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In a world where work and opportunities are scarce Renton, Sick Boy, Begbie and Spud rail against the trappings of a successful lifestyle held out of their reach, and seek life through the point of a needle. Published in 1993, Trainspotting defined a generation and remains one of the most important, hard-hitting stories of our time.
Before the globally successful film adaptation of Irvine Welsh’s Trainspotting, there was a theatre production at the Citizens that started it all. As the world waits for the film’s sequel, we’re bringing the notorious story back to the stage.
It’s terrifically staged but is even better in its performances.
A smart, smooth Trainspotting, then, but one unimaginable without Boyle’s famous film, or its still substantial fan base.
Twenty-two years after its first staging, and with austerity biting deeper than ever, Trainspotting now looks fiercely of the moment.
A Trainspotting to remember.
Harry Gibson’s adaptation of Irvine Welsh’s novel about urban alienation speaks as loudly, scabrously and irreverently as ever.
Nicholls' curve-balls are endlessly inventive, integrated into Max Jones' split-level set. It could be the ultimate antidote to jukebox musicals.
Trainspotting is everything a theatre production should be. It is hard-hitting, emotional, visually spectacular and led with incredible performances. This is an absolute must-see.
Crackles with a raw new power.
Energising and skin-crawling.
None of this is to say that Nicholls’s production is ever less than engaging, but it does feel at times like a tribute act rather than a fresh take on familiar material.
Situated at home in Edinburgh, this production hits close to many an audience member. So, none of this ‘Choose Life, Choose this show, Choose Trainspotting’ nonsense. Clichés aren’t required, for this production speaks for itself.
Preview: Trainspotting (Citizens Theatre)
Harry Gibson and Gareth Nicholls--Trainspotting
Citizens' Theatre, Glasgow from Wednesday October 18, 2017, until Saturday November 11, 2017. More info: www.citz.co.uk
King's Theatre, Edinburgh from Tuesday November 14, 2017, until Saturday November 18, 2017. More info: http://www.edtheatres.com/kings