A programme packed with classes, courses and amazing performances

Opt for a night to remember or choose from creative and heritage classes that will keep them occupied long after Christmas is over.

Eastwood Park Theatre has a packed programme with something for everyone from music and dance to comedy and drama – and plenty for the kids too.

Anthony McReavy, of East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure, said: “There really is something for everyone in our forthcoming season at Eastwood Park Theatre.

“Make a date for a comedy night out – we have top Scottish comedians, including Gary Little and Des McLean getting together, and performances from the likes of former River City star James Mackenzie, who’s taking on the role of Rabbie Burns with a comic twist on the traditional Burns’ night celebrations in The Ghosting of Rabbie Burns.

“Music fans are in for a treat too as we host the UK’s no.1 swing and jive band, The Jive Aces, as well as Europe’s No.1 Country music show, The Legends of American Country.

“Tribute nights include Buddy Holly, The Sound of Springsteen, Patsy Cline and the renowned Elio Pace as Elvis Presley.

“We also have plenty on for kids, including family shows and creative classes, to keep them entertained for weeks to come.

“There’s plenty to choose from, including drama classes, that will help build confidence, use their imaginations and have fun, photography classes and arts and crafts sessions.”

A creative class or course makes a special and unique gift for adults and there are classes to suit all stages and abilities, including beginner watercolours, photography and drawing classes, intermediate drawing and painting and mixed ability classes including oils and acrylics.

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure has also lined up a series of classes to encourage local people to get hands on with heritage, local history and ancestry next year.

A new class, Mills, Merchants and Slaves, will have several sessions running from February to May, and will explore the real history of the area, including the families that built large estates in East Renfrewshire and their connections to the slave trade, and will be hosted by local renowned PhD historian Stuart Nisbet.

The line-up also includes an Introduction to Ancestry day and evening sessions where you can start to track down your family connections with the assistance of an experienced tutor, Discovering Maps which explores how maps can be used for local and family history.

Amanda Robb, of East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure, said: “Our heritage sessions are interactive and really get participants hands on experience of exploring, from family history to hidden collections.

“The classes would make ideal Christmas gifts for people who want to know more about their family history or their local area and want to explore more, with like-minded people and highly knowledgeable and experienced tutors.”

Find out more at www.eastwoodparktheatre.co.uk and www.ercultureandleisure.org/arts and call to reserve a space on 0141 577 4956.