Beacon What's On Guide, May-Sep 2014

arts centre

may september2014

welcome Soon Scotland will welcome the XX Commonwealth Games and to go with the terrific offering of sport there is a fantastic Cultural 2014 programme. Most tickets are low cost or free, with opportunities to see pieces from other Commonwealth countries. We have the pleasure of hosting many of them at the Beacon but we’ve included information about the others so you can find how to get your choice of the many fabulous days and nights out.

World class aerial artists join with community participants for White Gold at the Sugar Sheds. Start your journey at the Beacon to experience some Greenock history in a new and visually stunning way. There are award winning children’s plays from Australia; Saltbush and The Adventures of Alvin Sputnik, Deep Sea Explorer and local youngsters also take to the Beacon stage with Let the Games Begin. See page 30 & 31 for Inverclyde’s very own XX Games Cultural Programme.

There’s more Visual Art on offer with regular, month long exhibitions in the Foyer Gallery. And, in the Gallery Suite, a specially curated exhibition of George Wyllie works: Why is there a ? in Scul?ture? Revisit or get to know the work of the Whysman.

arts centre

opening times box office: Monday-Saturday 10:00am to 8:00pm Sunday

12:00pm to 6:00pm

bistro: Monday-Sunday 10:00am to 10:00pm

01475 723723 info@beaconartscentre.co.uk www.beaconartscentre.co.uk

beaconartscentre 2

@thebeaconarts

the beacon what’s on guide

For World Cup year we have a unique night with six, world class players who use football skills, live in performance, to tell their story of leaving Africa for a life in Europe, in pursuit of a dream: Michael Essien, I Want To Be As You. This Scottish Premier of an acclaimed Australian/Belgian co-production will only be performed in the UK at the Barbican and in Greenock.

From the waterfront Bistro you can cheer the Baton Relay on its way to the start of the games or watch the Flotilla of 250 boats go by on their way to the closing ceremony. Whether you’re booking a show, exploring the exhibitions, enjoying our ‘ring side’ view of the XX Commonwealth celebrations, enjoying your favourite sport through performance or getting into the spotlight yourself you can see The Beacon has something for everyone. Enjoy!

Julie Ellen Artistic Director and CEO May 2014

The Triumph of Time & Truth

51 Shades of Maggie

Dancing Queen

p4

Wojtek the Bear

p5 p6

Dominic Kirwan

Singing Kettle’s Fantastic Funfair

Magic Of Motown

Biding Time (Remix)

p7

Uncle Varick

The View from Shore Street

Saltbush

The Big Dance Pledge & Beacon Dance

p9

Peter Morrison

p10

Pirates & Mermaids

Sunshine on Leith

Palm Court Mondays

p8

Alvin Sputnik

p11

Heart

Bugsy Malone

Dance Fusion – WCS Dance

p13

Sounds of the 70’s – WCS Music

p14 p15

Sounds of the 60’s

p16

Figment

p17

Pure Imagination

Too Many Penguins?

The Great Yes, No , don’t know debate

Jamie MacDougall

Love Changes Everything

Money – The Game Show

Dougie MacLean

p12

Albert Herring

p18

Michael Essien – I want to play as you

p19

Butterfly

Journeys to Glasgow

p20

Let the Games Begin

Dirty Dancing – Dance-along movies

p21

Kevin McDermott

Phil & Aly

Gianni Schicchi

13 Sunken Years

p23

Only One Direction

Des McLean

p24

Jongleurs on the Road

Miss Saigon

Shang a Lang

p22

Jimmie MacGregor

p25

Greenock Players

p26

Sunset Song

p27

Exhibitions

p28 & 29

Culture at the Games

p30 & p31

Activities at the beacon

p32 & 33

Summer Schools

p34

Bistro & Events

p35

Artistic and Social Aims

p36

Booking Information

p37

Access to the beacon

p38 & 39

key to symbols Comedy Drama

Drama

Light Entertainment

Musical Theatre

Comedy Stand-Up

Dance

Live Music

Opera

Film

Community or Amateur Production

These icons give guidance on the ideal starting age for enjoying a show.

Parents or guardians should consider the content of this show if children are attending.

Known to contain strong language and/or adult themes.

These icons give guidance as to the age group the event is suitable for. Please note that these are recommendations only.

You should decide what is suitable for yourself and your group.

May-September 2014

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Ludus Baroque Chamber Orchestra & Chorus present

Solid Gold Management present

Robert C Kelly and Martin Lynch present

Theatre Objektiv present

Handel ‘The Triumph of Time and Truth’

Dancing Queen

51 Shades of Maggie

Wojtek The Bear

Saturday 3rd May 2014 - 7:30pm £16.00/£13.00 (Concessions)

Sunday 4th May 2014 – 4:00pm & 7:30pm Sunday 25th May – 7:30pm

Wednesday 7th May 2014 – 7:30pm

Thursday 1st May 2014 - 7:30pm £15.00/£5.00 (Under 26’s)

Theatre

Theatre

Now in its 11th year of sell-out theatre performances, ‘Dancing Queen The Show’ has become known as the UK’s most spectacular ABBA Tribute theatre show.

Handel’s powerful and emotional oratorio ‘The Triumph of Time and Truth’ brings together a tour-de-force of choral baroque singing with five stunning operatic soloists - here is the tale of Beauty, beguiled by Pleasure’s promise of eternal youth, cajoled by Deceit, but who is ultimately tempered by Time and Truth.

From the 2012 performance of the same piece:

Featuring some of the UK’s finest musicians, dancers and vocalists, Dancing Queen is packed with all of ABBA’s greatest hits performed with dazzling showmanship that only a true live band can accomplish. Stunning costumes, specially choreographed dance routines and hilarious banter between the girls and guys make Dancing Queen a show which is definitely not to be missed. We guarantee your will be dancing in the aisles by the end of the night.

‘This was a very special evening of world-class music, and for one performance only. Ludus Baroque’s concerts are usually described as unmissable. I was so glad to have caught this performance.’ – Bachtrack review.

So dust down your platforms, put on your flares and sing along with all of your favourites including: ‘Waterloo’, ‘Mamma Mia’, ‘Thank You For The Music’, ‘Dancing Queen’, ‘Winner Takes It All’, ‘Gimme, Gimme, Gimme’… and many more!

Ludus Baroque’s chamber orchestra serves up a feast of oversized violas, double basses with five strings and frets, antique pale wood oboes, ancient bassoons with clattery keys, long trumpets with no valves, and horns with crooks.

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the beacon what’s on guide

£20.00 Theatre Written by Leesa Harker Fifty One Shades of Maggie is the #1 best selling spoof play of 50 Shades of Grey. This hilarious new play, full of naughty bits, will have you laughing out loud. Join Maggie Muff and her friends on this (slightly filthy) journey of love, booze and whips!

This is the perfect girly night out with your friends for the best night at the theatre you’ve had in ages…

Prepare for the funniest, sexiest (and maybe dirtiest) show of 2014.

This is one NOT TO MISS!

£10.00/£8.00 (Concessions) Theatre Theatre Objektiv’s award winning production tells the extraordinary story of Wojtek, the Polish soldier bear, who fought at Monte Cassino and died in Edinburgh Zoo. A man mothers a bear. An emotive journey, from the Soviet Gulag and Persia to the Middle East, Italy and Scotland. A story of love and loyalty, heroism and hope.

With Wojtek and his “mother”, Polish soldier Piotr, a Gulag survivor, we travel through war and peace.

The journey takes us from a war-torn Poland, through the Soviet slave camps and the Middle East, into the battle of Monte Cassino and, finally, to post-war Scotland.

May-September 2014

5

Brian Shaw Concerts present

The Singing Kettle present

Easy Theatres present

Tromolo Productions present

Dominic Kirwan

Fantastic Funfair

Magic of Motown

Biding Time (Remix)

Friday 9th May 2014 – 7:30pm

Saturday 10th May 2014 – 1:00pm & 3:30pm

Sunday 11th May 2014 – 7:30pm

Monday 12th May 2014 – 7:30pm

£18.50

£12.00/£44.00 (family of 4)/ £9.00 (Groups 10+) /£14.00 (Parent & Baby)

£18.50

£10.00/£8.00 (Concessions)

Theatre

Seated on Stage

Roll up, roll up for The Singing Kettle’s most amazing adventure yet.

Celebrating 50 years of UK No1 hits, this all-new, all-star 2014 spectacular stars more No1s than ever before.

‘…a vital piece that’s musically compelling throughout.’

Set in the neon-coloured world of Big Wheels, Merrygo-Rounds and Helter Skelters, join Anya, Kevin and Gary as they take a trip round the Fantastic Funfair.

There’s thrills and spills with games like hook the rubber duck and test o’ strength to win very special prizes; the Magical Singing Kettles.

Live on stage, the music of the Temptations, Supremes, Four Tops, Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Lionel Richie and more marks the arrival of Motown style, sophistication and musical brilliance in the UK.

‘...a gloriously original theatrical experience’

Theatre 2014 sees one of the most dynamic and best loved entertainers that Ireland has ever produced take to the road for his much anticipated 25th Anniversary Tour.

Dominic Kirwan again brings his own inimitable style to the vast and rich musical heritage of his homeland, in his brand new show.

Join Dominic for an evening of fabulous live music, with a look back at some of his greatest hits and best loved songs.

Sure to be a hit, not only with Dominic’s ever growing legion of followers, but lovers of music everywhere.

Theatre

Packed with, audience participation, colourful costumes, crazy characters and lots and lots of surprises, it’s rip-roaring fun for both kids and adults alike. Bonzo the dog will be involved in the carnival mayhem too – the world’s first doggie ventriloquist!

But who’s controlling who? Look out for dodgem cars, a hall of mirrors, the coconut shy choir and even giant candy floss.

Don’t miss the most fabulous fun for all the family, when The Singing Kettle’s non-stop, all action Fantastic Funfair comes to your town. Dress in bright colours from head to toe for the Funfair. Visit www. singingkettle.com for more details.

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the beacon what’s on guide

Motown’s first No1 was The Supremes’ Baby Love in 1964. Today the legend of the great record label lives on with five-star performances reviving over 36 Motown classics featuring all the fabulous dance moves, costumes and musicianship synonymous with Motown. www.easytheatres.com

The Scotsman ****

The Public Reviews.

Louise Quinn & Ben Harrison’s immersive silent disco remix of an aspiring singer-songwriter’s journey through the fame-factory.

Featuring live music by A Band Called Quinn, film

by Uisdean Murray, guest appearance by legendary performance artist Diane Torr & a giant white rabbit.

Devised in response to Pippa Bailey’s global shared story project Biding Time.

The discovery of exactly what it is that a woman is expected to do to succeed in the music industry. www.bidingtimeremix.com

May-September 2014

7

Rapture Theatre & Mull Theatre present

The Riverview Players present

Imaginate present

Big Dance present

Uncle Varick Tuesday 13th May 2014 – 7:30pm

The View from Shore Street

Saltbush – Children’s Cheering Carpet

The Big Dance Pledge 2014 and Beacon Youth Dance

£12.00/£10.00 (Concessions)

Wednesday 14th May 2014 – 7:30pm

Thursday 15th May 2014 – 1:00pm & 7:00pm

Friday 16th May 2014 – 1:00pm & 7:00pm

Theatre

£5.00

£7.00/£5.00 (Children)

What happens when the rock and roll of swinging sixties London collides with the rock and moss of remote Scotland?

Studio

Seated on Theatre Stage

Theatre Free – Big Dance Pledge

A new play by Barry J. Lord.

Saltbush is an interactive journey through the culture and landscape of Aboriginal Australia, celebrated through live dance, music, song and stories.

Sandy Sheridan: pretentious art critic and selfproclaimed cultural icon returns from London, and home to his Scottish country pile - with his new, much younger, wife in tow.

Waiting for him are his stoical daughter Shona and his acerbic ex-brother in law: Uncle Varick. Add in the handsome local Doctor, the not so handsome local neighbour and you have a play full of comedy, pathos, and some very dodgy chain saws.

Uncle Varrick is John Byrne’s (author of Tutti Frutti and The Slab Boys) raucously funny adaptation of Chekov’s classic Uncle Vanya, relocated to 1960’s rural Scotland. Scottish theatre legend, Jimmy Chisholm (“Para Handy” and “ High Road”), leads a cast of great Scottish performers.

Set against a sensational sixties soundtrack, arranged and performed by Dave “Wildcat” Anderson, Uncle Varick is a great comedy and a great night out.

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the beacon what’s on guide

This drama is based around the demise of shipbuilding on the lower Clyde reaches. It portrays the physical and psychological impact on family’s who had lived and worked in the shadow of Goliath the crane, and on the people who had been employed in shipbuilding all their working lives.

Saltbush is a collaboration between Italian, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australian artists and follows the journey of two Aboriginal friends as they cross Australia on foot.

Children are invited to explore, play and dance with the performers as the landscape unfolds around them, providing a unique immersive experience and where the audience can become part of this visually beautiful journey.

“Children’s theatre doesn’t get any better than this… the perfect fusion of dance, art and breathtaking digital design.” ***** – The Sunday Mail, Australia

Big Dance is the UK’s biggest celebration of all types of dance, for all ages and all levels of ability.

The Big Dance Pledge is a chance to learn, make and perform dance with the rest of the world. This special 5th edition is created by Scottish Ballet with fun and celebration at its heart, as part of the Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme of the XX Commonwealth Games. Inverclyde schools will come together to perform the Pledge at the Beacon Arts Centre at 1pm on the 16th May. £3.00/£2.00 (Concession) – Beacon Youth Dance At 7pm all Beacon dance groups from 5yrs to 92yrs will perform the pledge on the main stage followed by a mesmerising performance of Beacon Youth Dance’s new work ‘Love is a burning thing’.

Part of the Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme. www.glasgow2014.com/ culture. This production has also been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.

May-September 2014

9

The Bell Rock Co present

Greenock Medical Aid Society present

Sidelines Productions present

Imaginate present

Pirates & Mermaids

Peter Morrison

Sunshine on Leith

Friday 16th May 2014 – 6:00pm & 8:00pm

Saturday 17th May 2014 – 7:30pm

Thursday 22nd – Saturday 24th May 2014

£10.00

£15.00

7:30pm each night & 2:00pm matinee on 24th

The Adventures of Alvin Sputnik: Deep Sea Explorer

Dutch Gable House

Theatre

£16.00 (£12.00 concession on Matinee)

Cameron is in NYC. Eilidh lives in Scotland. The technology in their pockets keeps them constantly in touch but you can’t hold someone in your arms over Skype and a text can’t show someone’s smile.

A humorous and universal story told on a very human scale, Pirates and Mermaids is an uplifting and surprising show about true love, family advice, favourite sweets and why whisky is bad for you.

Peter Morrison is one of Scotland’s most popular and accomplished singers. Starring in the hugely successful “Songs of Scotland” TV Series in the Seventies launched him on a singing career that has taken him literally all over the world.

Theatre

Solo Performance Stage Award Nominee 2013. ‘genuinely inspiring’ ‘when meaningless, fleeting, shallow connection is so normal, this show is exquisitely relevant’ ‘bolstering, hopeful, real and warm’

Apart from producing and promoting his own shows in every Scottish theatre he has sung in all the major British Concert Halls – The Royal Albert Hall, The Royal Festival Hall, The Barbican Centre, Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and Edinburgh’s Usher Hall.

For 25 years he was one of the principal soloist in the BBC’S famous “Friday Night is Music Night”.

Sideline Productions, who brought you “The Sound of Music” and “The Steamie” in 2013, return with their new production of this fabulous award winning musical. Based round the music of The Proclaimers, this story follows the highs and lows of Davy and Ally as they return home to Leith from the army. Families, friendship, work and life are not all plain sailing and this funny and moving show will make you laugh and make you cry. Including hits such as I’M ON MY WAY, LETTER FROM AMERICA and 500 MILES, this vibrant and energetic piece of musical theatre is loved by audiences and critics alike. Don’t miss out.

Book your tickets now!

Thursday 22nd May 2014 – 1:30pm & 7:00pm £7.00/£5.00 (children) Studio The Adventures of Alvin Sputnik: Deep Sea Explorer is a highly imaginative fusion of animation, puppetry, projections and music, telling the tale of a quiet hero, Alvin, and the search for his lost love in the seemingly endless depths of the ocean.

Having charmed audiences worldwide, and received countless five star reviews and awards, this exquisite one-man show is a heart-warming and beautiful experience that’s a remarkable pocket masterpiece of invention, staging and performance.

Part of the Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme.

‘wonderfully written’

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the beacon what’s on guide

May-September 2014

11

Zendeh present

Total Kayos Youth Theatre present

Palm Court Mondays

Heart

Bugsy Malone

Jamie MacDougall

Monday 26th May & Monday 23rd June 2014 – 4:15pm

Wednesday 28th May 2014 – 7:30pm

Thursday 29th – Saturday 31st May 2014

Saturday 31st May 2014 – 7:30pm

£12.00/£10.00

7:30pm each night with 2:30pm matinee on 31st

£14.00/£12.00 (concessions)

Theatre

£10.00/£8.00 (Concessions)

Theatre

Heart is an explosive mix of political thriller and a passionate love story; a dynamic cocktail of physical theatre and performance poetry. As the British and American orchestrated coup d’état Operation Boot destabilises a nation, an intoxicating love triangle unravels.

Studio

Internationally-renowned Scottish tenor, entertainer and BBC presenter Jamie MacDougall invites you to join him for an evening of Inspirations. The show includes songs from every genre of music – opera to Broadway musical to traditional Scottish. All the songs have a special story to tell and have inspired Jamie throughout his twenty-five year career in the music industry. Expect to hear everything from Pavarotti, the king of high C’s, to Elvis, the king of rock and roll.

Free Beacon Bistro Pop along to the beacon for a pit of tea, a piece of cake and ponder the thoughts of the day whilst listening to a live eclectic range of light music provided by pupils of Inverclyde Schools.

Inspired by the tragic love poem Leili and Majnoun, and set between Durham and Tehran in 1953 against the backdrop of the 28 Mordad Coup d’Etat, the play excavates obsession, madness and betrayal on a personal and global level.

Imagine the perfect husband and wife. Together in the dark violence lingers, touch is forbidden. An Iranian woman, her English husband and her Syrian

In 1929 New York City a war breaks out between two rival gangsters, Fat Sam and Dandy Dan. As the whipped cream flies, Bugsy Malone, an all-round nice guy, falls for Blousey Brown an aspiring singer.

However Tallulah, Fat Sam’s Girl, Wants Bugsy all to herself!

Come and join Total Kayos in this fun, pint sized gangster musical! Prepare to get splurged!

Join Jamie MacDougall, along with pianist Michael Barnett (both Caledon) for what promises to be an evening of music, song and a few laughs!

lover, tell their stories amongst the insistent urgency of newsreel and the rhythmic wit of poetry.

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the beacon what’s on guide

May-September 2014

13

West College Scotland Present

West College Scotland present

Unlimited Theatre & Bush Theatre present

Mad About Promotions present

Dance Fusion

Sounds of the 70’s

Money – The Game Show

Love Changes Everything

Monday 2nd June 2014 – 7:30pm

Thursday 5th June 2014 – 7:30pm

Thursday 5th June 2014 – 7:30pm

Friday 6th June 2014 – 2:30pm & 7:30pm

£8.00

£5.00

£10.00/£8.00

£17.50/£16.00 (concessions)/£13.00 (Matinee)

Theatre

Theatre

Studio

Theatre

NC, HNC & HND students of West College Scotland perform this exciting programme of dance styles including jazz, commercial and contemporary.

The work includes musical theatre and contemporary pieces created with students by members of Australian Dance Theatre and Scottish Dance Theatre.

After the success of 2013’s “The Beatles Story” at Greenock Town Hall, West College Scotland come to The Beacon to perform their annual end of year showcase. Set up and performed by West College Scotland Music, Music Business and Sound Production Students, this is sure to be a great night out for all music lovers.

Casino and Queenie used to be hedge fund managers. Before the financial crisis of 2008, that is. Now, in an inspired - or desperate - career move, they’ve turned to performance art to share their stories of how to make (and lose) billions from economic downturn.

So you missed Michael Ball in concert? Don’t panic!

This year’s theme is “Sounds of the 70’s”, exploring the Classic Rock, Glam & Punk days through to the glamorous Disco era. Get your tickets now as they will fly out the door for an evening of some of the greatest music from legendary artists such as Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Nile Rodgers & Chic, The Sex Pistols and many more.

Tickets can be purchased directly from Beacon Arts Centre or from West College Music Department.

Playing with £10,000 in real pound coins, you are invited to bet long, short and hedge, as Casino and Queenie challenge you to play a series of high stake games that demonstrate how the world’s economic system came to the brink of collapse.

MONEY the game show takes a playful and politically sharp look at the roots of the 2008 financial crisis and its on-going impact in 2013, as well as tackling the bigger questions: What is money? What is it really worth? And what happens if we stop believing in it?

Risk takers to the front, risk averse to the back.

Welcome to MONEY the game show.

You now have the chance to see this spectacular salute to the music of Michael Ball in this wonderful one night concert.

Join Michael Courtney and his live band in celebrating the greatest hits of Michael Ball. This two hour show is brought to you by one of the UK’s finest singers and guest artists.

From ‘One Step Out Of Time’ and ‘This Is The Moment’ to the stirring songs of ‘Les Miserables’.

Songs from many artists including – Neil Diamond, Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel. Classics such as ‘Holding Out For A Hero’, ‘Something Inside So Strong’, ‘Winner Takes It All’, ‘One Night Only’, ‘Since You’ve Been Gone’…and the song that shot Michael Ball to fame ‘Love Changes Everything’ ...

Something for everyone!

“Michael Courtney is Superb! A real ringmaster of an entertainer” – The Stage.

*Contains some strong language.

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the beacon what’s on guide

May-September 2014

15

Broomberry Drive present

Butterstone Management present

Junction 25 & Glas(s) Performance present

Pure Imagination

Sounds of the 60’s

Dougie MacLean

Figment

Saturday 7th June 2014 – 7:00pm

Thursday 12th June 2014 – 8:00pm

Friday 13th June 2014 – 7:30pm

Saturday 14th June 2014 – 3:30pm and 7:30pm

£10.00

£5.00

£15.00

£7.00/£5.00 (Concession)

Theatre

Studio

Theatre

Theatre

Scott Nichol invites you to a night of Pure Imagination, performing famous songs from London’s West End, along with some of Inverclyde’s best young talent and special guests. The night will showcase Scott’s love of the musical theatre and along with his special guests will treat you to a night you won’t forget. All money raised will aid in funding for his future as he embarks on a career in London by attending the prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Performing Arts.

With history going back to the mid to late 70’s Broomberry Drive are making a name for themselves locally as THE BAND to hear for all the best music of the 60’s.

“Dougie MacLean is Scotland’s pre-eminent singersongwriter and a national musical

I used to read comics.

treasure” (SingOut USA) who has developed a unique blend of lyrical, ‘roots based’ song writing and instrumental composition. He is internationally renowned for his song ‘Caledonia’, music for ‘Last of the Mohicans’ and inspired performances.

I used to get excited about really small things.

His songs have been covered by Paolo Nutini, Amy MacDonald, Ronan Keating, Mary Black, Frankie Miller, Cara Dillon, Kathy Mattea and many other top performers.

Award winning theatre makers Junction 25 return after a sell-out appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2013 with their most recent piece of work.

Figment is a show about the things we believed in as children and what happens when we discover more about the world in which we live. It is about what is true and what is not, what we know and

Broomberry Drive are a new band (of old people) performing covers of bands such as Spencer Davis Group, Small Faces, Seachers, Procal Harem, Zombies, Pink Floyd, Kinks, Animals and many more.

Featuring the talents of Ronnie Garrity on Bass Guitar, Jim Lynn on Drums, Ricky Donaldson on Keyboards and Al Flemming on Guitar and Lead Vocals.

Over the years band members have been at the forefront of the local music scene being part of Rivendell, Henry Gorman Band, Inner Sound along with some of the very best Glasgow based bands.

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the beacon what’s on guide

He has received two prestigious Tartan Clef Awards, a place in the Scottish Music Hall of Fame, a Lifetime Achievement Award from BBC Radio 2 Folk

I used to write stories.

I used to play football in the garden.

I used to watch cartoons.

I used to believe everything I was told.

Awards and an OBE!

about the power of imagination.

‘A musical hero’ – Wall Street Journal.

*This show addresses childhood beliefs not being real, this show may not be suitable for some under the age of 12.

May-September 2014

17

Macrobert and Frozen Charlotte present

St Andrews Opera present

National Theatre of Scotland present

Ahilan Ratnamohan presents

Too Many Penguins?

Albert Herring

Sunday 15th June 2014 – 3:00pm

Thursday 19th June 2014 – 7:30pm

Michael Essien – I Want to Play as You

£6.00/£2 (babes in arms)/£22.00 (family of 4)

£14.00/£5.00 (Under 26’s)

The Great Yes, No, Don’t Know 5 Minute Theatre Show

Studio

Theatre

Monday 23rd June 2014 – Tuesday 24th June 2014

£8.00/£5.00 (Under 21’s)

How many penguins are too many penguins? Mr Polaro thinks that one is more than enough, thank you very much. Penguina wants someone to play with. Just one friend…Well, maybe two…Or three…

St Andrews Opera presents Benjamin Britten’s sparkling comedy, Albert Herring, in a fully staged production directed by Tania Holland Williams.

Stifled in the birdcage of conformity and bearing the load of collective judgement, Albert Herring has a choice to make - to flock or take flight. This is a piece with much to say about the restrictive pressure of social convention and what happens when one man goes pop – as relevant to today as when it was composed in 1947.

How many penguins can we get in one space?

Squeeze into this fun theatrical experience, created especially for 1 - 4 year olds, to find out. It might get crowded, but we promise the arrival of the penguins, however many, will entertain and delight.

2012 Winner of Critics Award for Theatre in Scotland for Best Production for Children and Young People.

“Theatrical magic” – Scotsman.

St Andrews Opera brings together a cast of highly talented young singers with a professional orchestra led by Feargus Hetherington and conducted by Michael Downes. It is delighted to be making its first appearance in Greenock following highly praised performances in St Andrews, Perth and London.

Free Theatre David Greig (The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart, Dunsinane) and David MacLennan (A Play, A Pie and A Pint series at Òran Mór), join forces to Cocurate and present live scenes, songs, skits, rants and dramas, in a democratic dramatic response to the theme of ‘Independence’. The National Theatre of Scotland invited artists and public alike to submit 5 minute performances and presentations which will be broadcast over a 24 hour period live from a small number of key locations.

Join us at the Beacon for the live transmission of our own selection of the many viewpoints that will be make up The Great Yes, No, Don’t Know, Five Minute Theatre Show. The webcast will run night and day bringing together the people of Scotland via satellite link up. Watch www.beaconartscentre. co.uk or www.fiveminutetheatre.com for the latest information on performances and times.

Thursday 26th June 2014 – 7:30pm

Theatre “You might not know us. You might not see us. But we are training. All over Europe, All over the world” Michael Essien I want to play as you…is a powerful and explosive football-dance-theatre performance exploring the line between hope and desperation for young African footballers who migrate to Europe to play professionally. Six West-African footballers invite an audience into their world of training, politics, visas and contracts.

The financial explosion of football coupled with the growing success of African players in Europe has led to many Africans believing in football as a way out of poverty. While the majority of African players displayed by the media are on million-dollar contracts, there is a growing under-class of footballaspirants living in harsh conditions in foreign lands chasing the dream of a decent football contract.

This free 24 hour show celebrates a momentous year and will provide hundreds of answers to one very important question.

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the beacon what’s on guide

May-September 2014

19

Ramesh Meyyappan presents

Clare Macauley presents

Butterfly Thursday 10th & Friday 11th July 2014 – 7:30pm

Journeys to Glasgow – We Want Your Stories

£12.00/£8.00 (Concession)

Saturday 12th July 2014 – 7:30pm

Theatre

Free but ticketed

A striking adaptation of Madame Butterfly, exploring themes of love, disappointment, loss and hope, created by Ramesh Meyyappan (Snails & Ketchup).

Studio

This modern multi-disciplinary piece uses visually poetic narrative and movement, and beautiful, hand crafted puppets to tell the tale of Butterfly, a female kitemaker, whose life has been shattered following the departure of her lover, who has left her alone, isolated and traumatised. We follow this beautiful, complex character as she decides to conjure a happier life for herself in her head, but as she flits deeper into her imaginary world, her tale takes another tragic turn.

This adaptation draws on the classic themes of love, loss and despair from Madame Butterfly, using them to create a unique and fresh interpretation that addresses issues pertinent to contemporary audiences. Meyyappan’s established visual style is complemented by the introduction of puppetry, creating a lush, textured, innovative piece of visual theatre.

20

the beacon what’s on guide

As the world prepares to come to Glasgow for the XX Commonwealth Games, two of Scotland’s funniest comediennes are coming to you.

As part of the 2014 cultural programme, award winning comediennes Janey Godley and Ashley Storrie will be coming to the Beacon Centre to deliver their side splitting stand-up comedy show.

Part of a national tour, you are invited to meet Janey and Ashley after the performance and tell them your story of a trip to the dear, green place.

Some of the stories they gather around the country will be collated into a film, celebrating our nation’s storytelling abilities. So come join the storytelling party.

Let the Games Begin Friday 18th July 2014 – 2:30pm & 7:30pm Come and see ‘Let the Games Begin!’

Commissioned by Inverclyde Council, written by local composer Alan Beck and performed by the school pupils of Inverclyde.

This energetic, moving story / musical of the journey of young Jock McPhail will warm the cockles of your heart!

Will young Jock win the gold medal in the Commonwealth games? Will Tommy’s school project be good enough to win four tickets to the opening ceremony?

Come and find out! 60 minutes of entertainment not to be missed!

Dirty Dancing – Dance-along Movies Pre-Film Workshop – 7:00pm Thursday 24th July 2014 – 8:30pm £5.00 Theatre See the film Dirty Dancing.

With your host Chris Stuart- Wilson.

Everyone joins in with a warm-up led by Chris and learns some moves from key moments in the film.

Yes and of course this includes “Nobody puts baby in a corner”. The film begins and you join in at the right points, breaking into a huge shakedown for the finale. There is also the opportunity for dance fans to take part in a Pre-Film workshop and then, when the audience arrive, the group will show off what they’ve learned as a curtain-raiser.

May-September 2014

21

Firefly Productions present

Opera Bohemia present

Kevin McDermott

Phil & Aly

Gianni Schicchi

Friday 25th July 2014 – 7:30pm

Thursday 21st August 2014 – 7:30pm

Friday 22nd August 2014 – 7:30pm

£12.00

£16.00

Theatre

Theatre

£13.00/£11.00 (Concessions)/£5.00 (Under 18’s)

…“one of the finest songwriters and performers of his time”, – Daily Record.

Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham have become a national institution with their incomparable mastery of fiddle and accordion, bringing excellence in traditional music to venues across the country.

Individually they pursue other ventures in performance, television and education. It is when they tour together that they truly shine with over quarter of a century of well-honed skills and hilarious banter delighting audiences everywhere.

Glasgow’s Kevin McDermott embarks on his 25th year of capturing the cognoscenti’s hearts and minds.

Singer-songwriter Kevin McDermott performed with Kevin McDermott Orchestra and later as a solo artist during a career spanning over 20 years with more than five critically successful albums to show for it.

On this occasion Kevin will be joined by an ensemble of Scotland’s finest musicians.

Lung Ha’s & Stellar Quines in association with the National Theatre of Finland present

13 Sunken Years Tuesday 26th August 2014 – 7:30pm £12.00/£8.00 (Concession)

Theatre

Theatre

Opera Bohemia returns with Puccini’s one act comedy Gianni Schicchi. This short opera (1 hour) guarantees to amuse in dynamic director James Hurley’s exciting modern day production. Gianna Schicchi offers a musical feast including the famous aria ‘O mio babbino caro’ (Oh My Beloved Father).

The star cast includes Scottish Opera Emerging Artist Andrew McTaggart, BBC Radio 2 Kiri Te Kanawa Prize winner Shuna Sendall, English tenor Andrew Dickinson, fresh from his debut at the Royal Opera House, and Scottish baritone legend Alan Watt. Accompanied by the Opera Bohemia Ensemble, this is a must see for opera lovers and the perfect introduction for first time opera goers.

By Paula Salminen, translated by Eva Buchwald.

Lung Ha’s & Stellar Quines Theatre Companies in association with the National Theatre of Finland.

Three women, three generations, tied together not only by blood but also by the magic of the river that runs through their remote Finnish town. One day the Mother disappears…

It happened on the day of her school graduation, her mother disappears and her grandmother is diagnosed with dementia. As Eva tries to make sense of her life now that pieces of her world are missing, past memories seem to rise out of the mist on the river.

An atmospheric play that examines family, destiny and the journey that becomes life.

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the beacon what’s on guide

May-September 2014

23

Pink Productions present

Paul Sanders Media present

Jongleurs Comedy Clubs present

Active Events present

Only One Direction

Jongleurs on the Road

Friday 29th August 2014 – 7:00pm

Des McLean – A to Z of Scotland

£15.00/£12.00 (Concession)

Saturday 30th August 2014 – 7:30pm

£12.00/£10.00 (Concessions)

Jimmie MacGregor – a Gathering of Songs, Stories and Famous Folk

Theatre

£13.00/£11.00 (Concessions)

Only One Direction - Midnight Memories Tour

Theatre

The world’s original and best One Direction tribute band come to Beacon Arts Centre as part of their 2014 theatre tour!

2014 is Scotland’s biggest ever year and as the gaze of the world falls upon the nation, comedian Des McLean will prove that Scot’s not only have the best sense of humour but an unrivalled capacity to laugh at themselves.

Traveling all over the UK, Europe, as far out as Dubai and having played to over 200,000 people; Only One Direction have secured themselves as the most popular band on the market.

Capturing the charisma, energy and enthusiasm of the famous five this show features songs from all 3 of One Direction’s smash hit albums including What Makes You Beautiful, Story of My Life, Best Song Ever and of course, Midnight Memories.

The perfect family friendly pop concert guaranteed to keep you ‘Up All Night’ complete with give-aways, audience participation and a meet & greet with the boys.

Book your seats today for a great night with Only One Direction.

You can also join the action right now on Twitter @only1Dmusic and at www.onlyonedirection.com 24

the beacon what’s on guide

Des McLean’s A to Z of Scotland is a brand new comedy show that works its way through the alphabet, picking a unique and iconic piece of Scottish-ness to laugh at for each letter, a real selection box of Scotia Bawbaggery!

On tour across the country during 2014, Des McLean’s A to Z of Scotland is also available on DVD.

Thursday 4th September 2014 – 8:00pm

Theatre The word famous comedy club at Beacon Arts Centre for one night only, with another superb line up from the best of the British stand-up circuit.

Compère – Chris Conroy.

Opener – Stuart Mitchell - The Glaswegian comic’s sharp one-liners, brilliant turn of phrase and clever wordplay made him a perfect choice to support Middle – Rory O’Hanlon - Rory O’Hanlon is a Dublin based stand-up comedian whose observational style of comedy has made him an instant hit with crowds up and down the country.

Headliner – Brian Higgins - Brian is one of the most experienced headline acts on the comedy circuit.

He has a high turnover of material and that’s maybe one of the reasons he has been a headline act for the last fourteen years. *This performance may contain strong language and material which may offend.

Friday 5th September 2014 – 7:30pm £12.00 Theatre Teaming up with Robin Hall in the 50’s, Jimmie appeared 5 nights weekly on the BBC’S Tonight Show – for 4 years!

Hugely influential in the folk music revival, he toured the world appearing in countless venues from The Albert and Festival Halls, to the smallest Folk clubs.

With 20 albums to their credit Jimmie and Robin went to host the White Heather Club and recorder the now legendary anthem single “Football Crazy” In his live show ‘Jimmie MacGregor’s Gathering of Songs, Stories and Famous Folk’ Jimmie talks about his life, the stories, songs and interviews with the likes of John Wayne and Tarzan. A relaxed and humorous show, visuals and music intersperse to create a truly special evening.

* Line up may be subject to change.

May-September 2014

25

Kayos Theatre Company present

Greenock Players present

Rapture Theatre present

Sell a Door Theatre and Beacon Arts Centre present

Miss Saigon

Greenock Players Autumn Production 2014

Shang a Lang

Sunset Song

Sunday 21st September 2014 – 7:30pm

Thursday 18th – Saturday 20th September 2014

£12.00/£10.00

Monday 29th & Tuesday 30th September 2014 – 7:30pm and 1.00pm on the 30th

Further details to be announced

Theatre

Studio

Take a step back in time to the days of the Bay City Rollers, with memorable fashion and unforgettable music.

Wednesday 10th – Saturday 13th September 2014 7:30pm £16.00/£13.00 (Concessions available on Wednesday, Thursday only) Theatre Kayos Theatre Company is proud to present the amateur Scottish Premiere of one of the most iconic west end musicals in recent memory. From the writers of Les Miserables, Miss Saigon boasts a fantastic storyline and score, with such fabulous songs as Bui- Doi, Why God, Why, Last Night of the World, I Still Believe and Movie in my Mind.

Tickets will fly out the door for this one, so early booking is essential.

The Greenock Players return to The Beacon after a fantastic year in 2013 in which they performed The Wizard of Oz and their 65thannual Pantomime Goldilocks and the 3 bears to sell out audiences.

The Greenock players will be releasing full details of their autumn production very soon. Please keep your eyes peeled and keep up to date by visiting www.beaconartscentre.co.uk

Written by Catherine Johnson (writer of the hit musical Mamma Mia!), Shang-a-Lang follows three forty-something Scottish women on their way to a 70s revival weekend in Butlins, where the Bay City Rollers are playing. They were all Rollerettes back in the day and decide it is time to recapture their youth, chase their unfulfilled dreams and have a ball while they do it.

Shang-a-Lang is the perfect girls’ night out laced with laughs, tears and a fabulous soundtrack a cross between a Scottish Shirley Valentine and Shameless.

Please note that “Shang a Lang” is a play, not a musical.

This show contains strong language, scenes of a sexual nature and nudity.

26

the beacon what’s on guide

£12.00/£10.00 Theatre Chris Guthrie is bound to a harsh farming life by her intense love of the land. She dreams of the seductive yet distant world of books and learning, but when war breaks out, Chris suddenly finds herself facing a very different reality as a widowed, single mother in a land altered beyond recognition.

Set in a farming community in the North East of Scotland, ‘Sunset Song’ charts Chris’s struggle to adapt to her new world and hold together her fragile family. Her survival depends solely on her belief that beyond the sunset lies hope.

Marking a hundred years since the start of the First World War, Sell a Door Theatre Company revives Alastair Cording’s faithful adaptation of Lewis Grassic Gibbon’s classic ‘Sunset Song’, recently voted Scotland’s most popular novel of all time. www.selladoor.com

May-September 2014

27

Are Ye Askin’?

Presented by RIG Arts Monday 9th June – Sunday 22nd June 2014 Free Foyer ‘Visit the Beacon between the 9th and 22nd June for a taster of our big exhibition happening on June 14th at the McLean Museum for the exciting heritage project ‘Are Ye Askin’?’ For the past 8 months we have been collecting information about Inverclyde’s vibrant and proud history through a range of events looking at dance halls, cinemas, discos, fashion, and styles from the 1930s through to the 1990s. Your stories play a vital part in this exhibition, come hear what the locals have shared about their ‘nights oot’ back in their day!’

The Seagull Gallery Exhibition Sunday 20th July – Sunday 10th August 2014 Free Foyer

exhibitions

Overlooking the River Clyde at Gourock, the Seagull Gallery is the largest private art gallery in Inverclyde and houses original art and prints from both local and well-known artists. There are regular exhibitions of painting and sculpture contributed to by more than 40 established and emerging artists throughout the year.

Every Memory Works by Alastair Cook

Gallery Director Louise Brennan Stewart curated a special selection of work for the Seagull Gallery’s first guest exhibition at the Beacon.

An internationally acclaimed and award-winning artist, Alastair’s photographic work encompasses digital, film and antique photographic practice.

He is also a filmmaker, employing 8mm and 16mm film in combination with digital technology to great effect. His work is mercurial, rooted in place and the intrinsic connections between people, land and sea.

www.seagullgallery.net

Thursday 25th September – Sunday 26th October 2014 Free Foyer

From Antarctica to the Clyde – Fraser Ralston Thursday 21st August – Wednesday 17th September 2014

Why is there a ? in Scul?ture?

Works by George Wyllie

Free Foyer

Saturday 28th June – Wednesday 16th July 2014 Free Gallery Suite George Wyllie, a resident of Gourock for over 50 years, was one of Scotland’s most celebrated and influential artists.

Best known for his Straw Locomotive and Paper Boat ‘social sculptures’. He famously described himself as a ‘scul?tor’.

This exhibition will focus on enduring themes found in Wyllie’s art and will consider why a ? should be at the centre of everything.

Fraser Ralston’s working trips to Antarctica have resulted in a stunning photographic collection from the world’s last true wildernesses. The striking ice kingdom images are presented in large scale, accentuating the dramatic locations.

The exhibition also contains unique global and abstract images, ranging from the Atacame desert to the Clyde.

Every Memory is an exhibition of new photographic work from Alastair’s residency in Dutch Gable House as part of Absent Voices. www.alastaircook.com alastair@alastaircook.com

www.fraserralston.com

This exhibition is presented by the George Wyllie Foundation. www.georgewylliefoundation.weebly.com www.georgewyllie.com

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the beacon what’s on guide

May-September 2014

29

culture at the

games

www.glasgow2014.com/culture

White Gold

Youth in the Park’s XX Commonwealth Games Celebrations

Wed 4th June (Preview) – 6:30pm Thu 5th June – 6:00pm & 9:00pm Fri 6th June – 6:00pm & 9:00pm Sat 7th June – 3:30pm & 6:30pm The Beacon

Battery Park

At the old gateway to Glasgow, now the gateway to The Games, stories flow from the mouth of the Clyde...

This fun filled, interactive annual event for young people by Inverclyde’s Council’s Youth Work Services has a Commonwealth theme for 2014. It features live music, inflatables, and information on a range of youth services as well as free performances of Grinagog Theatre’s The Pokey Hat from their very own Ice Cream Van Theatre and also from the spectacular Commonwealth Youth Circus a display of dance, acrobatics, physical theatre, parkour and aerial, in nail-biting physical stunts with energetic and playful characters. Finally there will be a welcome the Queen’s Commonwealth Baton to the stage: Youth in the Park 2014 will be an event not to be missed.

White Gold is an ambitious, site-specific performance set in Greenock’s iconic Sugar Sheds. Brought to the warehouse for storing, sifting, refining and presenting, White Gold is woven together from vivid and touching stories gathered across Inverclyde.

As audiences walk through the show, artists, performers and up to 200 volunteers will bring narratives to life through drama, movement, original music and breath taking aerial performance. Surprising, poignant and deeply moving, White Gold gives the community of Greenock top billing as the nation’s stars.

An original creation conceived and overseen by Mark Murphy, directed by Simone Jenkinson and Joseph Traynor of Cuerda Producciones, and produced by Iron Oxide. Part of the Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme.

Please arrive at the Beacon Arts Centre where our story starts on the bus which will transport you to the venue.

arts centre

the beacon what’s on guide

The Marathon Storytelling Cycle Challenge with Tam Dean Burn 14th July 2014 Various venues across Inverclyde In the Marathon Storytelling Cycle Challenge actor and theatre maker Tam Dean Burn, accompanied by musicians , will undertake a marathon endeavour to travel by bicycle to locations across Scotland and over the course of his journey read to children all of former Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson’s 168 (and counting!) books including The Gruffalo.

An Outdoor Learning Pack using several of Donaldson’s books is at www.booksonabike.com

The Baton Relay at The Beacon

30

14th July 2014 – All Day Event

14th July 2014

Bookbug Celebrates the Queens Baton Relay

Scheduled to arrive at 4:10pm

14 July 2014 – 1.30pm

The Queen’s Baton Relay is travelling 190,000km over 248 days

Coronation Park

through the 70 nations and territories of the Commonwealth carrying a special message from Her Majesty the Queen. The 40-day journey of the baton around Scotland will cover 8,000 kilometres, showcasing the nation’s most-iconic landmarks and culture. At 4:10pm on Monday 14 July it arrives at The Beacon.

Join us for songs from Let the Games Begin and add your voice to the cheer, helping the Baton on its way to open the XX Commonwealth Games.

Join Inverclyde Libraries for a special BIG Bookbug Session to welcome the baton to Inverclyde! We’ll have lots of sharing your favourite songs and rhymes and telling stories to celebrate the Queens Baton Relay and the Commonwealth Games.

“Like” Inverclyde Libraries on Facebook for details.

Suitable for children aged 0-5 plus parents.

May-September 2014

31

activities theatre & art classes

Looking to improve your skills or simply try something new?

Our activities are a great way to develop a skill and meet new people. You don’t need any experience, so come join us!

dance classes We believe that dance is for everyone and everyone can dance. We have participants from 16 months to 97 years old and as part of the Get Scotland Dancing initiative you can try a class absolutely free before deciding if it’s the one for you. We all know that dance is a wonderful way to express yourself and stay fit. Let’s get Inverclyde dancing!

Booking is essential for all activity sessions, please call 01475 723 723 for more information.

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day

class

for ages/school year time

Saturdays

Beacon Youth Theatre

P1 & 2

10:00am-10:45am

Beacon Youth Theatre

P3,4 & 5

10:45am-12:00pm

Beacon Youth Theatre

P6 & 7

12:00pm-1:15pm

Beacon Youth Theatre

S1 & S2

1:15pm-2:15pm

Beacon Youth Theatre

S3 up to 21 years

2:30pm-3:45pm

Children’s Art

18 months-2½ years

10:15am-11:00am

Children’s Art

5-8 years

11:30pm-1:00pm

Children’s Art

9-11 years

1:30pm-3:00pm

the beacon what’s on guide

day

class

for ages

time

Monday

First Steps

16-24months

10.00-11.00am

Micro Movers

2-4 years

11.00-12.00pm

Flying Feet

5-7years

5.30pm-6.15pm

Young Groovers

7-11years

6.30pm-7.30pm

Dance Workout

Adult (16+)

6.30pm-7.30pm

Tuesday

Platinum Project

55+ years

10.00am-11am

Beginners Ballet

5-11 years

5.30pm-6.30pm

Senior Ballet

14+

6.30pm-7.30pm

Wednesday Yoga for Sport

18+

7.00pm-8.30pm

Thursday

Beacon Youth Dance Company

14+

5.00pm 7.0 0pm

Burlesque

Adult

7.00pm-8.00pm

May-September 2014

33

summer schools

the bistro

Beacon Musical Theatre Summer School Monday 21st July – Saturday 26th July 2014 Monday 28th July – Saturday 2nd August 2014 For ages 13 to 21 years – 10:00am – 4:00pm £75.00 A week of Acting, Singing & Dancing lessons resulting in a Showcase Performance at The Beacon Arts Centre. This is a rare opportunity to work with two musical theatre professionals and perform songs and scenes from Miss Saigon, Oliver, Les Misérables, Grease, West Side Story and Fame.

the beacon bistro

pre-theatre

Come along for a fantastic week of drama, dance and singing as we create a brand new play from scratch. Starting from a few scraps and photos we will create a brand new play featuring original dances, songs and all kinds of crazy characters. The course is open to all school ages and is run by our professional drama tutors. It’s sure to be a fun-filled experience and will offer something for everyone. Don’t worry if you’re not already

After the success of last year’s summer school, tutors Lynn Anderson and Mark Barclay will again bring 2 x 1 week Musical Theatre Schools at The Beacon. Mark and Lynn jointly tutor Kayos Theatre Company who enjoyed recent success in performing 4 sold out performances of Les Misérables & Grease in The Beacon, and have future plans to perform Miss Saigon later this year. Lynn Anderson is one of Scotland’s leading singers and the opportunity to be tutored by her for the incredibly low price of £75 for a full week does not come around very often. She is dedicated to helping young people improve their singing voices. If you wish to improve your singing voice and learn the essential breathing techniques that not only

events

a member of BYT, this week is open to anyone who’s up for using their imagination and performing their play at the end of the week to an audience of invited guests.

strengthen the voice, but more importantly protect it, then come along. Classes will cover all aspects of Musical Theatre performance including acting and dancing.

provides a contemporary and sophisticated setting for your wedding or civil partnership. We would love to help you dine, laugh and dance with the river and the immensely photogenic scene towards Ben Lomond as your backdrop.

Spaces are limited so be sure to book your place now so as to avoid disappointment.

Only 20 places are available each week, early booking will avoid disappointment.

Please contact us on 01475 723 723 or email info@beaconartscentre.co.uk to enquire about the beacon bistro and events.

Beacon Youth Summer School Monday 30th June – Friday 4th July 2014 P1 & P2 – 10:00am – 12:00pm P3+ - 10:00am – 4:00pm £30.00 (Primary 1 & 2) £75.00 (Primary 3 and up)

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the beacon what’s on guide

The Beacon Bistro Offers an amazing experience in casual dining with a relaxed atmosphere and breath taking views over the River Clyde. Our menu has a wide variety of delicious food to choose from, wither you are just popping in for a coffee or a 3 course meal you will find something to everyone’s taste.

We offer 2 & 3 course pre-theatre meals before most performances; our pre-theatre menu runs up to 2 ½ hours before show times and is the only menu available during these times. Early booking is advisable for pre-theatre meals.

You can book any kind of event at The Beacon. We provide facilities for functions, conferences and workshops. We have 3 large rooms overlooking the river Clyde which can be used as rehearsal rooms, meeting space or can be conjoined to one large room to seat up to 170 dinner guests.

weddings The Beacon on Greenock’s historic Custom House Quay

January-April 2014 35

our

artistic and social aims The Beacon, Inverclyde’s home to the arts provides the perfect setting for events from all disciplines including music, theatre, dance, comedy, visual arts and festivals.

Our Bistro brings a new income stream to the Beacon for reinvestment in its social objectives of working with young people at risk, broadening participation in the arts and developing the employment prospects of people with ongoing mental health problems.

The Beacon is the result of a vision which will see Inverclyde’s local arts centre; having greater visibility through the scale of the new building, reaching deeper into the communities of Inverclyde through learning and outreach work, throwing a spotlight on Inverclyde through development of talent.

take a seat You can have a seat in our main auditorium named in your honour, or in honour of a friend or loved one, by mounting a plaque affixed to the back of the seat, containing the desired name. Each named seat costs £500 if paid as a lump sum, or £600 if as a direct debit of £10 per month for 60 months.

talk to us If you would like to discuss donations, legacies or sponsorship then please get in touch and we will be happy to meet with you as appropriate.

how to give You can donate by card, by cheque or in cash. Phone us on 01475 723723, email info@beaconartscentre.co.uk or call in person at our Box Office.

the bookinginformation

in person

Our friendly and efficient box office is open Monday to Saturday from 10am – 8pm and from 12:00pm – 6:00pm on Sunday’s (8:00pm on performance evenings) We are here to help you and can offer guidance and info on everything going on in and around The Beacon – Just ask!

stage stalls a 15 – 1 a b 22 – 1 b

You can pay for your tickets at the box office by cash, cheque, debit or credit card (a fee of £1 is applied to credit card transactions)

c 23 – 1 c

d 24 – 1 d e 25 – 1 e

f 24 – 1 f

Tickets must be paid in full on point of booking.

g 25 – 1 g

by telephone Call (01475) 723 723 to book your tickets by credit or debit card. You can choose to collect your tickets from the box office or for a £1 fee your tickets can be posted.

book online Online booking is available for most of our shows at www.beaconartscentre.co.uk Available 24 hours a day, you can book your seats and choose to have your tickets posted or collect them from the box office.

l 25 – 1 l

ps 24 – 23

ps 21

Concession tickets are available on selected shows, and apply to Students, Children (16 or under), Senior Citizens (60 and up), Unemployed, Disabled people and their escorts.

n 21 – 1 n w 3

w 2

ps 4–3

circle

ps 6–5

a 25 – 1 a

b 24 – 1 b

ps 18 – 17

ps 18 – 17

concessions

w 4

ps 20 – 19

ps 24 – 23

ps 2–1

m 22 – 1 m

ps 22 – 21

group bookings

the show of your interest.

w 1

j 25 – 1 j

k 24 – 1 k

ps 19

For bookings of 10 people or more you may reserve tickets for no more than 3 days. On most shows 1 free ticket is given for every 10 tickets booked.

Please check with box office staff if this applies to

h 24 – 1 h

w 5

A fee of £2.20 is applied to all online sales.

All concessions must be claimed at the time of purchase and proof of eligibility shown on collection.

36 the beacon what’s on guide

box office: 01475 723723

ps 8–7

c 25 – 1 c

e 25

w 25

– 22 w 24

d 24 – 1 d

upper circle

e 4–1 w w 1 2

ps 2–1 ps 4

f 1-2 & 23-24 restricted viewing

ps 6

f 24 – 1 f

g 25 – 1 g h 22 – 1 h

ps 8–7

terms & conditions 1. Tickets should be checked at the point of purchase as mistakes cannot be rectified later. 2. Latecomers will be asked to wait until a suitable break in the performance. 3. Tickets cannot be refunded unless the performance is cancelled or rescheduled. 4. Management reserves the right to refuse admission, and to alter the advertised programme should this prove necessary. 5. The use of camera and recording equipment in the auditorium is prohibited. 6. Mobile phones and pagers should be silenced before entering the auditorium. 7. Every audience member must have a valid ticket, including infants 8. Beacon Arts Centre reserves the right to introduce special offers and discounts on tickets at any time.

May-September 2014

37

access to the

– Bus Stop h Hig

wheelchair access

St

Inverclyde Council

Wheelchair access is available throughout the building, There are 5 dedicated wheelchair spaces in the stalls of our main theatre and a further 4 wheelchair spaces in the circle.. We have 6 wheelchair spaces available in our studio. To ensure availability, early booking is strongly recommended.

– Train Station

Da

lry

Custom House

mp

le

St

arts centre

A8

Police Station Victoria Harbour Ru En d

assistance dogs are welcome

St

Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the building.

Greenock Central Rail

induction loop

Re

ge

Induction loop systems are provided. Please ask our Box Office staff to advise you on the best seats to book, to optimise the hearing benefits from this system.

If you need any additional help to enjoy your visit to the theatre, just ask for the Duty Manager upon arrival. It may be best to telephone 01475 723723 or email info@beaconartscentre.co.uk in advance of your visit to organise any additional access requirements.

We are very grateful for the support we receive from our audiences, volunteers, patrons, donor’s key funders, charitable trusts and sponsors. Your ongoing support allows the Beacon to continue being a vibrant, active theatre, bursting at the seams with creative energy.

follow us

We look forward to seeing you soon.

where to find us

Find us on Facebook and keep up-to-date with all the latest events, ticket news and show listings from the Beacon. 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!

38

the beacon what’s on guide

B7

88

thank you for your support

Our local station, Greenock Central is only 500 metres away with a frequent service on the Glasgow Central/Gourock line. Journey times from Glasgow are approx. 30 or 40 mins and currently run until after 11pm (an hour earlier on Sundays) see www.scotrail.co.uk

The beacon is just off the A8 behind Greenock Police Station. Turn into Brymner Street at the Police Station and then turn right into Customhouse Place.

The Beacon is situated at the end of the road to the

info@beaconartscentre.co.uk www.beaconartscentre.co.uk

A8

St

by train

by road

01475 723723

nt

additional access requirements

The theatre is situated on Custom House Quay opposite the Custom House; it is in easy reach of Greenock town centre and close to public transport.

The Beacon Arts Centre Customhouse Quay , Greenock PA15 1HJ

Alternative Parking at Peak Times

e

Well Park

If you’re more of a tweeter then you can follow us at

right of the Custom House.

www.twitter.com/thebeaconarts

parking

get information to your desktop

There are 8 disabled parking bays in front of the building, these are for blue badge permit holder only. For non-permit holders parking is on street, in and around Custom House Quay and Victoria Harbour. At peak times access alternative parking via Virginia Street.

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. beaconartscentre.co.uk and join our mailing list from there.

The Greenock Arts Guild Ltd. trading as The Beacon is a not-forprofit organisation, a registered Scottish charity and a member of the Scottish Theatre Community.

Registered in Scotland Company No. SCO24805.

Registered Scottish Charity No. SC003030.

May-September 2014

39

May

12th

Sounds of the 60’s

p16

Dougie MacLean

p17

1st

The Triumph of Time & Truth

p4

13th

3rd

Dancing Queen

p4

14th Figment

p17

4th

51 Shades of Maggie

p5

15th

Too Many Penguins?

p18

7th

Wojtek the Bear

p5

19th

Albert Herring

p18

9th

Dominic Kirwan

p6

23rd

Palm Court Mondays

p12

10th

Singing Kettle’s Fantastic Funfair

p6

11th

Magic Of Motown

12th

Biding Time (Remix)

13th

Uncle Varick

14th

The View from Shore Street

p7

p8

July

16th

Pirates & Mermaids

17th

Peter Morrison

22nd

24th – Sunshine on Leith

22nd

Alvin Sputnik

26th

Palm Court Mondays

12th

Journeys to Glasgow

p20

18th

Let the Games Begin

p21

p10

24th

Dirty Dancing – Dance-along movies

p21

p10

25th

Kevin McDermott

p22

p9

p11

August

p11

21st

Phil & Aly

p22

p12

22nd

Gianni Schicchi

p23

p12

23rd

13 Sunken Years

p13

29th

Only One Direction

p13

30th

Des McLean

Jamie MacDougall

p19

p20

28th Heart 29th-31st Bugsy Malone

p19

Michael Essien – I want to play as you

10th-11th Butterfly

p9

The Big Dance Pledge & Beacon Dance

31st

p7

26th

p8

15th Saltbush 16th

23rd-24th The Great Yes, No,

don’t know debate

p23 p24 p24

September

June 2nd

Dance Fusion – WCS Dance

p14

5th

Sounds of the 70’s – WCS Music

p14

5th

Money – The Game Show

p15

6th

Love Changes Everything

p15

7th

Pure Imagination

p16

4th

Jongleurs on the Road

5th

Jimmie MacGregor

10th-13th Miss Saigon

p25

18th-20th Greenock Players 21st

p25

Shang a Lang

p26

p26 p27

29th-30th Sunset Song

p27

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