All or Nothing Creator Carol Harrison Talks Mods, Music, and Why She Loves Glasgow

EXCLUSIVE: All or Nothing Creator Carol Harrison Talks Mods, Music, and Why Glasgow Is Her Favourite Gig Yet
By Glasgow Eyes / Brian Anderson

In the heart of British rock 'n' roll history sits a band that changed the sound—and the look—of the 1960s. The Small Faces were loud, proud, and unmistakably Mod. Now, thanks to actress and writer Carol Harrison, their story lives on in the thrilling live concert show All Or Nothing – The Experience. And guess what? It’s heading back to Glasgow.

We caught up with Carol for an exclusive chat ahead of the show’s next stop in the city that holds a very special place in her heart.

Carol, what inspired you to create All Or Nothing about The Small Faces?
I grew up in the same part of East London as the Small Faces and I actually knew Steve Marriott from when we were kids. I wanted to share my experience of growing up in what I believe was the greatest era—the 1960s—when working-class youth challenged the establishment and made their own culture.
I identify as a Mod, and always have—once a Mod, always a Mod! I wanted to combine my love of music with my experience in theatre and bring something unique to the stage. Most people only knew the Mod scene through the film Quadrophenia, but I felt there needed to be something live, something real.
To me, the greatest Mod band was the Small Faces. We shared the same background, same humour, same East End language. It all just made perfect sense.

What makes All Or Nothing – The Experience different from a traditional musical?
It breaks the rules! Traditional musicals often have thin storylines where the dialogue just leads to the next big number. That’s not what I wanted. With All Or Nothing, no one suddenly bursts into song and there are definitely no jazz hands!
It’s gritty, funny, and true to life. It’s a proper play as well as a celebration of brilliant music.

And now you’re bringing it as a live concert show. What can audiences expect from The Experience?
We’ve taken that same energy and vibe from the musical and reshaped it into more of a concert format. There’s narration to carry the story, but we’ve made it even more accessible. It’s great because we can take it to smaller venues and do one-night shows.
But the atmosphere? It still feels like you’re at a 1960s gig. The energy is electric.

The Small Faces were a huge part of the Mod movement. What does that mean to you personally?
Being a Mod was everything to me growing up. It was about expressing yourself through fashion, music, and attitude. It was working-class culture, proud and bold. The fashion, the clubs, the dancing—it was all about standing out and having a voice.
And to me, the Small Faces were the soundtrack to that.

Do you have a favourite Small Faces song in the show?
Yes—Tin Soldier. I fell in love with it the first time I heard it. It’s raw and powerful. And my dear friend, the amazing PP Arnold, is on the original track too, so it means even more to me.

How does the cast bring that original Small Faces spirit to life on stage?
They’ve truly embraced the whole Mod experience. The band and the cast understand the energy of that time and the spirit of the Small Faces. They give it everything, every night.

You’re bringing the show back to Glasgow—how do you feel about returning?
Absolutely buzzing! Glasgow was my favourite venue on the last tour. The audience was incredible. I always say, Glasgow crowds don’t fake it—if they don’t like you, they’ll let you know. But luckily, they absolutely loved us.
The reaction we got was one of the best of my career. It really touched me. So coming back feels like coming home.

Do you think the younger generation connects with this music and story?
Absolutely. The story of the Small Faces is one of talent and heartbreak, of passion and being taken advantage of by the industry. It’s timeless.
And the music? It still stands tall today. We get audience members from 16 to 80! There’s even a new wave of young artists drawing from that Mod influence. I honestly think we’re on the verge of another Mod explosion in the music scene.

What do you hope people feel after watching All Or Nothing – The Experience?
Joy. Uplifted. Nostalgic. I hope they relive some of their youth and even if they’re not so young anymore, they leave singing and dancing.
It’s a full-on, feel-good night out with brilliant music and plenty of laughs. That’s what it’s all about.

Any final words for your Glasgow fans?
We’re so excited to be back. Glasgow—you rocked it last time and we can’t wait to see you again. Let’s do it all over again with even more heart.
Lots of love,
Carol xxx

All Or Nothing – The Experience is set to hit Glasgow soon. Don’t miss this unique chance to step back into the Mod era and celebrate one of Britain’s most iconic bands. With soul, sass, and soaring sound, it’s more than a show—it’s an experience.

🎟️ Get your tickets now and prepare for a night of rhythm and blues, East End banter, and pure Mod magic.

Carol Harrison