Trainspotting has been turned into a musical, and bar a few hiccups, for the most part, it works. The adaptation by Irvine Welsh has musical nods to the film, with airings of tracks such as Iggy Pop's Lust for Life, but also new songs co-written with Stephen McGuinness, as well as airings of old Britpop-era classics including Bitter Sweet Symphony, Mad World, and Perfect Day.
Nostalgia and Impact
For one reviewer, it was a delicious shot in the arm of pure 90s nostalgia - from the clothes, to the sounds to the journeys of a group of friends from Leith, caught up in mass unemployment, a sense of hopelessness and the inevitable pull of 'scag' to escape it all. Yes, it can jar to see so many grim, drawn-out scenes of drug-taking, accompanied by jaunty songs about having the 'munchies, but it still packed a powerful punch.
Cast and Performances
Lewis Kidd had a good shot at Renton, but special mentions go to Kieran Andrew's Spud, who was enthralling with his neverending ticks and wild, stream of conscious monologues. And Rosie Dignan as the tragic Alison, whose baby dies while she's shooting up. Every single actor threw themselves into their roles with an energy and commitment that was infectious. They brought humour, vulnerability and authenticity, creating characters you laughed with one moment and were utterly broken for the next.
Audience Reception
Despite the criticism it has received, one reviewer is going against the grain and saying this was a powerful, brave production. Paying audiences are going to love it. The warm standing ovation the cast received at the end was an indication that the reviewer wasn't the only one to feel that way.
Trainspotting the Musical is at Theatre Royal Haymarket until 5 September.
