A WELL-known and much-loved Scottish television and theatre star is preparing to bring her one-woman show to the Beacon Arts Centre. 

Barbara Rafferty, who famously appeared as Ella Cotter in Rab C Nesbitt, will present Clyde Built at the Greenock venue on Friday and Saturday night. 

In the show, Barbara shares memories of her childhood spent in Clydebank and Dalmuir in the 1950s. 

The actor, who is currently starring in River City and The Scotts, said the show is a huge departure from what she's been doing on television over the last few years.

Greenock Telegraph:

Barbara added: "It's very different to what people will have seen me in so I hope they enjoy it. 

"It's a really intimate show and there will be sad stories and happy stories.

"It's like a memoir.

"I had been trying to write a one woman show for years but never got further than ideas. 

"During lockdown it all just came together."

Supported by directors Neil Leiper and Stuart Davids, Barbara will conjure up stories of growing up near to John Brown's shipyard, where her father worked. 

Her tales will be accompanied by music of the time and a lot of reminiscing about life in the west of Scotland in the 1950s.  

Barbara says the emotionally-charged stories will resonate with the people of Inverclyde as they know what it's like to grow up next to the river. 

She added: "I like to think of the show as a love letter to my mum and dad. 

"I had a blissful childhood. It was full of rich experiences and so loving. 

"I remember things so well. 

"We had amazing neighbours and met so many great people and all these different characters."

Greenock Telegraph:

Barbara said she loves the theatre and can't wait to get back to the Beacon. 

She last appeared there in 2015 in Yer Granny alongside Gregor Fisher and Maureen Beattie. 

Barbara added: "I'm really looking forward to being back in Greenock. 

"In theatre, it's a double act with you and the audience. 

"You get an immediate response from people.

"The Beacon is an amazing venue and the views are absolutely incredible.

"It's a lovely theatre and has an amazing atmosphere."

Barbara said the Beacon audience will be treated to a night of nostalgia and will experience a whole lot of different emotions over the two nights. 

She added: "It will have all that natural Scottish humour that people love. 

"There will be a lot of laughter and a wee tear or two."

*Clyde Built will run on Friday and Saturday from 8pm. 
To book visit www.beaconartscentre.co.uk/events/clyde-built-with-barbara-rafferty