THEATRE is making a comeback as some of Inverclyde's biggest talents come home for a big outdoor show.

A new 'Musicals in the Park' programme promises to be a showstopper to lift spirits and offer hope at a time when the coronavirus continues to disrupt every aspect of normal life.

The shows at the amphitheatre at Gourock Park are all heading for sell-outs, with a star cast set to bring the big hits from Les Miserables, Wicked and Chicago to the outdoor stage.

Organisers say they felt the time was right to put on a live performance again and bring audiences back.

Kevin Jannetts, of the local outfit No Nonsense Productions, is putting on the show in partnership with the Beacon.

He said: "We have had such a huge response to the programme and tremendous support from the Beacon.

"Everyone loves a musical.

"We have all the classics in there and some of our own favourites as well.

"This has been a really uncertain time for us all but we have so much talent here.

"But the arts can adapt and we will do what ever we can to keep performing."

Musicals in the Park director and performer Julie Hutchison Albert from Gourock, would normally be performing and managing in her job with Silverseas Cruises.

But now she is turning her attention to performances close to home.

Julie said: "This is about offering hope and lifting spirits.

"This will be very special because it is the first I have performed at home for a long time.

"I am really looking forward to it."

Julie will be joined on stage by fellow performers Emily Ashton, Ross James McKnight and Felix O'Brien.

Beacon technician Ian Swinscoe is also delighted to be swinging back into action.

He said: "I have been in this industry since the 1980s with everyone from national to regional theatre and this is the worst it has ever been.

"Everything has just stopped and people have lost their livelihoods.

"It is great to be involved again with this production."

Gourock Regeneration Forum will be funding a tent to cover the audience for the outdoor shows.

Shows begin on Thursday September 24 at 7.30pm.

There will be a performance on Friday September 25 at 7.30pm and two shows on Saturday September 26, at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

For tickets contact the Beacon box office or log on to www.beaconartscentre.co.uk