BEACON panto stars were on hand to unveil an action-packed new year programme at the Greenock theatre.

Actors Stephanie Falls, Blair Robertson, Jimmy Chisholm and Lee Samuel, who are currently treading the boards in ‘Snow White’, launched the waterfront arts centre’s offering from January through to April.

Music features heavily in the new programme, with everything from top tributes to icons and concerts with Scotland’s very own musical maestros.

Pauline Kane, director of operations and business development, said: “Once again, the Beacon has programmed something in the new year to whet all appetites with our 2018 season officially starting on Saturday January 13 with ‘The Legends of American Country’.

“We have a wonderful music programme from The Platters to Sydney Devine and Terry Neason to tributes celebrating the late, great pop icons David Bowie and George Michael.

“For folk lovers, we welcome the return of Skerryvore with newcomers to the Beacon, Talisk who recently picked up the 2017 MG Alba Scots Trad Music Award for ‘Folk Band Of The Year’ and the Irish singer Mary Couglan.”

There is of course also a wide offering of stage shows, many of which are homegrown.

The programme also includes tributes to bands ELO, The Police and girl group Little Mix, performances by award-winning Irish singing star Michael English, Scotland’s own traditional music stars Chris Stout and Catriona McKay, and for jazz fans, concerts from Alyn Cosker and famed quartet Square One featuring renowned American saxophonist Andy Middleton.

The Beacon will also welcome back former Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus with her sell-out Edinburgh Fringe show ‘Reloaded’, the ever-popular Psychic Sally, a double bill from Scottish Dance Theatre, celebrations of the bard in ‘Ae Fond Kiss’ and Inverclyde Robert Burns Schools competition, a vibrant children’s programme and a series of art and photography exhibitions.

Pauline added: “We showcase the wealth of Inverclyde talent with Thistle Theatre Company and Academy who bring us two shows - ‘Goodnight Mr Tom’ and Willy Russell’s much-loved play, ‘Blood Brothers’.

“Inverclyde Musical Youth Theatre returns with the musical, ‘Calamity Jane’, and we look forward to The Albany Academy with ‘Oliver! The Musical’ in March.
“We are also delighted that ‘Songwriters Uncovered’ return for a second series of concerts.

“There are plenty of rich pickings in our theatre programme, including a two-man version of ‘Macbeth’ from the multi-award-winning company, Out of Chaos, and our family programme is packed with goodies including the return of ‘My Friend Selma’, described by one young person, as ‘the most amazing story I’ve ever heard’.

“All this and more so if you haven’t already seen our new brochure why not pop in and pick one up and remember, there is only one week left of our five-star panto Snow White.”

For full listings, tickets and more information visit beaconartscentre.co.uk or call 723723.