Greenock Community Centre Hall Taken Over By Theatre Group
A former community centre has found a new ‘lease’ of life after being taken over by a local drama group.
Riverside Stage Company have been given the keys to the main hall at the former Paton Street Community Centre and is planning to breathe new life into the facility.
The new tenancy was supported by the owner and property firm, Bowman Rebecchi.
Community campaigners were left gutted in 2018 after councillors voted to close the building, which had been damaged by a deliberate fire.
The new leaseholders are keen to restore the centre’s place in the local community by holding events for people of all ages in addition to using it as a rehearsal and performance space.
Thomas Williams, who is one of the theatre group’s directors, told the Tele the hall would help Riverside continue to grow and give young people a chance to try their hand at acting and performing.
Thomas said: “We needed our own space, where we were was getting a bit too small.
“When we saw this was available, we jumped at the chance because there’s nothing in this area for the kids and the families up here.
“We plan on doing stuff for the elderly as well.
“We’re all really excited, it’s a lot bigger than what we had before and it’s still a work in progress.
“This is an amazing opportunity for kids to be involved in stuff like this and be able to do drama.”
The group has previously supported its members in auditioning for roles in major productions and recently saw one of their number accepted to the Royal Conservatoire in Glasgow.
It started in 2018 and originally had around 30 members, but that number has grown to around 50.
As well as helping the youngsters who take part in Riverside, Thomas is also keen to let the community back into Paton Street.
He added: “The new space means we can get more kids in and look after them, we’re also going to start up a mothers and toddlers group.
“We’re trying to listen to the community and find out what they’re wanting. They used to do bingo nights for the pensioners here and that’s something I’m looking at starting again.
“There’s nothing for the community up this end, they have to go to Grieve Road or further afield so it would be good to see it back to the way it used to be.
“The kids have been up helping us out with the painting and decorating but things are looking a lot better and more usable than what it was when we got the keys.
“We have lots of helpers who come along and support us, those are parents who came along during the shows and decided to help.
“It makes an amazing difference having them support us.
“We’re really excited to see what the future holds and can’t wait to get started.”
Riverside’s members are currently working on a showcase called ‘Back to the Future’, which will see them perform a Scottish-themed play and a variety of songs and routines from the 1920s through to the present day.
Mum and volunteer Laura Caldwell, whose daughter attends Riverside, emphasised that the group also provides support for young people with additional needs.
She said: “We think it’s really important that kids and young adults who have additional needs are able to get an opportunity to take part in theatre.
“All the children get equal opportunities to audition and some of those with additional needs have even taken on lead roles.
“My own daughter is autistic and through Riverside, she built up her confidence and built up her confidence and was able to audition for a theatre school in Glasgow and she got in.
“Riverside has done a lot and it’s good to see it growing.”
Further spaces including a nursery and offices within the centre are to come to market also through Bowman Rebecchi. Interested parties should contact us.
Riverside will meet every Sunday at their new home and those interested in finding out more about their activities should visit their Facebook page.
This article and image appeared in the Greenock Telegraph.