Introduction

Written and performed by Cora Bissett, “What Girls Are Made Of” is a vibrant autobiographical play that reflects on her teenage years as an indie rock musician in the 1990s. Blending live music, storytelling, and comedic reflections, this production captures the exhilarating highs and sobering lows of chasing a dream.

Synopsis

As a young Scottish teen from Fife, Cora Bissett finds herself propelled into the music world—signing a record deal, touring with iconic bands, and confronting the harsh realities of the industry. The play weaves humor, heartbreak, and nostalgia, tracing how those formative experiences shaped both her life and art.

Key Themes

• Coming of Age: Chronicles the joy and vulnerability of navigating the music scene as a teenager.

• Music Industry Realities: Offers an inside look at the pressures of professional recording and touring.

• Female Empowerment: Challenges stereotypes and questions what it truly means to be a girl—and a woman—in a male-dominated world.

Significance in Scottish Theatre

Known for her boundary-pushing, socially engaged theatre, Cora Bissett once again merges performance with music and personal narrative. “What Girls Are Made Of” has toured internationally, garnering praise for its authenticity and raw energy.

Why Actors Love It

• Multi-Disciplinary Performance: Actors with musical talents can explore both stage acting and live performance.

• Personal Connection: Audiences relate to Bissett’s universal themes of ambition, heartbreak, and resilience.

• High-Energy Scenes: The mix of live music and storytelling keeps the performance exhilarating.