August onwards 2022

August Onwards www.beaconartscentre.co.uk

LIGHTING UP LIVES

IN INVERCLYDE

2022

EVENTS AT A GLANCE DATE/S

GENRE

SEP 29 Sep + multiple dates Music

Tue 27 Sep Theatre Wed 28 Sep Theatre Fri 30 Sep Tribute Tribute OCT Sat 1 Oct Sun 2 Oct Theatre Sat 8 Oct Theatre 8 Oct + multiple dates Theatre Sat 8 Oct Music Wed 12 Oct Tribute Wed 12 & Thu 13 Oct Theatre Fri 14 Oct Music Sat 15 Oct Music Sat 15 Oct Music Sun 16 Oct Theatre Mon 17 Oct Family Tue 18 Oct Theatre Wed 19 Oct Dance Thu 20 Oct Theatre Thu 20 Oct Music Fri 21 Oct Comedy Sat 22 Oct Tribute 22 Oct + multiple dates Theatre Tue 25 Oct Theatre Fri 28 Oct Theatre Fri 28 Oct Tribute Sat 29 Oct Comedy Dance NOV Wed 2 Nov Thu 3 Nov Talk Fri 4 & Sat 5 Nov Ballet Fri 4 Nov Music Sun 5 Feb 2023 Music Wed 9 & Sat 12 Nov Family Sat 12 Nov Music 15 Nov + multiple dates Variety Fri 25 Nov Music Pantomime DEC Thu 1-Sat 3 Dec Fri 9-Sat 31 Dec Pantomime EXHIBITIONS TAKE PART INFORMATION AND ACCESS COMING SOON

GENRE & VENUE KEY T

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MAIN THEATRE

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Beacon Jazz Club 2 549: Scots of the Spanish Civil War 4 Time's Plaque 4 Gladys Knight: Midnight Train To Georgia (CANCELLED) 5 A Tribute to the Great Crooners 5 Stuntman 6 Ferguson and Barton 6 Black History Month 7 Showaddywaddy in Concert 8 The Drifters 8 IncludED 9 The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland 9 Twist & Shout 10 Undertow Overflow 10 Rocket Post 11 Happiness Collectors 11 Kissing Linford Christie 14 Worn 14 The Time Machine 15 Rolling Back the Years 15 Jerry Sadowitz - Not For Anyone 18 A Day to Remember - The Doris Day Songbook 18 Galoshans Festival 19 Downs with Love 20 Though this be Madness 20 Sweet Caroline - The Ultimate Neil Diamond Tribute 22 Leah MacRae Weighs In 22 Vincent Simone - Tango Passions 23 Marti Pellow - Pellow Talk 23 The Nutcracker 24 Jill Jackson 24 Wrest + Support 25 Shrek the Musical 25 Classic Rock Acoustic Show 26 Gang Show 26 Voodoo Room: A Night of Hendrix, Clapton & Cream 27 Sleeping Beauty 27 Aladdin 16-17 3 12-13 30-31 32

TRIBUTE

TALK

MUSIC

THEATRE

DANCE

VARIETY

FAMILY

BALLET

COMEDY

MUSICAL THEATRE

2022 Autumn/Winter Season Welcome to our Autumn 2022 brochure.

Here at the Beacon we can guarantee that as the evenings get darker we will continue to light up lives in Inverclyde with a huge range of superb shows.

Perhaps you’re in the mood for some live music? Showaddywaddy, The Drifters and Marti Pellow all appear in the next couple of months, as do upcoming Scottish performer Jill Jackson and new musical collaboration Undertow Overflow. And we’re thrilled to welcome The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. Tributes to girlnext-door Doris Day, Jimi Hendrix, The Eagles and Neil Diamond will have you tapping your feet and singing along too – and don’t forget the Beacon Jazz Club.

If it’s top-notch theatre you’re looking for we’ve got that covered, with the true story of Scots in the Spanish Civil War, a look at the lives of stuntmen, an exploration of relationship dynamics inspired by Hitchcock’s Vertigo, and a feminist reworking of H G Wells’ The Time Machine!

Strictly Come Dancing legend Vincent Simone brings a sultry evening of Argentine tango, and we also have cutting-edge dance from Errol White and Davina Givan, and a pre-Christmas classical ballet treat from Greenock’s own Alba Ballet.

Talking of local performing companies, don’t miss Greenock Players’ Sleeping Beauty, Greenock Light Opera Club’s Shrek the Musical and the Greenock & District Scouts 2022 Gang Show.

Comedy fans are not forgotten either, with appearances from Jerry Sadowitz and Leah MacRae, and our spooky Galoshans Festival events will have the shivers running up and down your spine!

Our fantastic shows for families aim high, with rockets full of letters, bags full of happiness and even an appearance at the Olympic Games – and, of course, who could forget the Beacon’s not-to-be-missed pantomime Aladdin?

Book your tickets for all this season’s shows as soon as you can, or you just might regret it – oh yes you will!

We also have a fascinating series of events to mark Black History Month, including performance, music, Q&As – even Caribbean cooking!

Pauline Kane | Director

All information correct at the time of printing. For the most up to date information visit www.beaconartscentre.co.uk or follow us on social media.

Beacon Arts Centre is proud to be funded and supported by

@thebeaconartsc

@thebeaconarts

@thebeaconarts

Beacon Arts Centre

Greenock Arts Guild Ltd, trading as Beacon Arts Centre, is a company incorporated in Scotland under the Companies Acts (Company No. SC024805, VAT Registered Number 265140673, Scottish Charity Number SC003030)

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Multiple dates | 8pm Standard £15 | Concession £13 | Under 26s £5

Jazz Main Thu 29 Sep jazzmain.com

Rose Room

Euan Stevenson Trio Thu 24 Nov euanstevenson.com

Thu 27 Oct roseroom.co.uk

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September onwards 2022

Exhibitions 2023 programme ‘Beacon Arts Centre’s 2023 exhibition programme guarantees the presentation of exciting and diverse work by local, national and international artists. During the Summer we will be having an Open Exhibition providing the opportunity for anyone living in Inverclyde to have their artwork exhibited. Dates will be announced soon.’

Fraser Taylor, Guest Curator Creating Community by Inverclyde Women Create!

Claire Heminsley • Invisible Artists / Shona Wardrop Michael Clarence • William Dick • Willie Sutherland Judith Brotman

Invisible Artists Shona Wardrop

William Dick

Claire Heminsley

Willie Sutherland

Creating Community

by Inverclyde Women Create!

Michael Clarence

Judith Brotman

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SEPTEMBER Wonder Fools

549: Scots of the Spanish Civil War T

Tue 27 Sep 7:30pm Adult £15 Disability living allowance £13 Senior Citzen £12 Wheelchair £12 Student and under 30s £10

1936. Across Scotland, 549 lives are intertwining. People of contrasting backgrounds, ideologies and religions will form the Scottish ranks of the Spanish Civil War’s legendary International Brigade.

2022. The country is in crisis. In a pub in Prestonpans, East Lothian, four millennials are told a story – the true story of four miners who travelled from the streets of Prestonpans to the valleys of Spain to fight in one of Scotland’s almost forgotten conflicts.

A play with songs and storytelling, 549: Scots of the Spanish Civil War is a timely insight into one of Scotland’s almost forgotten conflicts.

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Fair Pley Ltd

Time's Plague S

Wed 28 Sep 7:30pm Adult £16 Concession £14

David Hayman returns as everyman Bob Cunninghame.

Bob is in a hospital bed. A long dark night of the soul, an understaffed ward, a single room.

Another stormy night. He’s broken – as is the world around him … And tomorrow morning?

It sounds like a painful and risky procedure, and Bob’s convinced he won’t survive it. But this doesn’t stop him from ranting about injustice and the state of the world … laughing at everything, including himself. No way Bob’s going gently into that good night. He’ll burn and rave at close of day, raging against the dying of the light.

Written by Chris Dolan.

Directed by David Hayman Jr.

September onwards 2022

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

SS1 Entertainment

Colin Scougall

A Tribute to the Great Crooners CANCELLED

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Fri 30 Sep 7:30pm Adult £23 Concession £22

Gladys Knight is one of the greatest female soul legends in music history, with classic hits including Baby Don’t Change Your Mind, Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me, The Way We Were/Try to Remember, Licence to Kill, and her signature song Midnight Train to Georgia.

Capturing the essence of the multi award winning Ms Gladys Knight, Hayley Ria Christian emulates the true magic that the Empress of Soul delivers on stage. This production is a faithful portrayal that pays homage to Ms Gladys Knight.

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Sat 1 Oct 7:30pm Adult £18 Senior Citizen £16

Colin Scougall, Scotland’s King of Easy Listening, is touring the country with a brandnew show full of classic songs made famous by the great crooners of the 20th century.

Join the Coatbridge-born singer for a nostalgic trip through favourite melodies such as Fly Me to the Moon, Beyond the Sea and Unforgettable, as Colin pays tribute to superstar male vocalists Tom Jones, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Andy Williams, Matt Monro, Dean Martin and many more, all accompanied by his amazing live band.

BOOK TICKETS AT www.beaconartscentre.co.uk | 01475 723723

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SUPERFAN presents

Shotput presents Ferguson and Barton

Stuntman Ferguson and Barton S

Sun 2 Oct 7pm Adult £12 Concession £10

Fusing the Pow! Biff! and Wallop! of over-thetop stunt fights with personal stories of real encounters with violence from the performers’ lives, Stuntman explores the relationship between violence and masculinity, and the impact this has on our perceptions of men.

But it’s for anyone who has ever enjoyed a violent action movie (then felt a bit weird about it). Fun but heartfelt, silly but caring, Stuntman asks important questions about violence in action movies and violence in real life, how young men relate to it, and how it makes them feel.

Recommended for ages 14+.

Stuntman contains violence, strong language and reference to suicide.

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This is a BSL signed performance

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Sat 8 Oct 7pm Adult £12 Concession £10

‘We watched a film last night.

And we can’t get it out of our heads.’

A couple wake up in a filmic dream world.

There, they recreate last night’s film and, in the process, work through the subtle power dynamics of their own relationship. Through this strange exploration, the man and woman question Hollywood norms and see each other anew.

Loosely inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s 1958 thriller Vertigo, Ferguson and Barton is about communication and miscommunication, about voyeurism, gender roles and sensuality. Can we ever really know the person closest to us?

Would we want to?

September onwards 2022

Black History Month #AFROWEGIAN PRESENTS…

Mixed Race and Scottish (Part One) S

Sat 8 Oct 11am FREE

#AFROWEGIAN PRESENTS…

Mixed Race and Scottish (Part One) S

Sat 15 Oct 11am FREE

Two artist activists:- educator and photographer Kim Simpson and musician Mark Agbi in conversation with #theafrowegian. Kim presents extracts from her photographic exhibition 'Girls and their Mothers' currently on display at the National Portrait Museum in Edinburgh. Kim's portraits celebrate and interrogate mixed race identity.

Mark, co-founder of the African Caribbean Society of Scotland, shares his thoughts on using his art as an anti-racist tool.

Two mixed race musicians from different generations compare and contrast their ‘lived experiences’ of growing up in and around Inverclyde. Jazz singer and actress Suzanne Bonnar was one of the first people of colour to be born in Dunoon to a local lass and a US serviceman father. Musician, writer and filmmaker, Matt Hickman (aka Brownbear) is a unique storyteller whose professional career started in the Cafe Continental in Gourock.

#AFROWEGIAN PRESENTS…

Living Histories of Sugar

Southern Fried S

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Sat 22 Oct 11am FREE

Academic and food historian Dr Peggy Brunache leads a celebratory cooking event in which she and Jideofor Muotune cook and discuss what can be learned about the lives of slaves in the Caribbean through the food they cooked. They will also look at this food's influence on our eating habits today. Audiences will have an opportunity to taste the food created at the event.

Follow Black History Month 2022

Thu 27 Oct 6pm FREE

Inspired by archival and secondary historical research, Living Histories of Sugar will be a series of short acts that connect Scotland to the West Indies in relation to the sugar industry.

BhmUK

blackhistorymonthUK

blackhistorymonth.org.uk BOOK TICKETS AT www.beaconartscentre.co.uk | 01475 723723

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OCTOBER Handshake Ltd

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Sat 8 Oct 7:30pm Standard £23 Box seats £21 Upper circle restricted view £11.50

The Greatest Rock & Roll Band in the World is a bold statement but Showaddywaddy have lived up to that title for the last four decades.

Formed in the 1970s in Leicester, they have sold more than 20 million records and toured around the globe.

Their dynamic and uplifting live show features all their biggest hits, many of which reached No. 1 in the charts across Europe, including Under the Moon of Love, Three Steps to Heaven, Hey Rock and Roll, When, Blue Moon and Pretty Little Angel Eyes.

So come and join the Dancin’ Party…

You’ve Got What It Takes!

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Elite Concerts

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Wed 12 Oct 7:30pm Standard £28 Concession £26

Legendary group The Drifters have been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, performed for the President of the United States and been listed among the Greatest Artists of All Time by Rolling Stone magazine.

Under the guidance of Tina Treadwell (daughter of the group’s original founders, George & Faye Treadwell) they have enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in recent years.

Now The Drifters are back in the UK performing all their classic hits, including Saturday Night at the Movies, You’re More Than a Number, Come On Over to My Place, Under the Boardwalk and Kissin’ in the Back Row. Don’t miss them!

September onwards 2022

Supported by ENABLE Scotland

SUPPORTED BY

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POST SHOW

Q&A

Wed 12 & Thu 13 Oct 7pm Standard £14 Concession £10

Sally and Jean are mothers fighting for their children who have a learning disability to have the same opportunities at school as other kids.

The relationship between two very different women is tracked from the first time they meet to their twilight years, with their kids now adults. Through their campaigning, their lives have become intertwined, including their dreams for themselves and their children.

Scottish Fire and Hertitage Trust

The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland T

Fri 14 Oct 7:30pm Standard £15 Concession and restricted view £12

Scottish Fire Brigade Heritage Trust, featuring State Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland are back by popular demand to present their Charity Gala Concert.

This event will see the band play a wide and diverse programme of music including military, classical, folk and more!

Mark MacNicol’s brand-new play will stimulate all audiences regardless of their lived experience in this area, and takes its name from a campaign launched by ENABLE Scotland – IncludED: 22 steps on the journey to inclusion for every pupil who has a learning disability.

BOOK TICKETS AT www.beaconartscentre.co.uk | 01475 723723

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OCTOBER AIM events

Amy Duncan and Ben Harrison

Undertow Overflow T

Sat 15 Oct 7:30pm Adult £23 Concession £22

Join an all-star cast from London’s West End for a fun-packed musical journey back to the Swinging Sixties – when skirts got shorter and hair got longer.

Twist & Shout is an absolute powerhouse of a show that’ll have you on your feet and dancing in the aisles to more than 40 non-stop 60s hits.

If you were there – and can remember it – Twist & Shout will bring back fantastic memories of the coolest decade. If you weren’t, here’s the perfect opportunity to experience what you missed.

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Sat 15 Oct 8pm Adult £12 Concession £8

Undertow Overflow is a new collaboration between multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Amy Duncan and award winning director and writer Ben Harrison. Amy and Ben promise an evening of emotionally charged, surprising and uplifting performance combining Amy’s music with Ben’s short stories Join them at this openhearted exploration of the strangeness of human love and loss, filled with vivid and poetic imagery, stories and beautiful music.

CREDITS Music and Lyrics Amy Duncan Stories Ben Harrison Artistic Associate Jemima Levick Lighting Designer Simon Wilkinson Suitable for ages 15+

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September onwards 2022

Constellation Points

The Audio Story Company

Happiness Collectors S

Sun 16 Oct 3pm Adult £8 Young Scot Card £6

July 1934. The Western Isles. Excitement runs through the crowd. They are watching scientist and dreamer Gerhard Zucker, who is about to change the world. The future is communication, the future is ... ROCKET POST! A rocket full of letters is ready to fly across the sea to the Isle of Harris. The fuse is lit, the rocket lifts up into the sky, and then ...

Rocket Post! is a joyful mix of songs, storytelling and exciting visuals for everyone aged six and over – a tale of miscommunication and the magical discoveries that can happen when everything goes wrong.

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Mon 17 Oct

11am, 12:30pm & 2:30pm

Standard £5

The Happiness Collectors need YOU! The world’s supplies of happiness are running low and the Happiness Collectors need your help to top them up.

So pop on your headphones and join the Happiness Collectors on a journey of sounds and silliness to learn the best ways to collect happiness – and most important of all, how to pass it on!

Happiness Collectors is a fusion of physical theatre and audio-immersive storytelling for family audiences. Each audience member experiences the show through a set of wireless headphones, guided by their very own Happiness Collector Instructor, SAM, aka Special Agent M. For ages 4+

BOOK TICKETS AT www.beaconartscentre.co.uk | 01475 723723

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Try something new in 22 Here are a few of our regular activities but keep checking our website for new events. We will be holding tea dances and lots of performances and activities for kids and teenagers (as well as those who have grown up a little!). If you would like to join our mailing list to be regularly updated, please email info@beaconartscentre.co.uk Beacon Youth Theatre

Beacon Young Company

Sundays 4 Sep–9 Oct £6 per class

Sundays 4 Sep–9 Oct £6 per class

GLOWBUGS 10:45am (ages 5-8 years) LITTLE SPARKS 11:45am (ages 8-11 years) FLAMES 1:15pm (ages 11-14 years)

BEACONS 3-5pm (ages 14-18 years)

Our inclusive classes offer a supportive environment where young people (ages 5-14) can develop their performance skills, grow in confidence and explore their creative potential.

Join us every Sunday for lots of fun and an opportunity to make new friends!

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Interested in a career in the arts?

From performance technique to theatre making this is a brilliant opportunity for young people.

We aim to inspire and provide the opportunity for young creatives to collaborate on devised work to be performed on our stages

September onwards 2022

Platinum Dance Mondays from 26 Sep 10-11am or 11-12 noon £5 per class

Beacon Youth Theatre

Our Platinum Dance offers physical and mental health benefits to those aged 55+, whilst having fun and taking part in accessible dance activities. No experience necessary, just an open mind and willingness to join in! Don't know what to wear? Doesn't matter just something you are comfortable in.

Dance for Parkinson’s Tuesdays from 27 Sep 1-3pm £5 per class

Beacon Young Company

Dance can help people with Parkinson’s physically, mentally and socially, aiding mobility and improving overall feelings of wellbeing.

Established in 2016, the Dance for Parkinson's allows participants to experience the benefits of dance and creativity – improving balance, spatial awareness, confidence and fluidity in movement.

Includes a social café.

If you are interested, or have any questions please email info@beaconartscentre.co.uk or call 01475 723723.

Creatability Dance for Parkinson's

Tuesdays from 27 Sep Ages 4-11 | 5pm-6pm Ages 12-21 | 6.30pm-7.30pm FREE We are delighted that our programme of dropin weekly sessions in multiple artforms and activities for neurodivergent and disabled young people will be back for the new term at the beginning of September, for an eight-week block during termtime.

Creatability

Please email info@beaconartscentre.co.uk if you are interested in coming along.

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OCTOBER Victoria Beasley produced by Catherine Wheels

White & Givan

Worn T

Tue 18 Oct 7:30pm Adult £15 Concession £13

Vickie wants to compete at the Olympics.

There’s only one obstacle she needs to get over; she isn’t very good at sport. Yet despite the odds, Vickie’s love for athletics will take her all the way to London 2012.

Inspired by creator Victoria Beesley’s own childhood obsession with athletics, this new solo show is all about loving failure and dreaming big – even if there’s no chance you’ll make that dream come true.

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Wed 19 Oct 7:30pm Standard £12 Concession £10

The ancient Japanese art of kintsugi involves repairing broken pottery with gold or silver, making the cracks into a beautiful and valuable part of the object.

Worn is an exquisite and emotive dance production, which takes kintsugi as the inspiration for exploring how the body is affected by time and space, and the experiences, marks and scars that become part of our history and shape our present and our possible futures in an Instagram culture.

Acclaimed contemporary dance duo Errol White and Davina Givan’s trademark strong visual presence combined with dynamic and tender choreography engages on both a physical and emotional level.

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September onwards 2022

Jordan & Skinner

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Thu 20 Oct 7pm Standard £15 Concession £13

In a secret bunker, a group of feminists are taking matters into their own hands as they contemplate impending doom and ask if it’s all too late to turn things around.

Meanwhile, a traveller lands in the year 802,701 to discover the fate of future humans and tries to unravel how it all came down to this.

Timeless Theatre

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Thu 20 Oct 2:30 & 7pm Standard £22 Concession £21 Wheelchair user £20

Relive the fantastic sounds and glamorous fashions of the 50s, 60s and 70s in this stylish, fast-moving and vibrant show, bringing you some of the greatest songs ever written, performed by a cast of world-class singers and dancers.

Join this fiery and furious company of extremists for talk of time travel, survival and human evolution in a bold and irreverent reimagining of H.G. Wells’ science-fiction classic.

Audiences around the world have been captivated by the beautiful harmonies, brilliant choreography and more than 100 stunning costumes of Rolling Back the Years – an unforgettable show packed with fun, energy, and a few laughs along the way.

Brought to you by award-winning feminist theatre company Jordan & Skinner.

If you are looking for the ‘Ultimate Feel-Good Experience’, Rolling Back the Years is not to be missed.

BOOK TICKETS AT www.beaconartscentre.co.uk | 01475 723723

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#BeaconPanto22 16

Morning

Afternoon

Evening

Fri 9 Dec 10am 7pm Sat 10 Dec 11am 3pm 7pm Sun 11 Dec 1pm/5pm Mon 12 Dec No performances Tue 13 Dec 7pm Wed 14 Dec 10am 7pm Thu 15 Dec 10am 7pm Fri 16 Dec 10am 7pm Sat 17 Dec 11am 3pm 7pm Sun 18 Dec 1pm/5pm Mon 19 Dec No performances Tue 20 Dec 10am 7pm Wed 21 Dec 10am 7pm Thu 22 Dec 2pm 7pm Fri 23 Dec 2pm 7pm Sat 24 Dec 1pm/5pm Sun 25 Dec HAPPY CHRISTMAS Mon 26 Dec 1pm/5pm Tue 27 Dec 1pm/5pm Wed 28 Dec 2pm 7pm Thu 29 Dec 2pm 7pm Fri 30 Dec 2pm 7pm Sat 31 Dec 1pm/5pm

• Schools (£8.75 per student/teacher) • Bargain • Standard • Premium British Sign Language

STANDARD

Adult £16-£22 Child/concession £16-£20 Groups 20+ from £16.50 per person Family of 4 ticket from £14.25 per person Family of 5 ticket from £13.80 per person

Audio Description

PREMIUM

Adult £18.50-£24.50 Child/concession £18.50-£22.50 Groups 20+ from £18 per person Family of 4 ticket from £16.75 per person Family of 5 ticket from £16.30 per person

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OCTOBER Regular Music

QUE SERA PRODUCTIONS

SOLD

OUT

Jerry Sadowitz

Not For Anyone T

Fri 21 Oct 8pm Standard £22.50 Restricted view £22

Jerry Sadowitz returns with his whacky impressions of Greta Thunberg, Frankie Boyle and deep-vein thrombosis. He also promises to do less hate-fuelled swearing and focus more on faux liberal pish in order to appeal to the middle class and their disposable income and personalities.

Jerry adds, ‘Please note that I might just do card tricks and say NOTHING for a whole hour or I might just do the usual “screaming fascist” schtick. Or both. Patrons may wish to drink alcohol pre-show to avoid boredom, embarrassment and guilt.’

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A Day to Remember

The Doris Day Songbook T

Sat 22 Oct 2 & 7:30pm Standard £17

Award-winning singer Lynda Radford along with singer Brad Pepper presents a brand-new show for 2022 to celebrate 100 years of the life and music of Doris Day. This special centenary production includes 25 unforgettable hits, including Secret Love, Que Sera Sera, The Windy City, Pillow Talk and The Deadwood Stage.

You are invited to share a nostalgic day to remember, celebrating this wonderful lady’s music, films and life. Enjoy all your favourite songs, join in and sing along as we look back and remember.

September onwards 2022

The Gathering Returns S

Sat 22 Oct 7:30pm Standard £13 Concession £10

Spooky Tours of Custom House Quay & Beacon Arts Centre

Wed 26 Oct 6pm FREE

Suitable for ages 15+ Following a sell-out performance in 2019, Felix O’Brien and friends return to the Beacon for another evening of tear-jerking, rib-tickling, spine-chilling horror.

Come Dine with Me Spooky Celebrity Special S

Wed 26 Oct 7:30pm FREE Suitable for ages 8+

Our cast of very talented community actors will delight you with comic darkness when Marilyn Monroe, Baby Jane and Hylda Hogden amongst others sit down for a gory three course meal.

Come and see what they serve, how they get along (hint – they don’t!) and enjoy the experience. This is a short piece running about 30mins and is ideal to see after you have experienced the spooky tour here at the Beacon.

Suitable for ages 8+ An experienced Storyteller will offer FREE spooky tours of Inverclyde’s flagship cultural venue and its surrounding historic quarter.

Beacon Young Company X Magic Torch X Inverclyde Youth Theatre (Kayos)

The Sound of Fog S

Fri 28 Oct 7:30pm FREE Suitable for ages 8+

Trapped in a lighthouse on Hallowe’en, a plucky crew entertain themselves sharing terrifying tales of Inverclyde’s past. Galoshans, ghouls and graverobbers all have a part to play in this mildly horrifying evening’s entertainment.

BOOK TICKETS AT www.beaconartscentre.co.uk | 01475 723723

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Cutting Edge Theatre

Skye Longeran

Though This Be Madness + Post show sanctuary S

Tue 25 Oct 7:30pm Adult £12 Concession £10

Beth is a young woman who has Down’s Syndrome. She lives a very independent life, has her routines and lives simply but happily. She is helped by a new support worker, Tracy, and they soon strike up a friendship. On a Friday night, they go to the pub to watch Mark, a local singer. Beth falls for Mark but Mark falls for Tracy – who loves both of them. Complex and challenging issues arise for all.

‘The play represents a powerful step forward for people with Down’s Syndrome in Scottish Theatre’ The Scotsman This is a BSL signed performance

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Fri 28 Oct 1pm Standard £12 Concession £10

Not all stories wrap themselves around a beginning, a middle and an end. New motherhood doesn’t afford the time for that kind of structure. Though This Be Madness is an inventive and darkly humorous story of many sisters that delves into the combined challenges of new parenting alongside loved ones struggling with psychosis and depression. Award-winning writer and performer Skye Loneragan presents her fragmented portrayal of motherhood, sisterhood and experience of loved ones’ debilitating mental illness.

This fractured fiction, with a musical score co-created by Mairi Campbell, is an intimate, shortened, responsive babe-in-arm performance for parents and carers.* Supported by Creative Scotland & SMHAF.

* Performance not suitable for mobile infants or toddlers.

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September onwards 2022

PRE THEATRE 2 COURSES FOR £14.95

3 COURSES FOR £19.95

Served from 5pm (last orders 6pm)

For reservations, call us on 01475 460274 @BeaconCafeBar

OCTOBER Entertainers

Leah MacRae

Leah MacRae Weighs In T

Fri 28 Oct 7:30pm Standard £25 Box Seats £23

Celebrate the music that has endured across five decades as we bring you all things Diamond in a sensational live show.

Sweet Caroline is the ultimate tribute to Neil Diamond, starring Gary Ryan, as seen on Stars in Their Eyes. Sweet Caroline will take you, for one special evening, back to where it all began, on a musical journey celebrating some of the greatest music ever written.

Enjoy all Neil’s greatest hits, such as Forever in Blue Jeans, Cracklin’ Rosie, Song Sung Blue, America, Love on the Rocks – and Sweet Caroline. The good times never seemed so good!

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Sat 29 Oct 7:30pm Adult £20 Concession £18 Meet and Greet £23

After rave reviews of her Scottish ‘Diary’ show tour and fresh from this year’s Edinburgh Fringe, the ‘wee Glesga powerhouse’ is back!

Join the much-loved star of stage and screen (Rosie Molloy Gives Up Everything, River City, Gary: Tank Commander, 51 Shades Of Maggie) for big, chubby belly laughs galore and some belting ballads, as Leah makes light work of weighty issues. She’ll help you shed a stone’s worth of worries and laugh your troubles away!

‘MacRae’s vivacious, powerhouse charisma is irresistible ... Devastatingly effective ... she’s a superstar’ Steve Bennett, Chortle.

September onwards 2022

NOVEMBER Strictly Theatre Co

Vincent Simone

Tango Passions T

Wed 2 Nov 7:30pm

Standard £36 Upper circle £32 Wheelchair space £35 VIP £70 Argentine Tango King and Strictly Come Dancing legend, Vincent Simone, brings to the Beacon his brand-new show, Tango Passions. With Argentine Tango specialist Paula Duarte as his leading lady, and accompanied by world-class dancers, the original Italian stallion will take you on a journey to Buenos Aires for a sultry evening of dance, stories and poetry.

Featuring music from Astor Piazzolla, who revolutionised tango in the 1950s, and Parisbased tango group Gotan Project, Tango Passions is a sexy, steamy, passionate night not to be missed.

A Way With Media

Marti Pellow

Pellow Talk T

SOLD

OUT

Thu 3 Nov 7:30pm

Pellow Talk is a chance to learn all about me, not just as a singer and songwriter with Wet Wet Wet, but as a boy and a man. It’s a chance to understand the DNA of the hits that we’ve listened to and loved over the years. The evening will be wrapped in music, from songs you know to ones you’ll get to know.

There’ll be laughter as we travel from the banks of the River Clyde to the top of the charts, then on to Broadway and beyond. There’ll be no mask and no character. This is me, stepping out of the shadows, speaking directly to you. I hope you come and spend some time with me.

BOOK TICKETS AT www.beaconartscentre.co.uk | 01475 723723

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Alba Ballet

The Fallen Angels

Jill Jackson T

Fri 4 & Sat 5 Nov 7:30pm Adult £16 Concession £14

It's Christmas Eve. Clara receives a toy nutcracker. But at midnight the nutcracker transforms into a handsome prince. Clara and the prince journey to the magical Land of Sweets, where they meet the Mouse King and the famous Sugar Plum Fairy.

Start Christmas early with these magical performances of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, featuring famous tunes such as the Arabian and Chinese dances, the Waltz of the Flowers and, of course, the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Greenock-based Alba Ballet return to the Beacon after their successful productions of Coppélia in 2018, Cinderella in 2016 and The Nutcracker in 2014.

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Fri 4 Nov 8pm Adult £16 Concession £14

Jill Jackson is one of Scotland’s leading singersongwriters and an acclaimed artist on the thriving international Americana music scene.

Her May 2022 album Yours Aye was the highest new entry on the Official UK Americana Chart and rocketed to No.1 on the UK Country iTunes Chart.

Jill’s sensitive and sympathetic storytelling, heart-rending vocals and sheer love of Americana music have earned her a loyal fan base around the world, not surprisingly drawing comparisons to the likes of Brandi Carlile and Joni Mitchell.

A natural-born storyteller and award-winning artist, Jill effortlessly marries swinging American charm with Scottish heart.

September onwards 2022

NOVEMBER Xfire Live

GLOC

wrest + Support

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Sun 5 Feb 2023 7:30pm Standard £14

Hotly tipped Scottish indie rock band wrest hail from Edinburgh’s Old Town, their sound combining soaring guitars with layered lyrics and heartfelt melodies, reminiscent of bands like Frightened Rabbit, The National, Idlewild, Snow Patrol and We Were Promised Jetpacks.

The debut album Coward of Us All (Best Scottish Album 2019) saw wrest reach an international audience, with sold-out shows across the UK and Germany.

Don’t miss this must-go gig from one of Scotland’s most exciting emerging live acts.

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Wed 9 - Sat 12 Nov 7:30pm (2:30pm matinee sat only)

Based on the Oscar winning DreamWorks film, Shrek the Musical is a big bright musical comedy adventure for all the family!

Join our unlikely hero Shrek as he embarks on a quest to save his swamp and rescue the feisty Princess Fiona. You’ll meet a hilarious Donkey, the short-tempered Lord Farquaad, and all the characters you know and love from the hit movie.

Featuring lots of laughs and catchy songs, including the smash hit ‘I’m a Believer’, Shrek the Musical is guaranteed fairytale fun for all ages. Come join Greenock Light Opera Club for a ‘shrek-tacular’ night out!

BOOK TICKETS AT www.beaconartscentre.co.uk | 01475 723723

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The Boyds Music

Classic Rock Acoustic Show

GREENOCK & DISTRICT SCOUTS

The Gang Show is Back!

2022

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Sat 12 Nov 7:30pm Adult £12 Concession £10

Join Gus Boyd, former lead vocalist, guitarist and bassist with many of the UK’s top tribute acts, for solo acoustic interpretations of more than 30 iconic rock and pop classics from the 60s, 70s and 80s.

Featuring epic performances of classic songs

by Bowie, Clapton, Henley, Hornsby, McCartney, Petty, Sting and Winwood, the Classic Rock Acoustic Show also has multimedia, anecdotes and audience interaction.

An evening for all ages to relax and enjoy the unforgettable music that shaped our generations.

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Tue 15 Nov | 7:15pm £10 Wed 16 & Thu 17 Nov | 7:15pm £12 Fri 18 & Sat 19 Nov | 7:15pm £15 Sat 19 Nov | 2:15pm £11 standard Family of 4 £30

1942 was the first Gang show with Boy Scouts singing and doing sketches.

2022 the Gang Show is back, after an enforced absence due to Covid, with singing, sketches and dancing from Beavers to leaders - an evening of entertainment for the whole family.

We look forward to welcoming friends old and new to this fantastic show!

September onwards 2022

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

Voodoo Room

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Fri 25 Nov 8pm Standard £15

Voodoo Room pay tribute to the legends of rock – Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Cream – with an incredible show in the true spirit of these colossal superstars, featuring classics such as Hey Joe, Sunshine of Your Love, Purple Haze and Layla.

Members of power trio Voodoo Room have recorded and toured with Stevie Winwood, Massive Attack, Arthur Brown, Fish, Thunder and many other high-profile artists.

No wigs, no gimmicks – simply great music played by great musicians.

Greenock Players

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Thu 1-Sat 3 Dec 7:30pm / 2:30pm matinee Sat Adult £16 Concession £14

Come with us to pantoland and join the Greenock players in the magical tale of Sleeping Beauty. Will princess Eilidh ever wake up from the evil curse of Sadista? Will her fairy guardians know what to do?

A show full of fun and laughter and with a little help from Dame Nellie MacDuff you are in for a real adventure! There certainly won’t be time for any sleeping in the audience!!!

BOOK TICKETS AT www.beaconartscentre.co.uk | 01475 723723

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beacon Café & Bar

AF TERNOON TEA BY THE CLYDE £16.95 per person Advanced booking required

For reservations, call us on 01475 460274 @BeaconCafeBar

Auld Before My Time An Evening with Paul Riley T

Sat 4 Mar 2023 7:30pm Meet & Greet £40 Standard £22.50

Join BAFTA award winning actor/comedian Paul Riley for an evening of fun, laughter and memories of his 30 year career with an opportunity for you the audience, to ask anything you’ve ever wanted about the iconic Still Game!

After 62 episodes, 21 years and a recordbreaking run of live shows at the Ovo Hydro, Paul will share stories of his time on the show playing the part of the much loved Winston Ingram.

With surprise celebrity guests, ‘An Evening With Paul Riley’ promises to be a hilarious night out not to be missed!

BOOK TICKETS AT www.beaconartscentre.co.uk | 01475 723723

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INFORMATION TERMS & CONDITIONS Full conditions of ticket sales are available at the Box Office and on the website.

Please note that Beacon Arts Centre operates a strict no-refunds policy.

BOOKING TICKETS ONLINE: beaconartscentre.co.uk Telephone: 01475 723723 In Person: Beacon Arts Centre, Custom House Quay, Greenock PA15 1HJ CONCESSIONS Concession rates are available on many performances and apply to the following groups: Children (under 16, or over 16 in fulltime education) • Young Scot cardholders and students • Senior citizens • Those in receipt of Jobseeker’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, and Employment and Support Allowance recipients • Disabled patrons.

Carer and assisted companion tickets are also available • Members of Equity, BECTU, Scottish Society of Playwrights and Musicians’ Union. Proof of entitlement must be shown when collecting tickets.

ACCESS To book access seats please call 01475 723 723/option 1.

Online booking beaconartscentre.co.uk Our modern venue has easy access to all levels via lift.

MAIN AUDITORIUM There are 9 wheelchair positions with companion seats in our main house: 5 in the stalls and 4 in the circle.

STUDIO THEATRE There are 3 wheelchair positions with companion seats in our Studio.

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TRANSFER SEATS We understand that some of our customers may wish to transfer into a seat. Please advise Box Office if you will be transferring into a seat for the performance and our FOH staff will be happy to store your chair for you until required.

GALLERY SPACES AND CAFÉ All other visitor spaces are fully accessible to all. Guide, hearing and other working dogs are welcome in all parts of the theatre.

Please advise when booking if your dog will remain with you during the performance.

There are separate, accessible toilet facilities located at each of the principal seating levels.

Our venue has an induction loop with staff fully trained to help. Disabled parking spaces are situated to the front of our main door.

ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES BSL/Audio Described and Captioned Performances are detailed on our website.

ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE: Our visual story and symbol resources are available to download on our website here: beaconartscentre.co.uk/accessibility/.

If your visit would be helped by an orientation appointment beforehand, we will be pleased to welcome you.

To arrange please email karent@beaconartscentre.co.uk We have a 360 tour of our venue available here: beaconartscentre.co.uk/accessibility/.

Please let a member of staff know if you may require use of a chill out area during your visit and we will do our best to accommodate this.

ACCESS REGISTER Our scheme makes it easier to book the right seats for you and helps our staff deliver excellent and consistent service.

It does this by only asking you once about September onwards 2022

your requirements to ensure a great visit.

You can join easily by either filling out a form at Box Office or Online.

Personal Assistant (essential carer) tickets are only available to those registered to the scheme; however, it is not a requirement to join the scheme in order to book tickets. By joining the scheme and booking concession tickets you agree that the ticket (s) will only be used by a disabled person (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) and their essential carer. Customers who intentionally give false information will be removed from the register.

HOW TO GET HERE Beacon Arts Centre is situated on Custom House Quay, opposite the Custom House, and is within easy reach of Greenock town centre and close to all public transport links.

GROUPS For certain performances, we offer one free ticket with every 10 purchased.

BY TRAIN Greenock Central railway station is 500 metres away up a slight gradient, with a frequent service on the Glasgow Central/Gourock line. Journey times from Glasgow are approximately 30 or 40 minutes and services run until 11pm (an hour earlier on Sundays). Check scotrail. co.uk for up-to-date timetables.

BOOKING FEE We charge a £2.20 online and phone transaction fee which goes towards our processing costs. All booking fees are subject to change as we develop our services. We charge £1.50 for postal delivery.

BY ROAD Beacon Arts Centre is off the A8 behind Greenock Police Station. Turn into Brymner Street at the Police Station and then right into Custom House Place. We have free customer parking to the rear of the building and to the left of the building in front of the Custom House.

FAMILY FRIENDLY We are breast-feeding friendly.

There are baby-changing facilities.

DISABILITY FRIENDLY Beacon Arts Centre is fully accessible with wheelchair spaces, lifts and an induction loop. Our staff are fully trained to help.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY We aim to be as green as possible and are proud to use compostable utensils and packaging in our Cafe.

We recycle and are working to reduce our energy use.

WI-FI We have FREE Wi-FI throughout the building.

BOOK TICKETS AT www.beaconartscentre.co.uk | 01475 723723

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15 Jan | 7:30pm

27 Jan | 7:30pm

PAUL YOUNG BEHIND THE LENS TOUR

BARRY STEELE AND FRIENDS 9 Mar | 7:30pm

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24 Feb | 7:30pm

11 Mar | 7:30pm

8 Apr | 7:30pm

COMING SOON

2023 LULU FOR THE RECORD 22 Apr | 7:30pm

THE TANNAHILL WEAVERS 23 Apr | 8pm

30 Apr | 7:30pm

GARY FAULDS LIVE

FRONTIER 18 May | 7:30pm

19 May | 7:30pm

BOOK TICKETS AT www.beaconartscentre.co.uk | 01475 723723

9 Sep | 8pm

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