Review: What Girls Are Made Of. The true gig-musical story of Cora Bissett's journey from Glenrothes to rock stardom
- Lisa in the theatre
- Aug 5, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 26
What Girls Are Made Of ★★★★★
What Girls Are Made Of
Written by Cora Bissett
Directed by Orla O’Loughlin
review: Assembly Rooms Music Hall | Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023
What is "What Girls Are Made" the musical of About?
"It’s the early 90s. Grunge has gone global, indie kids are inheriting the earth, and a schoolgirl from Glenrothes is catapulted to a rock star lifestyle as the singer in a hot new indie band.
Touring with Radiohead, partying with Blur, she was living the dream. Until she wasn’t. Based on her meticulously detailed teenage diaries, this is the true story of Cora Bissett’s rollercoaster journey from the girl she was to the woman she wanted to be."
In a co-production with Raw Material Arts and Traverse Theatre Company, Cora Bissett's 'What Girls Are Made Of' is a fascinating look at the music industry of the 1990s. It's an autobiographical gig musical with the soundtrack of my dreams, featuring hits from Nirvana, Blur and Radiohead, to name but a few.
The stage set is reminiscent of a music concert, with simple but effective lighting behind a full drum kit, speakers and mics. But the show begins quietly, with Cora sitting onstage alone, gently introducing the audience to her childhood home, her diaries and her memories.
I was taken aback by her lovely clear diction, her assured performance, her stage presence... Yes, I was captivated before she had sung a single note!
Cora is soon accompanied on stage by a live band of three actor/musicians. Each of them play instruments and sing in the band, but they also take on numerous other roles from music industry professionals to family members. I was particularly impressed by Simon Donaldson who nailed every single character he played, showcasing his extraordinary range as well making for a very believable rock star.
This is gig-theatre, not a rock concert
Over the next 90 minutes, we follow Cora on an eye-opening journey, from leaving school in small town Scotland, to joining a band and then touring. There are exciting times, sad times, funny anecdotes and tough lessons aplenty.
Running through it all - music. Great music! Performed superbly.
Sadly, some of the earlier tracks are just a taster and I found myself wanting more. It was so good! I was enjoying myself and then - the band would stop. Boo!
I understand, I do; This is NOT a rock concert, it's theatre, but I do hope this show is expanded to a full-blown, 2 hour+ theatre show with interval, so that we can enjoy even more of the fantastic soundtrack.
When the band and Cora do perform full tracks they are, without exception, brilliant. Their version of Blur's 'This is a Low' is phenomenal. And Cora's voice on Nirvana's 'In Bloom' actually brought tears to my eyes. I was feeling very nostalgic by that point anyway, but it is a gorgeous cover, and a fitting tribute to a band and a song that mean so much to so many.
Cora Bissett leaves her heart on the stage
Between songs, Cora gives a very honest account of the challenges she has faced. She touches on some sensitive subjects and personal matters, one or two of which resonated with me so much they had me in tears (again).
Watching and listening to Cora Bissett perform, I find it frankly astonishing that she isn't a worldwide superstar. Her voice and her talent are extraordinary. What were these A&R guys doing!!?
Well, their loss is our gain. In 'What Girls Are Made of' Cora not only shares her story but her heart with us. She leaves it all on the stage and it's beautiful. ★★★★★
⚠️ Strobe light warning! I had to shut my eyes twice, but it's only for maybe 30 second each time
What Girls Are Made of CAST
Cathryn Archer
Harry Ward
Creative Team
Cora Bissett Writer
Orla O’Loughlin Director
Ana Inés Jabares-Pita Designer
Lizzie Powell Lighting Designer
Garry Boyle Sound Designer
MJ McCarthy Musical Arrangements
Eve Nicol Associate Director
Features songs by Tori Amos, PJ Harvey, Blur, Patti Smith, Sultans of Ping and Darlingheart.
When and Where?
Venue: Assembly Rooms Music Hall
Time: 13:00
Dates: 4-27 August (except 9/14/21 Aug)
Tickets: £27.50/£25.50
Bookings: assemblyfestival.com 0131 623 3030 or Assembly box offices at Assembly Hall and Assembly Roxy, Assembly George Square, Assembly Checkpoint, Assembly @ Dance Base and Assembly Rooms
Running time 85mins | Suitable for ages 12+
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