A SCOTTISH star who once performed in front of Meryl Streep in New York is preparing to share stories of her life and career at the Beacon Arts Centre. 

Actor and comedian Karen Dunbar is stopping off at the Greenock waterfront venue on Friday November 17 on her 'An Audience With' tour.

The Chewin' the Fat star, who also had her own BBC show, will be interviewed on the night about her life and career so far, and members of the audience will get to ask questions. 

Karen gave an exclusive interview to the Tele to lift the lid on what everyone can expect.

She said: "There will be a lot of audience participation and we'll have a brilliant night. 

"This tour is all about celebrating getting back out there and being able to get together again after Covid. 

"As human beings, it's vital for us to be together and to have that social contact. 

"There's a big feeling of relief and gratitude in crowds now."

Karen's career kicked off when she started hosting a karaoke night when she was just 19. 

The actor and comedian went on to play an array of characters in Chewin' the Fat and the Karen Dunbar Show, and co-hosted the 2014 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in Glasgow with John Barrowman. 

One of the highlights of her career so far was appearing on stage in Shakespeare's The Tempest in New York to an audience which included Meryl Streep, Glenn Close and Jake Gyllenhaal. 

Karen said: "I was looking out into the audience thinking 'I know that woman!'.

"It was great, the audience was full of celebs. It was a real 'pinch yourself' moment."

Karen is currently starring in Nae Expectations at the Tron Theatre in Glasgow and also hosts regular rap workshops with young people. 

The busy entertainer will also be hosting a 70s and 80s disco at Oran Mor on December 29. 

The actor says she can't wait to come to Inverclyde as she loves to hear people still talking about Chewin' the Fat.

Karen added: "It's such a big part of Scotland's culture and psyche and people have a real affection for it. 

"I still get people coming up to me on a daily basis telling me how much they love the characters I played. 

"It's great to hear folk say 'I absolutely love you' and hear how much they love the show."

This will be Karen's first time at the Beacon and she hopes the audience will be primed and ready with their questions. 

She added: "I've never been on stage at the Beacon before so I'm really looking forward to it. 

"It will be nice to have a good chat with people and bring everyone together."

To book tickets visit www.beaconartscentre.co.uk or call 01475 723723.