Mr Cube Strikes - A Sugar Sheds Snack

Inspired by the work of the Absent Voices project, looking at the history of the Sugar Sheds and the associated industry to create new artwork, Magic Torch have produced a very short comic strip featuring former Tate n Lyle stalwart, Mr Cube. You can see him below exploring his own feelings on the sheds before hooking up with what we are very confident is Inverclyde's First Superhero Team (full spinoff story coming soon!). Above, he is in more terrifying form on the cover of a Tales of the Oak comic. All courtesy of Andy Lee. If you are of a mind to support your local folklorists, you can help support our future projects by purchasing a special digital version of Tales of the Oak from Comixology.

While the Sugar Sheds campaign is no longer a focus for Magic Torch, it looks like it may be a busy year ahead for the Sheds, with new parking, the continuing Absent Voices project and also White Gold, a performance which will be staged at the sheds during the Commonwealth Games. Sweet.

It's almost as if, maybe using the space for arts, heritage and community events longer term wasn't a bad idea after all... ;-)

White Gold Needs You

White Gold, an incredible large-scale performance, will transform the Sugar Sheds in Greenock this June as part of Culture 2014, the celebrations surrounding the Commonwealth Games.

The project is led by arts organisation Iron Oxide in partnership with the Beacon Arts Centre. It's an original creation by Mark Murphy and includes Cuerda Producciones from Argentina, All or Nothing Aerial and DJs/musicians Tigerstyle. 
Bringing personal stories to life through music, drama and breath-taking aerial performance, White Gold gives the community of Greenock top billing as the nation’s stars. The performance can only be realised with the public’s support and input and we are delighted to announce the following opportunities:

Volunteer cast and crew

Volunteers are currently being sought to join the White Gold cast and crew, working with a talented team of artists and theatre professionals.

Cast Members, Assistant Stage Managers, Runners, Lighting Design Crew, Site Crew and Stage Crew are all required. The positions are accessible to anyone 16+, with a willingness to learn and there are a number of roles available, depending on how much time each volunteer has to give. To find out more or request an information pack on any of the above roles please contact Laura@beaconartscentre.co.uk by Fri 15 February. 

Free aerial performance workshops  

Hang, climb, swing and suspend your way through a free taster session in aerial skills with Edinburgh's All or Nothing at the Beacon Arts Centre. 

Each session will start with a warm up before moving onto the aerial equipment with a chance to try out rope and material trapeze. You will learn how to get on & off the aerial kit leading onto basic moves, climbs, wraps and tricks and a wee bit of hanging upside down.

Suitable for all abilities - you just need to be willing to give it a go - this is a great introduction to the air and aerial skills.  We'll explain what the White Gold project is all about and how you can get involved in the final performance at the Sugar Sheds in June. 

Participants can choose from one session on: Mon 3 February: 7.15pm- 8.45pm,

Tue 4 March: 5.30pm-7pm and Sat 5 April: 11am-12.30pm.

To book a place please contact Laura@beaconartscentre.co.uk or call 01475 723723. Places are limited so book quickly to avoid disappointment.