to mark the occasion popular Children’s author Steven Lee (How The Koala Learnt To Hug, The Witch’s Bogey) has turned this much loved tale into a magical musical stage show written especially for children to enjoy with their parents.

ARTS GUILD THEATRE TICKETS £9.50 KIDS £8.50 FAMILY OF 4 £32 THE PEOPLE’S THEATRE COMPANY

From your five a day to the latest weight loss plan, consumers have been presented with some remarkable dieting plans down the years but none so delightful and memorable as the one enjoyed by the old lady in the nursery rhyme There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly.

With a feast of first class games, colourful animal characters and heart warming fun it’s the family treat you can enjoy between meals without ruining your appetite!

For anyone aged 4 to 104.

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ONE NIGHT OF ELVIS Friday 19th October 2012 7:30pm

ARTS GUILD THEATRE TICKETS £18.50 ARTISTES INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT

Europe’s most successful Elvis Presley tribute artist, Lee Memphis King, presents the ultimate tribute to The King – celebrating the entire career of this musical legend, in this brand new show for 2012. This spectacular show will take you from the 1950s rock’n’roll heyday to Elvis’s return to performing with the ’68 comeback special to a rousing expo of Elvis’s years performing in Vegas.

Lee brings the majesty of the voice and the electrifying power of Elvis’s performance back to life. Accompanied throughout by his world class band and backing singers that breath the life into the music of a legend. The show also features large screen projection, making it the biggest Elvis show to tour UK theatres.

SINGIN’ I’M NO A BILLY HE’S A TIM Saturday 20th October 2012 7:30pm

ARTS GUILD THEATRE TICKETS £15.00 GOLDFISH THEATRE

The only Old Firm Match this year!

Updated to include Rangers being in the Third division the play feels like it was written today.

On the day of a crunch old firm clash, a fan of each team winds up sharing a jail cell from which their only hope of escape is cash raised by bets on the match to pay their fines.

While taking turns to watch the action on a TV visible through their cell door, the pair bicker their way through every entrenched cliché of “Scotland’s Shame” from religion to politics and national identity.

But aided by their kindly turnkey Harry- Whose worries for his sick grandson help put their petty quarrels into perspective – they’re forced to reach a grudging understanding.

Des Dillon’s brilliant satire of 90-minute bigotry in Scotland and it’s inextricable connection with the nation’s two biggest football teams first scored critical acclaim at the Fringe in 2005, and has since been a near-constant fixture in Scotland. www.goldfishtheatre.co.uk www.desdillon.com

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BIRDIE BOWERS TRIBUTE

‘SIR RANULPH FIENNES IN CONVERSATION’ Sunday 21st October 2012 4.30pm

ARTS GUILD THEATRE TICKETS £20.00 DISCOVER INVERCLYDE

‘Sir Ranulph Fiennes in Conversation’ With Alf Young and Anne Strathie (biographer of Birdie Bowers).

Hear first hand about the adventures of the ‘World’s Greatest Living Explorer’.

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ROLLING BACK THE YEARS Wednesday 24th October 2012 2:30pm & 7:30pm

ARTS GUILD THEATRE TICKETS £13.00 CONCESSION £11.00 MATINEE £10.50 TIMELESS THEATRE PRODUCTIONS

Nostalgia just doesn’t come any better! Another sensational show from the producers of ‘Memory Lane’, ‘All Our Yesterdays’, and ‘A Timeless Collection’.

One of the biggest shows of its kind in the UK, taking you on a breathtaking musical journey from the good old days of Music Hall, through the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, and finally into the some of the beautiful harmonies of the 1970’s.

Beautifully costumed and choreographed for each decade, performed by ‘West End’ and international vocalists, along with the stunning ‘Memory Lane’ dancers.

Based on the original show from 2010, with a host of new songs and costumes for 2012. www.timelesstheatre.co.uk

THE F WORD WITH LIBBY McARTHUR Thursday 25th October 2012 7:30pm

ARTS GUILD THEATRE TICKETS £12.00 CONCESSION £10.00 CONCESSIONS INCLUDE EVERYONE 50 AND OVER COLOURS MANAGEMENT

Libby McArthur, also know as Gina from River City, presents a glorious evening on being; fabulous, fascinating, fun, fit, fashionable, frustrated, feverish, all manner of ‘f’s, oh and on being fifty-something.

After a performance of F’ Words you get the chance to ask Libby questions, chat and hear some of her real life adventures and funny stories.

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THE ELEPHANT ANGEL Friday 2nd November 2012 7:00pm

ARTS GUILD THEATRE TICKETS £10.00 UNDER 26’s £5.00 SCOTTISH OPERA

Commissioned by Scottish Opera’s Education department, this is a heart-warming new opera for primary school children. Scottish Opera’s composer in residence, Gareth Williams, and acclaimed novelist Bernard MacLaverty draw inspiration from a true story from the time of the Belfast Blitz.

In the midst of a city, in the midst of a war, an enduring friendship is formed between a young elephant named Sheila and her keeper. As the Head Zookeeper worries about the fate of the animals in the event of a bombing raid, the local children play and laugh and sing in the Belfast streets…

The Elephant Angel will visit 10 schools across Scotland and Northern Ireland. Scottish Opera will work with 60 pupils from each school to create, publicise and rehearse their own unique version of the show. The children will then join forces with singers and musicians from Scottish Opera and young singers from our Connect Company in a performance for their local community, in their local venue. www.scottishopera.org.uk

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I, TOMMY Saturday 3rd November 2012 7:30pm

ARTS GUILD THEATRE TICKETS £12.00 CONCESSION £11.00 RED AYE PRODUCTIONS

A new comedy drama from the creator of Rab C Nesbitt comes to Greenock.

TOMMY Sheridan was once Scotland’s most popular politician, the charismatic class warrior, the darling firebrand of the left and the pretty face of the poll tax protests. And once named the second greatest Scot ever after Sean Connery.

But Tommy flew too close to the Sun, took the News of the World to court for defamation – and lost. In 2011 at the High Court in Edinburgh he was jailed for perjury, in the biggest sex and politics scandal of the decade. Tommy had gone overnight from Solidarity to swingers’ clubs, from fame to infamy - and the media just loved it.

Now, Ian Pattison has taken the Sheridan story and created an incredible adventure – and the most talked about theatre event of the year.

I, Tommy stars Des McLean, Colin McCredie, Michele Gallagher, Rebecca Elise and Martin McCormick.

Directed by Sacha Kyle.

HELLO DOLLY Thursday 8th – Saturday 10th November 2012 7:30pm

ARTS GUILD THEATRE TICKETS £13.50 CONCESSION £10.00 (CONCESSION ON THURSDAY ONLY) GREENOCK LIGHT OPERA CLUB

Following on from their very successful production of Disney’s Beauty & the Beast last year, Greenock Light Opera Club brings you “Hello Dolly!”

Popularised by the film, which starred Barbra Streisand, the story of a meddling matchmaker with a heart of gold, features well known songs such as “Put On Your Sunday Clothes”, “It Only Takes a Moment” “Elegance” and, of course, the title song of “Hello Dolly!”. With music, comedy, dancing and a touch of pathos, this well-known and well-loved show is sure to sell well - so get your tickets early!

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LA TRAVIATA Tuesday 13th November 2012 7:30pm

ARTS GUILD THEATRE TICKETS £14.00 UNDER 26’S £5.00 SCOTTISH OPERA

This new production takes a fresh look at Verdi’s deeply moving and ever-popular tale of a love denied. Set in 1950s Paris – a stylish world on the cusp of modernity but where a woman pushing the boundaries is still a step too far.

Director Annilese Miskimmon (newly-appointed Artistic Director of Danish National Opera) gets to the heart of the story in a production that centres on the passionate but turbulent relationships at its core.

CRAIG HILL JOCK’S TRAP! Saturday 17th November 2012 7:30pm

ARTS GUILD THEATRE TICKETS £14.00 CONCESSION £12.00 CHILL PRODUCTIONS & MZA

Indulge yourself in a deliciously wicked evening of gloriously camp no-holds-barred comedy and pure, unadulterated fun. Hilarious, sometimes wickedly provocative and always outrageously cheeky, the Scotsman called Craig ‘a revelation’. Sell-out 2002-2011!

“Hill actually has to wait until the audience stop laughing before he can start again. It’s absolutely hilarious” Evening News “Wickedly subversive... Funny, charming and charismatic” Metro “Funny as hell” Scotland on Sunday “Absolutely hilarious... An hour with Hill makes for a cracking show. He has the rare ability to make any audience feel like part of an intimate gathering. Magical!”

List www.mrcraighill.com

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Violetta, a famed escort, leads a seemingly charmed existence amidst the cream of Paris society. But, in fragile health, she is tired of living an empty life and when Alfredo introduces himself she finally sees a way out of her tawdry lifestyle. Deeply in love, all is blissful contentment until some home truths convince her to leave Alfredo and head back into the arms of another… www.scottishopera.org.uk

GREENOCK GANG SHOW 2012 Tuesday 20th to Saturday 24th November 7.30pm each night & 2.30pm for Sat 24th Matinee

ARTS GUILD THEATRE TICKETS FOR TUES TO THURS £7.50 TICKETS FOR FRI & SAT £9.00 TICKETS FOR SAT MATINEE £6.50 OR FAMILY TICKET(2 ADULTS 2 CHILDREN) £19.00

The 2012 Gang show celebrates 70 years of our shows in Greenock and involves a cast of over 100 as well as almost as many behind the scenes. The Greenock Gang Show is recognised as one of, if not the best, in Scotland and appreciates your support of our cast who are drawn from Bridge of Weir to Wemyss Bay with many never having been onstage before. Come along and we are sure you will enjoy a great night at one of the very last shows in Greenock Arts Guild!

Tickets will be available from Mr Duncan Luke, Tel: 07807 874411 or greenockgangshow@hotmail.com Greenock & District Scout Association is a registered charity. Scottish Charity Registration Number – SCO04127 www.greenockanddistrictscouts.org

(FAMILY TICKET AVAILABLE FOR SATURDAY MATINEE ONLY) GREENOCK & DISTRICT SCOUTS

GREENOCK PLAYERS PRESENTS CINDERELLA Friday 30th-Saturday 8th December 7:30pm 2:30pm Performaces Saturday 1st & 8th December Performances Saturday 1st & 8th

ARTS GUILD THEATRE TICKETS £7.00 TICKETS AVAILABLE INITIALLY VIA GREENOCK PLAYERS. PLEASE CONTACT MARGARET HOEY

BY CALLING 01475 792745. www.greenockplayers.org.uk GREENOCK PLAYERS

The Greenock players return to the Arts Guild to close the season with Cinderella. This is one not to be missed.

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COMING SOON...

THE BEACO

“I sincerely look forward to this tremendous challenge; we will provide a warm welcome, high quality food and drink, and service with a smile for your visit to the Beacon at Custom Quay, Greenock.

Please come along and enjoy the experience.”

CHARLES PRICE, CHEF & BEACON BISTRO MANAGER

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ON BISTRO THE BEACON BISTRO

ENHANCING LIFE IN INVERCLYDE

harles Price and the Beacon team have a vision to create a quality casual dining experience to match this wonderful new arts facility on the Greenock waterfront with breath taking views over the firth of Clyde.

The Bistro and Events Catering at the Beacon will be a social enterprise. The objective of this business is to provide employment and training opportunities for people who have had mental health problems. We will provide people with opportunities to have the dignity of quality employment and to gain new skills whilst having real prospects of promotion and self-advancement within a supportive management culture.

C

Charles and his selected staff plan to create a delicious menu sourcing only the highest quality local produce.

They will be offering morning coffee, afternoon teas, handcrafted pastries, light lunches, all day dining and pretheatre supper menus all at attractive prices, to enhance the social experience for the patrons of this fantastic theatre.

You can also come to us for private dinners, birthday celebrations, weddings (limited dates available), conferences and other events in our first floor Gallery Suite, where we will be catering for parties from 10 to 170.

Please call us for details on 01475 723038 or log onto www.beaconartscentre.co.uk

A proportion of the profits will fund arts and education activities for young people at risk of offending in Inverclyde. To achieve all this we will to work closely with Inverclyde Association for Mental Health, Scottish Association for Mental Health, Recovery Inclusion Group Inverclyde, Inverclyde Council, Inverclyde Community & Health Service Partnership and Job Centre Plus.

Whilst enjoying the best quality food, drink and service at the Beacon Bistro all you will know is that you are helping to enhance life in Inverclyde as part of your good night out.

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ACTING WORKSHOPS FOR ADULTS (OVER 16 YEARS) STARTING OUT IN SHAKESPEARE Starting Thurs 13 Sept, running for 3 weeks up to 27 Sept 2012 Led by Andrew McGregor 7:00pm – 9.00pm

ARTS GUILD THEATRE PRICE £30.00 These classes will demystify the Bard’s writing and give both actors and directors the tools to start understanding the basic principles of Shakespearean text and how to bring them to life in a fun and friendly environment.

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CHILDREN’S ART CLASSES Starting Saturday 18th August, running for 6 weeks up to 22nd September 2012 PRICE £34.00 DISCOUNT AVAILABLE FOR FAMILIES WITH MORE THAN ONE CHILD ATTENDING

Creative, Educational & Fun. Tutored by Collette Brown BSC. PGCE (GTC fully registered).

Ages 5 to 8 years attend from 11:30am to 1:00pm.

Ages 9 to 12 years attend from 1:30pm to 3:00pm.

LIFE DRAWING CLASS & PORTRAIT CASSES Starting Wednesday 12th September, running for 6 weeks up to 17th October 2012.

Tutored by Bill Stewart 19.30pm – 21.30pm PRICE £50.00 CONCESSION £30.00 STUDENT DISCOUNT AVAILABLE STUDENT DISCOUNT AVAILABLE

Tutored by Bill Stewart.

Come and learn to draw and paint a portrait!

Tutor, Models and Studio space provided For Beginners to Advanced Artists Pencil, pastel, charcoal, acrylics - all techniques taught

DO YOUR OWN THING To hire a space to hold your own activity call 01475 723038.

There are all sorts of activities every week in the Arts Guild: dance, drama, youth theatre, singing, after school learning, pilates and more.

Please contact our box office for further details.

| WHAT’S ON | January-June 2012 | 21

BOOKING INFORMATION

Available 24 hours a day, you can book your seats and have the tickets posted to you, or available for collection from the Box Office at your convenience. A £2.20 fee is applied to online sales.

IN PERSON Our friendly and efficient box office is open Monday to Saturday from 10am until 8.00pm. (Times may vary on non-performance days and bank holidays). We are here to help you, and can offer guidance and info on everything going on in and around the Arts Guild - just ask!

BY EMAIL Email your requirements to bookings@ artsguildtheatre.co.uk

TICKET RETURNS

You can pay for your tickets at the Box Office by cash, cheque, debit or credit card.

Tickets cannot be returned after purchase and a fee will be applied to any exchanges.

BY POST

RESERVATIONS

Please let us know which performance, date, time and number of tickets you require, then make your cheque payable to Greenock Arts Guild and send it to: Arts Guild Theatre, Campbell Street, Greenock, PA16 8AP. Enclose a stamped addressed envelope to enable us to return your tickets.

Reserved tickets are held for three working days or up to 30mins before a performance, whichever is soonest.

CONCESSIONS Concession tickets are available for selected shows and apply to students, children of school age, senior citizens, disabled people and their escorts, and the unwaged and are available on most shows. All concessions must be claimed at the time of purchase and proof of eligibility shown on collection.

BY TELEPHONE Call 01475 723038 to reserve or pay for your tickets by credit or debit card. If you would like us to post your tickets there will be a £1 charge. Please use the seating plan above to help you choose your seat.

ONLINE BOOKINGS Online booking is now available for most of our shows at www.artsguildtheatre.co.uk BALCONY ENTRANCE

BALCONY E D C B A

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11 12

1

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8

9

10

11 12

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11 12

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11 12

1

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3

4

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11 12

1

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AA

8

9

E D C B A

13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24

13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24

13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24

13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24

13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24

E D C B A

FIRE EXIT W1

DISABLED ACCESS/ FIRE EXIT

N M L K J H G F E D

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W4

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5

1

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3

4

1

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3

4

1

2

3

1

2

3

1

2

1

2

C

W5

8

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10

7

8

9

10

11 12

6

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11 12

6

7

8

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11 12

5

6

7

8

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10

11 12

5

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8

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11 12

4

5

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11 12

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5

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11 12

3

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11 12

3

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10 11

B

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N M L K J H G F E D C B A

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P O

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18 19

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16 17

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17 18

19 20

21 22

19 20 21 22 23 24

13

14 15

16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24

14 15

16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24

13

14 15

16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24

13

14 15

16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24

13

14 15

16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24

13

14 15

16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24

13

14 15

16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24

13

14 15

16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24

12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21

22

11

12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20

B

10

11

16 17 18

12

13

14 15

P O STALLS ENTRANCE N M L K J H G F E D

14 14

13

STAGE |

12 12

STALLS 7

22 | WHAT’S ON | January-June 2012

11 11

A

C

ACCESS TO THE ARTS GUILD THEATRE

This is entirely at the discretion of the Duty Manager and the performing company. Please note that when allowed to enter, latecomers may not be able to occupy their allocated seat until the interval.

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS

DIRECTIONS & PARKING

Wheelchair access is available in the stalls of our main theatre. There are five dedicated spaces for wheelchair users. To ensure availability, advance booking is strongly recommended.

The theatre is situated on Campbell Street in Greenock, Inverclyde and within easy access from Greenock town centre.

BY ROAD

GUIDE DOGS ARE WELCOME

Induction loop systems are provided. All seats benefit from the induction loop.

The Arts Guild Theatre, Campbell is just off the A8 as I passes through the west end of Greenock (see Map). We have parking spaces for around 25 cars at the rear of the theatre but otherwise parking in the surrounding area isn’t too much of a problem. It is a residential area so please try not to annoy our neighbours by parking in front of their driveways and making lots of noise etc.

ADDITIONAL ACCESS REQUIREMENTS

BY TRAIN

Please inform us at the time of booking if you plan to bring a guide dog.

INDUCTION LOOP

Our local station in Greenock West (see Map) with a frequent service on the Glasgow Central/Gourock line.

Journey times from Glasgow are approx 30 or 45 mins and currently run until after 11pm (an hour earlier on Sundays). See www.scotrail.co.uk

If you need any additional help to enjoy your visit to the Arts Guild, just ask for the Front of House Manager upon arrival at the theatre, or telephone 01475 723038 in advance of your visit.

LATECOMERS

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS

Please ensure you allow sufficient time to arrive at the theatre. Latecomers may not be admitted until a suitable break in the performance, which may be the show interval.

Wheelchair access is at the side of the theatre clearly marked from the car park.

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| WHAT’S ON | January-June 2012 | 23

EVENT DIARY

FOLLOW US

SEPTEMBER 1st................................................................... White Noise 6th – 8th....................................................... Calendar Girls 19th ........................................................... Tam O’Shanter 21st ................................................................... The Static 27th .................................. Casablanca - The Gin Joint Cut

OCTOBER 3rd ..................................................................... Our Town 4th ......................................................A Night of Musicals 7th ............................................................Hitch & Crunch 8th ...................................The Man Who Had All The Luck 10th ....................................... The View From Shore Street 10th ............................................................ Piece of Mind 18th .............There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly 19th ...................................................... One Night of Elvis 20th .............................. Signing I’m No A Billy, He’s A Tim 21st ........................... Sir Ranulph Fiennes In Conversation 24th .............................................. Rolling Back The Years 25th ................................ The F Word with Libby McArthur

NOVEMBER 2nd .....................................................The Elephant Angel 3rd ..................................................................... I, Tommy 8th – 10th ......................................................... Hello Dolly 13th ..................................................................La traviata 17th ...............................................Craig Hill - Jock’s Trap!

20th – 24th .......................................... Scout’s Gang Show

NOV/DEC

Find us on Facebook and keep up-to-date with all the latest events, ticket news and show listings from the Arts Guild Theatre. We are developing lots of interactive content for our Facebook friends in the future, with regular updates on our productions, advanced notice of all our shows throughout the year and special ticket offers. Just search for us in Facebook and click LIKE on our page to join in!

If you’re more of a tweeter then you can follow us at www.twitter.com/theguild_beacon

GET INFORMATION TO YOUR DESKTOP Sign up to our email updates and you’ll be the first to know when we have news to share. You’ll also have access to ticket offers and competitions – all at the click of a mouse. Just visit www.artsguildtheatre.co.uk and join our mailing list from there.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT We are very grateful for the support we receive from our audiences, volunteers, patrons, donor’s key funders, charitable trusts and sponsors. Your on-going support allows The Arts Guild to continue being a vibrant, active theatre, bursting at the seams with creative energy.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

30th – 8th ......................................................... Cinderella

Box Office 01475 723038 www.artsguildtheatre.co.uk

The Greenock Arts Guild Ltd. is a not-for-profit organisation, a registered Scottish charity and a member of the Scottish Theatre Community.

Registered in Scotland Company No. SCO24805 Registered Scottish Charity No. SC003030

Graphic Design by www.derekcollinsdesign.co.uk

Arts Guild Theatre Campbell Street, Greenock, PA16 8AP