It has been said that People Make Glasgow, and that catchy motto has never rang truer than at the King’s Theatre’s latest offering – The Glasgow Girls.
The musical, composed and directed by Cora Bissett, with a book by David Greig, is based on a true story about a group of pupils in Drumchapel High School back in 2005 who, along with their beloved teacher Mr Girvan, launched a ferocious campaign against the dawn raids, child detention and deportation of asylum seekers by the Home Office.
The campaign quickly grows momentum and their relentless efforts grab the attention of the media and even take the girls all the way to Holyrood to plead their case. The story follows their tale of friendship and love not only for each other but for their community.
The show is cleverly choreographed to provide humour and wit as well as poignant and emotional moments as the small cast effortlessly change characters between scenes keeping the story lively and fast paced.
The individual girls each have their own story to tell and their first class performances are full of energy, girl power and enthusiasm which both entertains and inspires the audience as the story unfolds. Their adolescent anger at the injustice and enthusiasm to protect their friends and local community is infectious and leaves the audience with plenty to think about.
However it is not all emotional moments and political-charged drama. The musical is packed full of sharp Glaswegian humour and plenty of nostalgic local references to take you back to your own schooldays.
The musical soundtrack is strong throughout and features elements of world music, referencing the multi-cultural theme and solid vocal performances by all the cast. A particular highlight was What do you Know which features a stand-out vocal from Kara Swinney as well as the hilarious Elvis-esque performance of I Have a Dream which features a caricature of Jack McConnell MSP in a gold, glittering jacket and terrible wig.
Some of the best moments are provided by the straight talking character of Noreen – the typical long-standing neighbour of the high rises who helps to protect the children and families with her no nonsense attitude. An excellent performance of It’s No A Wean’s Choice showcases the underlying theme that these children are not just asylum seekers, they are “oor weans now”.
Fast forward to Glasgow in 2019, the message of The Glasgow Girls still resonates. Bissett notes “When I was first drawn to the story of the Glasgow Girls in 2010, I had no idea that the matter of refuges and asylum seekers in the world would transpire to become THE most urgent and prescient question of our times.”
The show cleverly challenges views while showcasing the true heart and soul of a Glasgow community who united together to fight back against adversity and protect their own.
The Glasgow Girls will leave you inspired, thoroughly entertained and full of passion for the great city we call our home.