what's on at the beacon june-oct 2015

what’sonJune – Oct 2015

beaconartscentre.co.ukI01475

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Beacon Arts CentreCustom House Quay, Greenock PA15 1HJ

01475 723 723

beaconartscentre.co.uk

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@beaconarts

welcomeWe’re delighted to launch another packed programme to keep you, your familyand friends entertained, welcoming the very best in music, drama, dance,comedians and local theatre to our spaces.

Over the coming months we’re excited to be hosting the day-long Pioneersof Performance dance festival, supporting emerging artists in this field; the thirdInverclyde Folk and Roots Festival, which is establishing a reputation as animportant date in the traditional music calendar; and the inauguralGaloshansFestival, a major new public arts festival for everyone to get involved with.

Alongside that, we’re delighted to have return visits from some of our mostpopular performers, includingMacFloyd,Craig Hill, Scottish Opera, Phil andAly, Timeless Productions and our associate company,Rapture Theatre aswell as some new faces in the form ofMichelle McManus, Irish croonerMichael English, andHairy MacLary.

There’s plenty to keep your little people busy too; theatre and dance summerschools are running in July, in addition to our regular classes, as well as aselection of exciting and stimulating shows for the October break.

We’ve recently launched a new menu at Bistro at the Beacon, so do pop in tosee what’s new. With stunning views over the Firth of Clyde, we’ve created arelaxing atmosphere for you to enjoy a drink, snacks or a meal, whether you’recoming to a show or not.

We hope you can join us soon!

Pauline Kane, General Manager

Keep in touchReceive our brochures straight to your door, or get regular email updatesto your inbox. Just call on 01475 723 723 or sign up on our website via thebutton on the homepage, and let us know how you prefer to hear from us.

Accessibility at the Beacon Arts CentreWe are fully committed to making our work and spaces accessible to all.

> Wheelchair access throughout the building, including 9 wheelchair spaces in our maintheatre and 6 in our studio

> Assistance dogs are welcome

> Induction loop available

> There are 2 accessible WCs

> There are 8 disabled parking bays at the main entrance

How to get hereBeacon Arts Centre is situatedat Custom House Quay,in easy reach of publictransport and road links.

By trainWe are 500m fromGreenock Central on theGlasgow Central/Gourockline. Approx 30/40 minsfrom Glasgow.

Bus stops are located alongRue End St and Dalrymple St,just a short walk from the venue.

By road Beacon Arts Centre is just off the A8. Turn into Brymner St and then turn right intoCustom House Place. Parking is on street, in around Custom House Quay and Victoria Harbour.At peak times alternative parking is available via Virginia Street.

Thank you foryour supportWe are grateful for the supportof our audiences, patrons, donors,key funders, charitable trusts and sponsors.

>>> Doors Open Day 12 SeptWe're throwing open our doors and you’re invited!

Join us for events the whole family can enjoy including behind-the-scenes backstagetours, technical demonstrations, pop-up performances and much more. Watch out forannouncements about the full programme online nearer the time.

The Greenock Arts Guild Ltd, trading as the Beacon Arts Centre is a not-for-profitorganisation.Registered in Scotland Company no. SCO24805. Registered Scottish Charity no. SC003030.

beaconartscentre.co.uk I 01475 723 72304

theatre

VOX MOTUS, NATIONAL THEATRE OF SCOTLANDAND TIANJIN CHILDREN’S ART THEATRE

DragonTue 11 Aug, 7pm I Main Theatre I Preview £10

Written by Oliver Emanuel. Conceived by JamieHarrison, Oliver Emanuel and Candice Edmunds.A show for adults, teenagers and children with vividimaginations; Dragon returns to the Scottish stagefollowing international tour dates.Tommy can’t sleep. He hasn’t been able to since his mumdied a year ago. Since then, life has gone from bad toworse. His dad is a grief-stricken mess, his big sisterignores him, and he’s become a target for the school bully.Then, one restless night, Tommy goes to his bedroomwindow, throws back the curtain and……a dragon is looking at him. Straight in the eye.Dragon is an extraordinarily visual story told withoutwords, featuring fast-moving physical theatre, puppetryand original music.

‘it’s unlikely...that audiences in Scotland will ever seeamore beautiful, thoughtful and fiercely theatricaltreatment...’ ��The ScotsmanWinner Best Technical Presentation: Critics Awardfor Theatre in Scotland 2013/14Best Show for Children and Young People:UK Theatre Awards 2014

NB Previews are like a ‘test-drive’ for theatre shows.It’s the first time the play has been performed in front of anaudience and so, very rarely, things can go wrong. This iswhy previews are sold at a slightly lower ticket price –but it all adds to the excitement.

theatre

beaconartscentre.co.uk I 01475 723 723 05

theatreCITIZENS THEATRE

Scarfed for LifeFri 21 Aug, 7.30pm I Studio I £10 (£8 Concession) I 14+

STOIRM ÒG IN CO-PRODUCTION WITHCUMBERNAULD THEATRE PRESENT

SPECTRE TOWNWed 2 Sep, 7.30pm I Studio I £10 (£8 Concession)

DIRECT FROM THE EDINBURGH FRINGE

Scarfed for Life is set against the backdrop of the first Celticand Rangers clash of the season.

To get away from the fitba frenzy the girls are getting pamperedin a 5-star spa. The men are left in charge of the teenagers andthe DIY... whit could go wrang?!

Funny, hard-hitting and thought provoking, this is the story oftwo teenage outsiders caught in the crossfire of polite, suburbanprejudice and garden equipment. Scarfed for Life is presentedby Glasgow’s Citizens Theatre, highly-regarded as a leadingproducer of drama confronting modern-day sectarianism.

“A loud, lively piece about sectarianism in Glasgow...a mix of broad, mouthy comedy and serious agitprop”The Scotsman

Contains strong language.

Inspired by the bothy ballads of Scotland’s North East,playwright Elspeth Turner (The Idiot at the Wall, 2012)and acclaimed director Matthew Lenton (Vanishing Point)explore the fraying boundaries between past, present,and future. Weaving poetry, Doric, wild horses, and song,this courageous new play deftly wrestles with tradition,power, and the loneliness of modern life.

‘Your dignity – I’ve been trying to save your hypocrisy– I’ve been trying to conceal to right your wrongsand sing the songs ofmanaging strife but life is nohorse-tamingwoman-shaming system-blaming picnic.And I’m the Heidbummer today.’


theatreAL SEED

OogSat 12 Sep, 7.30pm I Studio I £10 (£8 Concession) I 14+

New dance-theatre from multi-award winning choreographer-performer Al Seed. Oog is an intensely physical and poeticexploration of the trauma of conflict and the psychologicaldamage it inflicts, leading audiences deep into the fracturedmind of a shell-shocked soldier.

“…visual imagery that sometimes takes the breathaway… an experience that will leave no-one who seesit completely unchanged.” The Scotsman.

Oog is a companion piece to The Factory which won theJury Prize at the Arena Festival, Nuremberg, was shortlistedfor a Total Theatre Award, and enjoyed performances at theICA, London, as part of the London International MimeFestival, 2006. Supported by Creative Scotland andThe Arches, Glasgow

theatre

Black is the Colorof my VoiceSun 13 Sep, 7.30pm I Studio I £10 (£8 Concession) I 12+

Written and performed by Apphia Campbell.Directed by Arran Hawkins.

Inspired by the life of Nina Simone, Black Is The Color Of My Voice follows a successful jazzsinger and civil rights activist seeking redemption after the untimely death of her father. Shereflects on the journey that took her from a young piano prodigy destined for a life in the serviceof the church, to a renowned jazz vocalist at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement.

Direct from sell-out performances in Shanghai, New York and at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe,Apphia Campbell embarks on her debut UK tour.

‘Apphia Campbell is nothing short of sensational… she will make you cheer for her, smilewith her and then sting your eyes with tears.’ ��Broadway Baby

theatre


theatreSOLAR BEAR

Kind of SilenceSat 19 Sep, 7pm I Studio I £10 (£8 Concession) I 14+

Devised and directed by Danny Krass.Design by Kai Fischer.

Kind of Silence explores senses and the way we communicate. The ‘silence’represents not only something we hear, but something we experiencethrough the ways we can or cannot communicate.

This production, created for Solar Bear by Danny Krass, will place sound atthe heart of this performance for deaf and hearing audiences. Addressing thenature of sensory experiences, the exploration of music and movement in adeaf context will form the heart of this work.

Danny Krass and Kai Fischer will use new technologies that will transposemusic so that both deaf and hearing performers will feel the same vibrationsand rhythms that will inspire this piece of visual and physical performance.

To celebrate the centenary of Arthur Miller, Rapture Theatre is producing oneof the legendary writer’s last great plays.

Leroy Hamilton, a descendant of one of America’s founding fathers and‘The Last Yankee’, lives a modest life as a carpenter and has eschewedthe pursuit of the American Dream. This has estranged him from his wife,Patricia, who is in hospital and suffering from depression. Over thecourse of one day, Leroy and Patricia try to come to terms with Leroy’schoices and Patricia’s ‘illness’, and they take a tentative step towardsreconciliation and a brave new future.

The Last Yankee reflects Miller’s themes of the devastating consequencesfor those who ‘fail’ to achieve the mythical riches of the American Dream.

Supported by Creative Scotland and produced in association with theBeacon, Rapture Theatre is proud that The Last Yankee will be part of theScottish Mental Health Film and Theatre Festival 2015.

Humorous and ultimately uplifting, The Last Yankee is classic Miller.

RAPTURE THEATRE IN ASSOCIATION WITH BEACON ARTS CENTRE

The Last YankeeThurs 1 Oct, 7.30pm I Main Theatre I £12 (£10 Concession)


theatreSOLAR BEAR

TribesThu 8 Oct, 7.30pm I Main Theatre£12 (£10 Concession / £5 Deaf Theatre Club) I 14+

By Nina Raine. Directed by Gerry Ramage.

Tribes is a poignant yet biting drama about love, family and finding one’s voice.Billy is a young man born deaf and raised in a loud, opinionated family and yet hisparents and siblings never bothered to learn sign language, meaning Billy had toadapt to a hearing world. When he meets Sylvia, a young woman from a deaffamily who introduces him to Deaf Culture, Billy suddenly feels confidence and asense of belonging to a ‘tribe’ he’s never known before.

Nina Raine’s second play is a fascinating dissection of belonging, family and thelimitations of communication. This production is presented by Solar Bear TheatreCompany who work to make theatre accessible for everyone. Accessible to deafand hearing audiences. All performances will be captioned.

Contains strong language.

There will be a Deaf Theatre Club (DTC) event for this performance run by SolarBear, with pre-show introduction, and post-show discussion. To book [email protected] or text 07900 852595.

theatreCHRISTINE BOVILL

PiafSat 10 Oct, 7.30pm I Main Theatre I £16 (£14 Concession)

2015 marks the centenary of Edith Piaf’s birth. Christine Bovill will be performingher award-winning show at some very special events to mark this anniversary.

No glamour. No gimmicks. No pretence. Nothing but a voice, singing of life’striumphs and tragedies. Christine Bovill’s Piaf is a powerful theatrical homage toone of France’s most endearing icons; celebrating some of her best known songs,threaded with Piaf’s story, and Christine’s own remarkable journey in the world ofchanson.

An award-winning songwriter in her own right, Bovill has toured throughout Europewith her self-penned homage to the Little Sparrow, appearing on BBC Newsnightand on BBC Radio 4’s series, Soul Music. Piaf was awarded the Fringe laurels forTotal Sell Out Show 2011 and 2012. It received 5-star reviews from some of themost respected publications including The Scotsman.

“Something that will stay with you for the rest of your life” Sunday Times

theatre


theatreTERRA INCOGNITA

My Friend SelmaWed 14 Oct, 2pm I Studio I £5 I 8+

Written and performed by Victoria Beesley. Directed by Joe Douglas.

When I was 8 years old, my dad set up a charity to help people in danger escape the war in a place called Bosnia.He brought fifty of them over here on big coaches. Wemoved into an old boarding school with these refugees,to help them settle in. We lived there for four months. It was brilliant – there was a playground in my front garden,we had lots of visitors, people were always feeding me and I learnt to ride a bike! But the best thing about livingthere was meeting my friend Selma.

My Friend Selma is the remarkable real-life story of one girl’s journeyfrom war in Bosnia to safety in the UK. It is the tale of an incrediblejourney, a world turned upside down, loss, friendship, courageand conkers.

Created with support from Creative Scotland.

‘It has already created that unforgettable image – of theexuberant life-force of children, facing down a terrible war.”Joyce McMillan, The Scotsman

“I would give this show 280,000 out of 5.” Erin, aged 9

NS4 PRODUCTIONS

Singin’ I’mNo a BillyHe’s a TimSat 24 Oct, 7.30pm I Main Theatre I £15 I 16+

On the day of an Old Firm clash, a Rangers and Celtic fan end up sharing a courtroom cell. Their only hope ofescape is betting on the match to pay their fines. While taking turns to watch the game on a TV through theircell door, the pair bicker their way through every entrenched cliché of ‘Scotland’s shame’ from religion topolitics and national identity. But aided by their kindly turnkey Harry – whose worries for his sick grandsonhelp put their petty quarrels into perspective – they’re forced to reach a grudging understanding.

Des Dillon’s brilliant satire of bigotry in Scotland and its connection with the nation’s two biggest footballteams first scored critical acclaim at the Fringe in 2005, and has since been a near-constant fixture in theatresin Scotland.

THE GREENOCK PLAYERS

A Night ofOne ActsFri 28 – Sat 29 Aug, 7pm I Studio I £10

The Greenock Players present a great evening’sentertainment with A Night of One Act Plays.Performed by the cream of local talent anddrawing from their combined knowledge oftheatrical repertoire, the evening offers a variedmix of short plays. Join them for a great nightof drama.

OAKLAWN SOCIETY

Fair Brokethe DaySun 12 Jul, 7.30pm I Main Theatre I £12

As dusk gathers on the final night of the allied withdrawalfrom Gallipoli, the men of the Greenock Battalion await themidnight hour. However, for four of them – fate has one finalobstacle to throw their way.

Directed by Sue MacPhee, this specially commissioneddrama boasts an exceptional local cast. Gordon Blair, ChrisGavin, Kevin Murphy and Lyall Trotter combine to make thisGreenock première the outstanding event of the summer.

Performed on the centenary of the 1/5th Argyll’s actionof 12 July 1915, all profits will be donated to The GreenockDardanelles Memorial Fund.

Suitable for mid-teens upwards.


local theatre

local theatre


dance

VISION MECHANICS

In Her ShadowsTues 13 Oct, 7.30pm I Main Theatre I £12 (£10 Concession) I 14+

A dance-mindscape featuring aerial and physical theatre which is supported by stunning visual projectionsand haunting music. In Her Shadows is a visual performance that explores a young woman’s relationshipwith the complexity of her depression whilst challenging the stigmas that surround it.

Two female performers tell the story of a young woman called Amy. After being overseas for years, she returnshome to Scotland to find a new place to settle down. With the unexpected rejection from her mum, Amy istested, pushed and thrown into her own mental turmoil.

In Her Shadows is a new collaboration between A Blank Canvas and Jabuti Theatre, with award-winningdirector Cora Bissett. As part of the autumn 2015 tour, In Her Shadows will be prominently featured in theScottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival and Aberdeen Dance Live.


dance

COLLETE SADLER

We Are theMonstersWed 9 Sept,10.15am£5 (£8.50 linked offer withChalk About)

No two people – or monsters – are exactly the same. Comealong and meet some scratchy, shimmering creatures andmulti-coloured mini monsters, playing and interacting withone another, their arms and legs moving in strange,impossible ways. This humorous dance performance forchildren seeks to portray and discover the monster hiding inall of us! Followed by a one-hour workshop for children aged4 – 9, using movement, live music, images and props toexplore the idea of what makes us different.

A CURIOUS SEED PRODUCTION,ORIGINALLY CREATED BY CHRISTINE DEVANEYAND LEANDRO KEES

Chalk AboutWed 9 Sept, 1pm£5 (£8.50 linked offer withWe Are theMonsters)

Chalk About is a playful, funny and sometimes moving lookat how we see ourselves and others, featuring dance, chalk,chat and one perfect scene containing everything you couldwish for. Join Christine and Niels on their journey as theyask some BIG questions about identity and the meaning oflife. What makes us who we are? Is it where we are from?Or how we talk? Or is it about the way we dance?

‘Utterly engaging’Herald

(Performing Group, DE). Commissioned by Imaginate.

Pioneers of PerformanceA one day festival of modern moves and ferocious fun.Wed 9 Sep I TheWorkroom I Supported by Creative Scotland.


dance

ROBBIE SYNGE

DouglasThis solo performance stems from actions imaginedby Robbie Synge, while performing various dailytasks at home in the Highlands.

One man interacts, through movement, with aroomful of everyday objects, and a kind of human,environmental and psychological ecology emerges.Can body become thing and thing become body?Sharing the spotlight with inanimate materials, this isa world of the untypically grand and the beautifullyunspectacular. Douglas seeks connections andfeedback from his surroundings – conversationsthat go nowhere and everywhere.

ANNA KRZYSTEK

Face OnIn this multimedia piece, a lone figure is waiting.At once both immediate and distant, she appearsin relation to the time, space, sounds, objects andfilmed images that surround her. A vivid soundscore,minimal monochrome video and choreographedmotifs all juxtapose with each other, inviting theviewer to experience a sublime state of intimacyas the figure connects to the sequence of changingsituations.

“Krzystek’s total immersion in the physicality andintention of every nuance is like amagnet”Herald

An Evening of DanceWed 9 Sept, 7pm I TheWorkroom I £10 (£8.50 Concession)


dance showcaseDANCE 1 STUDIO

Boogie Woogie WonderlandFri 19 & Sat 20 Jun, 7pm I Main Theatre I £7.50

This year our talented dancers will take you on a journey to Neverland and the moon and thenon a wintery journey to the frozen north followed by a colourful carnival! Along the way therewill be a sprinkling of fairy dust and glitter with some boogie woogie to get your feet tapping.There are a few more surprises in store and anyone who loves dancing will not want to misswatching our dancers from age 2 to 52 performing Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Cabaret, Disco andPom Cheer.

YDANCE (SCOTTISH YOUTH DANCE)

Project YThu 30 Jul, 7.30pm I Main Theatre I £6 (£4 Concession)

A collection of new dance works choreographed by AnnaKenrick (YDance Artistic Director), Jürg Koch, Yael Flexer andErrol White, performed by over 20 of Scotland’s exceptionalyoung dancers.

Come and see the 2015 Project Y tour created in four weeksby four choreographers and touring four venues in Scotlandthis summer.

#ProjectY

ELMA WHYTE SCHOOL OF DANCE

Dance DateSat 27 & Sun 28 Jun, 7pm I Main Theatre I £13

The Elma Whyte School of Dance has been one of Scotland’s premierindependent dance schools for over 40 years. Under thetutelage ofAdelle Maasz (Principal & retired dancer) and Elma Whyte (VicePresident of the B.A.T.D.) the school continues to produce dancerswith excellent technique, many of whom have gone on to performon some of the world’s great stages. Our annual show is among thefinest of the dance school shows anywhere in the country and we aredelighted to be a part of the Beacon’s programme.

All proceeds are going to local charities: Parkinson’s, RNLI, Down’s Syndrome, Yorkhill Children’s Hospital

All tickets are £7.50 and available from: Pamela Stewart 07748 141 007 / [email protected] Stewart 01475 522 821


comedy

Des McLeanSat 26 Sep, 7.30pm I Main Theatre I £13 (£11 Concession) I 16+

Des McLean is back in Greenock with his hilarious new stand-upshow. This will be one of the most popular nights of the 2015 tourand the multi-award winning comedian can’t wait to unleash awhole stack of new material at one of his favourite venues.

Having spent the last few years starring as Tommy Sheridanin the hit comedy show ‘I-Tommy’ and touring the USA,New Zealand Australia and Canada, this is Des at his best,a master storyteller, with endless funny observations on life.

Come and see why Billy Connolly describes him as oneof his favourite stand-up comedians.

“Right out the top drawer, hilarious, hysterical” The Herald

www.desmclean.com

MZA & CHiLL PRODUCTIONS

Craig HillPlaying with My Selfie!Sat 17 Oct, 7.30pm I Main Theatre I £14 (£12 Concession) I 16+

Get snap happy with Scotland’s favourite kilted treasure for an eveningof gloriously camp,no-holds-barred comedy... live and unleashed!

Hot on the heels of last year’s hysterically funny, sold-out national tour,don’t miss the chance to see Craig flashing his kilt pins, striking a poseand calling for ‘Lights, camera... and, most definitely, action!’

The Independent has raved that Craig was ‘Riotously funny... he’sthat rare thing, a naturally funny comedian’ and we absolutely agree!A deliciously wicked evening of pure, unadulterated fun.

Bring your Auntie…Bring your Hubby…Bring your Selfie!

www.mrcraighill.com

‘Absolutely hilarious!… A laugh-out-loud performance frombeginning to end…’★★★★ The List

comedy

Magic ShoSat 17 Oct, 10.30am & 1.30pm I Studio I £7.50 I 5 – 8 years

Shona Reppe is Magic Sho.

ABRACADABRA!

Magic Sho waves her magic wand and a small white rabbitsuddenly appears. She saws the rabbit in half, she levitateshim under a silk handkerchief. She puts him into a velvet bag andsmashes him into a million pieces with a hammer before (magically)making him whole again.* It’s all going really well – so whydoes the rabbit look so unhappy?

A brand new show for ages 5 – 8 years featuring a rabbit whonever misses a trick and a magician who sometimes forgetsto say the magic word.

*Please note: no rabbits (not even toy ones) are harmed in this show


family

NONSENSE ROOM PRODUCTIONS& ABA INTERNATIONAL TOURING

Hairy Maclary’sCat TalesMon 19 Oct, 2pm I Main Theatre£9 (£8 Concession, £32 Family of 4) I 2 – 8 years

A brand new show featuring your favourite charactersincluding Hairy’s feline friends.

Following the huge success of The Hairy Maclary and FriendsShow, Nonsense Room return with a new set of storiesfeaturing Hairy Maclary, Hercules Morse, Bottomley Potts, MuffinMaclay, Bitzer Maloney and Schnitzel Von Krumm as well asSlinky Malinki, Scarface Claw, Stickybeak Sid and more.

The same mix of fun, storytelling and catchy songs will be hugelypopular with new audiences and those who saw the original.

“Fans of the storybooks cannot fail to enjoy – every childshould see it” �� One-4 Review

family


family

festival

A new family-friendly festival,inspired by the traditionof Galoshans.A weekend of performancein the theatre, on the streetsand in the parks, withevents for everyone toget involved with!

‘One of the best pantomimes in Scotland’The Herald on Jack and the Beanstalk 2013

On sale 9am, Wed 1 Jul

BEACON ARTS CENTRE PRESENTS

11 Dec 15 – 2 Jan 2016


light entertainment

light entertainment

ForbiddenNightsWed 16 Sep, 7.30pm I Main Theatre£20 (First 5 rows £23.50)

Michelle McManusReality – The MusicalThu 24 Sep, 7.30pm I Main Theatre I £15

After receiving 5-star reviews at the Edinburgh Festival, columnist, televisionpresenter, actress and singer Michelle brings Michelle McManus’ Reality – TheMusical to Greenock. An upfront and humorous take on her life since winningPop Idol just over a decade ago, with famous show tunes from the West Endand Broadway.

From Chicago to Cabaret, Les Misérables to Chess, this fabulous evening ofentertainment is set to have everyone singing along and laughing with Michelleas she recounts some of the ups and downs of her life as a TV reality showwinner and exactly how she feels about Simon Cowell and Gillian McKeith.

‘A very, very good comedian... the new queen of the one woman show’.Daily Record

Forbidden Nights is a classy new all-male varietyshow with full theatre production and explosivechoreography.

Forbidden are skilled and professionally trained performers, hand-picked from around the UK with charisma,undeniable talent, sparkling personality and honed physiques in equal measure. They can sing, they can danceand they are VERY easy on the eye. Featuring a vocalist, aerial artist, pole performer and fire act all deliveredwith an element of naughtiness – but not so naughty that you can’t bring your granny. Think Cirque du Soleilmeets Magic Mike!

Suitable for ages 18 to 80.

light entertainment


light entertainmentMA PROMOTIONS

Mad About the Musicals10th AnniversarySun 4 Oct, 7.30pm I Main Theatre I £23 (£21 Concession)

TIMELESS THEATRE

Memories areMade of ThisThu 15 Oct, 2.30pm & 7pmMain Theatre I £14 (£12 Concession &Matinee)

Nostalgia just doesn't come any better! Another sensational showfrom the producers of Memory Lane, All our Yesterdays andRolling back the Years. One of the biggest shows of its kind in theUK, taking the audience on a thrilling and breathtaking musicaljourney through the 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s, with stunningcostumes and brilliant choreography.

Starring Gareth Gates andMichael Courtney

Taking you on a whistle-stop tour from the heart of London’stheatre land to the glitz of Broadway, Mad About the Musicalsis back once again, celebrating the very best songs from theshows we all know and love!

With a host of your favourite numbers from the pen of Rodgers & Hammerstein, Kander & Ebb,Andrew Lloyd Webber and Boublil & Schönberg, the talented cast will evoke the true spiritof the stage, with brilliant vocals, incredible dancing, stunning costumes and West Endmusicians to bring you the very best show in town.

From the poignant All I Ask of You to the dramatic One Day More, you can sit back and enjoy two hoursof unforgettable London and New York favourites, brought to you by a cast direct from the West End,including Gareth Gates and Michael Courtney – a slice of pure entertainment!

‘The best show of its kind’ Encore Magazine

West End and international vocalists, along with the stunning Memory Lane dancers, perform some of thegreatest hits from each decade including songs by Connie Francis, Frank Sinatra, Everly Brothers, Cliff Richard,Elvis Presley, Abba, Barry Manilow, Jersey Boys, Michael Bublé and many more.

‘Bright, colourful, slick... gave the audience just what they wanted...’ Leicester Mercury.


livemusic

livemusicFIREFLY MUSIC

Phil & AlyThu 3 Sep, 7.30pm I Main Theatre I £16

Phil & Aly, two of Scotland’s most acclaimedtraditional musicians have been delightingaudiences across Scotland with their masterful,versatile and amusing performances andleading us in the dance on BBC’s liveHogmanay show for over two decades.Oct 2013 saw the legendary folk duo receivethe Sunday Mail Great Scot Award’s LifetimeAchievement Award.

GREENOCK MEDICAL AID

Peter Morrisonand FriendsSat 19 Sep, 7.30pm I Main Theatre I £15

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

Apart from producing and promoting his own shows in every Scottish theatrehe has sung in all the major British concert halls – the Royal Albert Hall, theRoyal 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 soloists in theBBC`s famous Friday Night is Music Night.

livemusic


livemusicTODD GORDON

Sinatra:100 YearsWed 7 Oct, 7pm I Main Theatre I £16 (£14 Concession)

2015 marks the centenary of the birth of Frank Sinatra.In celebration, Todd Gordon – one of the world’s finestinterpreters of the Sinatra canon – brings his new showto the Beacon. Featuring many of the biggest hits alongwith other gems Ol’ Blue Eyes recorded during hisillustrious career including Summer Wind, Strangers In theNight, You Make Me Feel So Young and New York, New York.

‘Doing it his way, the ghost of Sinatra lives on through thework of one his most polished admirers’ The Times

MichaelEnglishWed 14 Oct, 7.30pm I Main Theatre I £18

An accomplished musician and songwriter, andIreland’s top country star, Michael English is nowa big name on the circuit and his energeticperformances always leave the crowd wantingmore. His first performance at the Beacon willinclude hits from his new album Dance all Nightand his phenomenally successful album CountryRoots.


livemusic

livemusic

MacFloyd:WishYou Were HereThu 22 Oct, 7.30pm I Main Theatre I £15 (£13 Concession)

MacFloyd return to the Beacon Arts Centre in celebration of the 40thanniversary of Pink Floyd's classic Wish YouWere Here album which willsee them perform this masterpiece in its entirety. The show will also includea varied mix of Floyd classics including material from Dark Side of the Moon,TheWall, The Division Bell and more.

In a show lasting over two hours, you will witness a level of musicianship thatis second to none ensuring MacFloyd's position as arguably the best PinkFloyd cover band in the UK. The fans are in for the usual display of lasers andvisual effects. Along with an impressive light show, the band take great pridein performing all the Floyd numbers with accuracy thanks to a talented andenthusiastic line-up. Only in this way, MacFloyd are able to perform everydetail in Pink Floyd's music completely live!

MacFloyd will take you on a journey which promises to transport you backin time... if only for a night.

SCOTTISH OPERA

Mozart’sCosì fan tutteTues 27 Oct, 7.30pm I Main Theatre I £14 (£5 Under 25s)

In opera, the path of true love rarely runs smooth, and no more so thanin this light-hearted tale of love, lust and fidelity. When Don Alfonsowagers that he can prove all women are fickle, Ferrando and Guglielmowillingly accept, convinced that their fiancées could never be unfaithful.The men disguise themselves and each attempt to seduce the other’swife-to-be.

The women resist at first, but a bit of Don Alfonso’s trickery is enoughto spark talk of a double wedding…

Be transported to 1950s Italy in this stylish and romantic telling of oneof Mozart’s best-loved operas, featuring a sublime score performed bysome of the best young singers around.


livemusic

Inverclyde Folk& Roots Festival8 – 25 Oct

Now in its third year, the Beacon is delighted to welcomean eclectic programme of artists for its annualcelebration of all things folk and roots.

Look out for announcements about the line-up.

project

The Beacon Arts Centre is delighted to be working in partnership withInverclyde Council to design and deliver an innovative year-long outreach justiceproject,Hidden, for ages 12 – 26. The programme will consist of creative andurban arts workshops and events, to explore themes of pleasure seeking andrisk taking while raising aspirations and improving physical and mental healthfor identified young people.Participation is on a referral basis or bespoke projects developed.For more information contact SharonMiller: [email protected] 723 723

Activities and classesThere are lots of ways you can take part. We haveclasses where you can try your hand at theatre anddance, as well as special projects throughout the year.

Beacon Youth Theatre (Saturdays)Term Dates: Sat 22 Aug – Sat 3 Oct

Age/school year time cost per term (7wks)

P1 & 2 10 – 10.45am £31.50

P3, 4 & 5 10.45 – 12pm £38.50

P6 & 7 12pm – 1.15pm £38.50

S1 & 2 1.15pm – 2.30pm £38.50

S3 up to 21yrs 2.30pm – 3.45pm £38.50

Classes are paid for in a block booking. New participants can ‘Try before you Buy’.

To book or for more information call the Beacon on01475 723 723 or e-mail: [email protected]

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Beacon Youth Theatre Summer SchoolMon 13 – Fri 17 JulPrimary 1 to 2: 9.30am – 12.30pm £30Primary 3+: 9.30am – 4pm £80

Summer School is run by our experienced team ofprofessionals who specialise in making theatre with,and for, children and young people. Everyone iswelcome to join this fun and exciting theatreprogramme which will result in a unique performancein the Beacon’s studio theatre.

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Activities and classesBeacon DanceTerm Dates:Mon 17 Aug – Fri 9 Oct

We offer dance classes for all ages that focus on dance technique, confidence,communication, self-expression, and performance skills, as well as being a greatway to meet new friends and have lots of fun!

For children and young people

Age/school year time cost per term (7wks)

Micro movers 16 mths – 4 years Mon 11am – 12pm £40

Flying Feet 4 – 7 years Mon 5.30pm – 6.15pm £40

Young Groovers 8 – 10 years Mon 6.30pm – 7.30pm £40

Contemporary 11 – 13 years Mon 5.30pm – 6.30pm £40

Classes must be paid for in a block booking. New participants can 'Try before you Buy'.

For adults

Dance Workout Mon 6.30pm – 7.30pm £5 per week

Platinum Project 60+ Mon 10am – 11am £2 per week (donation)

Creatability: Coming soon...Creative movement classes for young people with additional support needs.To register your interest and for more information contact Gail Sneddon:01475 723 723 / [email protected]

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YDanceProject Y Foundation CourseMon 6 – Fri 10 July

The Project Y Foundation Course offers dancers aged 12 – 18 a chance to work alongside achoreographer from YDance, the national youth dance organisation of Scotland, for one week tocreate and develop a new contemporary dance piece to be included in the programme of the 2015Project Y tour*. This is a great opportunity for dancers to work with a choreographer, developtheir choreography skills, strengthen their dance technique and to perform on a professional stageas part of an annual national tour.

Past Foundation Course participants have gone on to complete a four-week intensive Project YPerformance Course, dance in the National Youth Dance Company of Scotland and enter full-timeprofessional dance training.

Participants can use the Foundation Course to gain an Arts Award.

For more information please contact Gaynor Milne on 0141 552 7712 or visit www.ydance.org

If you would like to pick up a Project Y Foundation Course application form from the Beacon or findout more about dance opportunities please contact Gail Sneddon (Dance Developer) on 01475 723 723or [email protected]

* See p14 for details of the Project Y performance (Thu 30 Jul).

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Beacon Youth Dance CompanyBYDC is a creatively adventurous dance performance company for youngpeople from 14 – 21 years. Company members get a chance to developcontemporary technique, learn exciting performance skills, expand theirchoreographic talents and perform nationally. BYDC prepares young dancersfor pathways to further education and training in dance.

S3 to 21yrs I Thursday I 5pm – 7pm I £2 per week (donation)

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The Beacon Arts Centre’s adaptable event rooms allow us to create a range ofdifferent spaces, for business or pleasure. The layout of these rooms can be tailoredto meet your individual needs and are suitable for events of all sizes; includingconferences and seminars, workshops, private meals and celebrations, functions,exhibitions and performances.

Each of our spaces is fully accessible, with wireless broadband available throughoutthe building, and additional technical support available on request. Full lengthwindows create light and bright spaces, with panoramic waterfront views overthe Clyde Estuary, giving wow factor to any occasion.

Our in-house catering and bar facilities offer a range of options to suit every styleof event and budget.

WeddingsWe want you and your guests to have an experience that will be special andmemorable for years to come. Our spaces can accommodate up to 150 guests andour event team can help advise on trusted suppliers. Call us to arrange a personalviewing and to discuss arrangements.

Contact Laura Queen, Events Co-ordinator:[email protected] / 01475 723 723

Events and hires

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Show howmuch yourtheatre mattersJoin the UK-wide campaign toshow Inverclyde Council how

much you value theirsupport of your local theatre!

Have your voice heard now atmytheatrematters.com

Join the conversation on Twitter@theatre_matters

The aim of the campaign is to encourage you,the public, to tell our local councillors aboutabout the positive power a vibrant arts scenehas in our community, so sign up today…mytheatrematters.com

Sponsor a seat in our theatre to celebratea lastingmemorySponsoring a seat can be done for yourselfor as a special gift for an important person inyour life.

For £500 your chosen seat will carry a plaqueinscribed with your dedication and weguarantee a minimum 10 year display.

Your donation will be used to support allaspects of the venue’s work – from thestaging of plays to our extensive educationand outreach programme.

If you would like to sponsor a seat or findout more about the scheme please contactJill Thomson, Development Manager on01475 600 351.

You can also help us by:round-up donationWhen purchasing theatre tickets online youcan round up your sale to the nearest pound,and help us do that little bit more in bringingthe arts to everyone.

gift aid itBy allowing us to claim Gift Aid on yourdonation, your gift becomes worth even more– we can reclaim 25p for every £1 donated byan individual taxpayer from HMRC.

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Support Us

The Beacon Arts Centre is Inverclyde’s hometo the arts, welcoming and encouraging eventsand activities that reach into every part of ourcommunity. We need your help to ensure thefuture of the Beacon is a bright one.

Group Bookings

1 free with every 10 tickets purchased (this offer excludes Local Theatre andShowcase events).

Concessions

Concession prices are available where advertised and apply to Senior Citizens (60+),Students, Children (16 and under), Registered Disabled and Unemployed.Concessions must be claimed at time of purchase and proof of eligibility shown.Assisting companions for disabled patrons are admitted free of charge.

Refunds

Once you have bought a ticket it is non-refundable, unless the performance iscancelled or rescheduled.

Terms and Conditions

1.Tickets should be checked at point of purchase as mistakes cannot be rectified later. 2. Latecomers will beasked to wait until a suitable break in the performance. 3. Management reserves the right to refuse admissionand to alter the advertised programme if it proves necessary. 4. The use of cameras and recording equipmentin the Main Theatre and Studio is prohibited. 5. Mobile phones should be silenced before entering performances.6. Every audience member must have a valid ticket, even infants. 7. The Beacon Arts Centre reserves the rightto introduce special offers and discounts on tickets at any time.

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Bookin

gIn

formation

01475 723 723beaconartscentre.co.uk

Visit UsMon – Sat 9am to 8pm

Sun 12pm to 6pm

(Open ‘til 8pm whenthere’s a performance)

Call us on 01475 723 723.We will hold your tickets forcollection or will post themto you for £1. Creditcard sales are subjectto a £1 fee.

Look us up atbeaconartscentre.co.ukOnline bookings are subjectto £2.20 per transaction

June19 & 20 Boogie Woogie Wonderland

27 & 28 Dance Date

July12 Fair Broke The day

30 Project Y

August11 Dragon

21 Scarfed for Life

27 & 29 A Night of One Act Plays

September2 Spectre Town

3 Phil & Aly

9 Pioneers of Performance Collete Sadler We are the Monsters

Pioneers of Performance Curious Seed Chalk About

Pioneers of Performance Robbie Synge Douglas

Pioneers of Performance Anna Krzystek Face On

12 Oog

13 Black is the Color of my Voice

16 Forbidden Nights

19 Kind of Silence

19 Peter Morrison and Friends

24 Michelle McManus Reality – The Musical

26 Des McLean

October1 The Last Yankee

4 Mad About the Musicals

7 Sinatra: 100 Years

8 – 25 Inverclyde Folk and Roots Festival

8 Tribes

10 Piaf

13 In Her Shadows

14 My Friend Selma

14 Michael English

15 Memories are Made of This

17 Magic Sho

17 Craig Hill Playing with My Selfie!

19 Hairy Maclary’s Cat Tales

22 MacFloyd Wish YouWere Here

24 Singin’ I’m no a Billy he’s a Tim

27 Mozart’s Così fan tutte

Beacon Arts Centre

CustomHouse Quay,Greenock PA15 1HJ

01475 723 723

beaconartscentre.co.uk

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what's on at the beacon june-oct 2015

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