Musical play about 'the rise of influencers' on way to Glasgow
The question is at the heart of Andy McGregor's new musical, Meme Girls, which delves into the world of fame and friendship.
It's coming to Glasgow's Oran Mor in June as part of lunchtime theatre series A Play, A Pie and A Pint.
'I wanted to explore two things that fascinate me,' says Andy.
'Firstly, the rise of online influencers – this new breed of celebrity who often don't have the 'traditional' talents we associate with fame, and I'm keen to unpack what captivates us about them.
'Secondly, I'm interested in the intensity of friendships and their breakups. Losing a friend can be as devastating as any romantic split, and that sense of loss can linger forever if it's never mended.'
(Image: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan)
Meme Girls is the story of Jade and Clare, who have been the best of pals since primary school while chasing their seemingly impossible dream of becoming successful musicians.
Then, in a drunken stupor, Clare is caught 'being a daftie' on camera and quickly becomes a viral hit.
Fame, not fortune, follows and the girls' relationship is pushed to its limits.
Yana Harris and Julia Murray star as Jade and Clare, in a production which will feature brand new original songs.
Andy McGregor (Image: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan)
This is Andy's 10th show for A Play, A Pie and A Pint.
'I love making shows at PPP, and I believe Meme Girls delivers exactly what I enjoy in theatre, and what I know the Oran Mor audience appreciates: fantastically talented performers, a generous dose of laughs, perhaps a few tears, and an intriguing story that, for a wee magical hour, completely absorbs you in a world you never knew existed,' he says.
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'It's a place that has been key to my career.
'Highlights for me are having my show about Irn Bru and chips, called Spuds, voted back as an audience favourite and having my one-man musical set in Millport - Crocodile Rock - appear on the BBC.'
Andy adds: 'PPP takes chances on Scottish artists that other theatres don't seem as willing to take.
'It trusts in us to follow our own artistic noses and put something on stage that is uniquely us, and I thank them very much for those opportunities.'
Meme Girls runs from June 2 to 7.
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