CONCEIVED and directed by Cora Bissett, Glasgow Girls is a musical based on real-life events in Glasgow in 2005. With uplifting songs, music, dance and humour, the girls’ tale is a story of community spirit and fiery friendship. Following a successful run at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe, Glasgow Girls is at the Liverpool Playhouse Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18 February.
Created by National Theatre Scotland, Glasgow Girls is the story of seven teenage girls, whose lives change forever when their school friend and her asylum-seeking family are forcibly taken from their home to be deported. The young women are galvanised to take a stand and fight for the life of their friend and, ultimately, for the rights of all children of asylum-seekers.
The show features all original songs from the diverse talents of the musical creative team to create an authentic and powerful soundscape to the drama. The music includes electronic grime from Patricia Panther, reggae-dub from Scots-Asian Rapper Sumati Bhardwaj (MC Soom T), folk/rock from Cora Bissett and additional songs from the Kielty Brothers.
The universal appeal of the story, relevance to current affairs and ecstatic audience response ensured it was a massive hit at the Edinburgh Fringe.
The real Glasgow Girls story, of seven young women from Drumchapel High School, became one of the most powerful asylum campaigns in recent history – challenging the government, capturing the imagination of the media and inspiring a whole community to unite behind its residents. Their story also became an award-winning feature film.
The book written by acclaimed playwright David Greig (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, West End; The Events, Traverse), was recently nominated for ‘Best Musical Production’ in the UK Theatre Awards. It was adapted for stage by Cora Bissett, awarding-winning director, actor and musician, who previously created and directed Roadkill, winner of an Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre in 2012.
Cora Bissett said: “This show celebrates the diversity of people, and the brave and passionate community spirit which characterises Glasgow in the 21st Century.”
See Glasgow Girls at Liverpool Playhouse for a faith redeeming story about fiery friends and fighting for freedom.
