Countdown to star-studded Inverclyde festive film
CHRISTMAS will come early for the people of Inverclyde next week with the launch of a star-studded festive film for all the family to watch for free.
Finishing touches are being put on ‘The Magical Beacon Stone’, featuring Jane McCarry, Mark Cox and Sanjeev Kohli from TV hit Still Game.
They will be joined by Jimmy Chisholm, currently in BBC Scotland soap River City, and Lee Samuel, actress Kim Allan and even Provost Martin Brennan, who will make a cameo appearance.
The 40-minute long festive film is being produced by the Beacon Arts Centre in partnership with Inverclyde Council.
It will be premiered to pupils in every school across the district on Wednesday and Thursday next week (16 and 17 December) before being made available to watch for free via the Beacon website from 10am on Friday 18 December.
Provost Brennan said: “We’re all disappointed to be missing out on panto this year. It’s a highlight for many people at Christmas – children and adults alike.
“I’m thrilled the council, the Beacon, cast and crew have been able to collaborate on this exciting project and turn it around in such a short space of time to make up for the loss of panto and give us some much-needed festive cheer.
“It’s also providing support to the performing arts sector and raising its profile after an awful year and during what is traditionally one of the busiest periods for actors, writers, producers, crew and theatres.
“I was honoured to be asked to be a part of it on behalf of the people of Inverclyde.
“We have a wonderful cast and excellent script and I look forward to watching the film when it launches on Friday 18 December – oh yes I am.”
Jane, Mark, Jimmy and Lee are Beacon panto favourites and developed a bond with the area and the audiences, which meant there was no hesitation when asked to get involved in the festive film.
Pauline Kane, Beacon theatre director, said: “We are thrilled to be bringing our first festive digital production, featuring our much-loved panto regulars, to our audiences in Inverclyde and beyond.
“The Magical Beacon Stone will be a fantastic way to bring schools and families together, while we remain apart.
“A special thanks to Inverclyde Council, our fantastic cast and crew and especially our director David Goodall.
“The finishing touches are now being put on the film and going by the snippets I’ve been seen, it’s a true Christmas cracker.”
People can now book to watch The Magical Beacon Stone from Friday 18 December via the Beacon website.
There will be suggested viewing times and days to try and recreate as close to a real live theatre experience as possible, however, people will be able to watch the film as many times as they like from 10am on launch day until 31 December.
To book, visit www.beaconartscentre.co.uk.