#simon donaldson

theatre review: what girls are made of, citizen’s theatre at tramway, glasgow

My tickets were comped for review purposes courtesy of Citizen’s Theatre.

One of the joys of Cora Bissett’s theatremaking is the way in which she can take the most personal stories and draw out the big themes, without ever compromising on their humanity. It doesn’t get more personal for Bissett than What Girls Are Made Of;an autobiographical show in which she also stars, which snapped up two…

‘Technicolour. Rock. Journey.’

Simon Donaldson is a Scottish actor whose recent credits include: Margaret Saves Scotland (Òran Mór); The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart (Eastern Angles) and Scot Squad (BBC). Over #TravFest18 Simon performed in What Girls Are Made Of by Cora Bissett. From his teenage idols to most memorable theatre experience we set Simon our 10 Questions.

Simon Donaldson and Cora Bissett in What Girls Are Made Of. Image Sid Scott

1. To kick things off, can you tell us a little bit about What Girls Are Made Of and your role in the show? 

I play, amongst many many others, Cameron who was the guitarist in Darlingheart. What Girls Are Made Of is an amazing story of growing up, with the added element of your band (Cora’s band) getting signed! It’s funny, shocking and very moving.

2. Without giving anything away, what’s your favourite line from the show?

My favourite line changes nearly every day but one that keeps on sticking with me, and this is maybe down to Grants commitment to the line, is: ‘You’re going on tour with Blur!!??! Oh my god! Oh my god! Oh my god!!!!!’

3. What initially drew you to performing in What Girls Are Made Of? 

So many things  - the script is amazing, the opportunity to work with Cora (writer and performer) and Orla (the director), playing the guitar (especially getting to play so many songs that I grew up with and that shaped me) and performing at the Traverse during the biggest arts festival in the world.

Simon Donaldson in What Girls Are Made Of. Image Sid Scott

4. How do you want audiences to feel having watched the show?

I want them to absolute join us on this journey and come away moved, entertained and wowed. I hope the story speaks them on a very personal level as although this true story is unusual, so much of it is universal and speaks to us all.

5. What song defined your teenage years? 

There are so many songs that I think define my teenage years (what I can remember of them!). I devoured music growing but I think Nirvana was probably my biggest influence, I could choose any track so let’s go with Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle.

6. Who was your teenage idol and why? 

Jim Morrison... I guess that rock n roll wild frontman thing did it for me (ditto Kurt Cobain).

7. What has been your most memorable theatre experience – either as a member of the audience or as part of the creative team? 

Performing on Broadway and Sydney Opera House.

What Girls Are Made Of. Image Sid Scott

8. Can you tell us about the first play you ever performed in? 

The first ever play I performed in I can’t remember the name of...oops! It was a musical at Earlston High School, all 60s music. Can’t remember who I was either! The first professional play was The Tempest, I played Caliban.

9. What’s your favourite Edinburgh haunt? 

I’m a big fan of Carlton Hill, not too big a climb.

10. Finally, what three words would you use to sum up What Girls Are Made Of?

Technicolour. Rock. Journey.

Find out more about What Girls Are Made Of here.

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