East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure is hosting free events this month as part of its commitment to make theatre accessible to all.

The fun gets underway at Arthurlie House, in Barrhead, on Friday, October 14, as it stages Dolly Parton Saved My Life – a comedy by Elfie Picket Theatre that will be at the centre of a free event featuring food, singalongs and live music by local performers.

Supported by Creative Scotland funding, the play centres around young teacher Bonnie, who discovers a box of forgotten memories left behind by her late grandmother.

The show runs from noon until 3.30pm and will also be staged at Netherlee Pavillion on Saturday, October 15, also starting at noon.

Elsewhere, Eastwood Park Theatre is rolling out the red carpet for Downs With Love at 7.30pm on Thursday, October 27.

Abigail Brydon, who has Down's syndrome, will take on the lead role of Beth in this play, which sets out to challenge people's perceptions of disability and create positive representation.

Beth strikes up a friendship with her new support worker Tracy, who takes her to watch local singer Mark perform.

Complex and challenging issues arise as Beth loves Mark but Mark loves Tracy, who loves them both.

Downs with Love features a BSL (British Sign Language) interpreter as an actor within the play.

This event takes place during Down's Syndrome Awareness Month and is also supported by funding from Creative Scotland.

Eastwood Park Theatre will also host a free Storytelling with British Sign Language course for children during the October school holiday.

It follows the Beginner BSL course for youngsters aged nine to 12 that took place throughout September at Williamwood High School.

Children will be encouraged to use their BSL skills to create stories, with the week-long course culminating in a show at Eastwood Park Theatre for family and friends.

Moira McFadden, of East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure, said: "Eastwood Park Theatre regularly hosts sell-out shows throughout the year, from our highly-successful pantomime performances to live music and theatre, kids' shows, comedy performances, theatre and film screenings and much more.

"We look forward to welcoming everyone along to enjoy our free events in October, thanks to Creative Scotland funding, as we work to make the theatre more accessible and inclusive to all.

"As part of this commitment, we have worked within the community to invite groups and people who may not usually attend live shows.

"We are currently hosting free British Sign Language workshops for children, regularly host BSL performances at Eastwood Park Theatre and also highlight our relaxed performances for those with additional support needs.

"We welcome any feedback about how we can improve our services in future."

For more details or to book tickets for any of the free events, visit www.ercultureandleisure.org.