Subverting the Script: Alan Bissett on Class, Masculinity, and the Telling of Tales.

A sit down chat between Scott Cassidy and the mighty Alan Bissett. If you’ve ever felt caught between worlds—too "working class" for the room you’re in, but too "middle class" to return home then come on in for a gander. And if not, then lend an ear anyway - this chat runs free.

Bio

Alan Bissett is a playwright, novelist and performer who was born and raised in Falkirk.  He is the author of four novels: Boyracers (2001), The Incredible Adam Spark (2005), Death of a Ladies' Man (2009) and Pack Men (2011), the latter two of which were shortlisted for Scottish Arts Council Fiction of the Year prize. His most well-known work for the stage is the award-winning Moira Trilogy (2009-2022).  He has also presented the television documentary Inside the Mind of Robert Burns for BBC Scotland, and his most recent work of non-fiction, Lads (2023) was the winner of the School Librarians Association Information Book of the Year.  He is currently touring his new solo show, When Billy Met Alasdair (2025), in which he plays both Billy Connolly and Alasdair Gray.

Key Topics

The "Trainspotting" Moment: How Scottish literature, and specifically Trainspotting's punk ethos, cracked the world open for Alan and gave him permission to write in his own voice.

The Middle-Ground Muddle: That strange, often lonely space of navigating social mobility and identity.

Reimagining the "Bro Code": Alan opens up about his work with young men, discussing consent, respect, and why he still "loves being male" while advocating for a healthier, more empathetic version of masculinity.

When Billy met Alasdair: We talk about his current tour where he takes on the monumental task of playing both Billy Connolly and Alasdair Gray.

Stay Up to Date:

If you want to keep up with Alan’s plays, books, or his touring schedule, check out the links below:

Official Website: alanbissett.com

Instagram: @boyracerbissett

Catch Alan Live: "When Billy Met Alasdair"

Sunday, 15th March 2026 Lochwinnoch Arts Festival (McKillop Institute) Doors 7:00 PM | Start 7:30 PM Get Tickets via Eventbrite

Saturday, 28th March 2026 Glasgow International Comedy Festival (Citizens Theatre) Start 7:30 PM Get Tickets via Glasgow Comedy Festival