I’ve read the book. I’ve seen the film (several times) On Sunday evening I experienced something else – the stage show in the bowels of the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
Now if, like me and thousands of others, you have read Irvine Welsh’s brilliant book and watched the excellent film versions, you’ll have an idea of what to expect with Trainspotting. But, be warned – the stage show is very much in your face (and other places if you’re not careful!) The language used is in keeping with the book and the films. The audience in the dark and dingy tunnel – especially created for the show – are very much part of the intimate action with the cast involving them throughout. Action includes the notorious ‘worst toilet in Scotland’ and the infamous ‘soiled sheet’ scenes.
The cast of Gavin Ross (Renton), Chris Dennis (Begbie), Greg Esplin (Tommy), Erin Marshall (Alison), Calum Barbour (Mother Superior), Rachael Anderson (Laura) and Michael Lockerbie (Sick Boy) are quite simply brilliant. They create a display of intense, passionate and extremely powerful acting – sometimes it’s difficult to believe they are acting. They are surely stage and screen stars of the future, such is their talent.
If you enjoyed the book and/or both Trainspotting films – the original and the recent release which updated the events of two decades ago – you’ll love this stage version.
As you might expect it’s not for the easily offended and prepared to be shocked. Irvine Welsh is on record as saying he was shocked by the stage show – and, to quote, he wrote the ****ing book!
But it’s an evening you won’t forget! There are three performances each night until 27th August.
Venue: EICC (Venue 150) ǀ until 27 August 2017ǀ 6.00pm, 7.45pm and 9.30pm (80 mins)
Tickets here
Edinburgh Reporter Review ****
Author of The Team for Me - 50 Years of Following Hearts. Runs Mind Generating Success, a successful therapy practice in Edinburgh. Contact me if you want rid of any unwanted habits. Twitter @Mike1874
