ONE of Scotland's most famous and familiar faces says she will bring a smile, a tear and a song to the people of Inverclyde in her new solo show.

Scottish comedian and actress Elaine C Smith will be on stage at the Beacon in June with her show Chattin' Up Elaine C Smith.

Elaine's last 'own show' performance before coronavirus arrived was at the waterfront venue in January 2020, so she feels it's fitting that she's heading back here to celebrate being on stage again.

The much-loved star was asked to bring a show to Greenock by Beacon director Pauline Kane.

Elaine added: "If someone had asked me to do this six months ago I would have said no.

"I didn't think I had anything to say and I wasn't sure I would have the energy for it.

"My friend said to me that my shows are always about making people feel better and in these difficult times, that's what I want to do."

In the show, which is part of the Meliora Festival being staged by the council, Elaine will be interviewed by her dear friends, novelist Andrew O'Hagan and comedian Jonny Mac.

She says that the show ties in with theme of the festival - recovery.

Elaine said: "When Covid hit, I actually felt a sense of relief.

"I realised I hadn't stopped for 20 years and was completely knackered.

"We've all had to face the horrors of the virus and the other horrible things going on in the world.

"In this show, I have to go out and talk as myself and try to make sense of what's going on, which I hope helps other people too."

Elaine has been on stage and on our screens since the 1980s.

Her first major role was in Naked Video and she went on to star as the formidable Mary Doll in Rab C Nesbitt opposite Gregor Fisher.

She also appeared in City Lights alongside the late Gerard Kelly.

Since 2016, she has played the part of show-stealing Christine in Two Doors Down and scooped a BAFTA Scotland award for Best Actress - Television in 2018 for her performance.

Elaine has been a stalwart in the King's Theatre panto in Glasgow for many years.

She revealed how Beacon director Pauline, who used to work at the King's, is partly responsible her starting out in pantomimes.

Elaine said: "Pauline was reinventing panto and wanted to make it more democratic.

"She was all about creating genuine stars and was was fighting for women to be represented in panto roles."

Elaine says she's thrilled to be taking to the stage the Beacon which she described as a 'phoenix from the ashes' of the ruins of industry in Inverclyde.

She says the audiences at the Arts Guild when she played there were so 'receptive and warm' and she is looking forward to sampling the same atmosphere again.

Elaine added: "It feels like I have something to say to people and bring a glimmer of hope.

"There will be a bit of politics, laughing, singing and greeting, along with intelligent conversation and observation.

"The type of theatre I want to do makes people feel better.

"People are looking for a bit of light and love and meaning."

*Chattin' Up Elaine C Smith is on at the Beacon on June 18. To book seats visit www.beaconartscentre.co.uk or call 01475 723723