The hot ticket for April will almost certainly be the author Irvine Welsh along with actor Robert Carlyle (otherwise Francis Begbie in Transporting).
Welsh’s novel was produced for the big screen by Danny Boyle and will be the role that is forever associated with Carlyle, even though it is 20 years since the film was released to wide acclaim.
The writer and the actor will talk about the character which has been central to both of their lives.
The 90 minute long event will take place on Sunday 10 April 2016 at 4.00pm in The Usher Hall. There will be a Q & A afterwards and a book signing by Welsh who is launching his new novel The Blade Artist which features a more recent version of Begbie.
Nick Barley, Director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, said : “Francis Begbie is already a formidable character in Irvine Welsh’s novels. In the Trainspotting movie, Robert Carlyle elevates Begbie to an unforgettable screen icon: ultra-violent and alpha-male, while also quite complex with regard to friendships and sexuality.
“It’s a real treat that Irvine’s latest novel revisits this fascinating character, and even more exciting that Robert will join Irvine in this special Edinburgh International Book Festival event to discuss a career-defining role.”
This is part of the Edinburgh International Book Festival’s Booked! programme supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Clara Govier, Head of Charities, People’s Postcode Lottery, said “I’m delighted that players of People’s Postcode Lottery are supporting Booked! It is fantastic that through this support the Edinburgh International Book Festival is being taken on the road throughout Scotland allowing more people than ever to experience every that the Festival has to offer.”
Tickets are available from The Usher Hall from 10am on Friday 26 February, priced £12 (£10 concessions) and seating is allocated.
The Usher Hall Box office is open 10.00am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday, Tel 0131 228 1155 or https://tickets.usherhall.co.uk.
Copies of The Blade Artist will be available to purchase at the event.
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