The world premiere of Trainspotting The Musical begins in London's West End tonight, 30 years after the iconic 1996 film. A teaser video offers the first look at the production, featuring 26-year-old Scottish actor Robbie Scott as Mark Renton delivering the famous 'Choose Life' opening monologue.
From Cult Novel to Stage Musical
Written by Irvine Welsh, adapted from his best-selling debut novel, and directed and developed by Caroline Jay Ranger, the musical brings the story of outsiders and rebels to the Theatre Royal Haymarket stage. The show opens on Wednesday 15 July and will embark on a UK tour from October.
The 1996 film Trainspotting became the highest-grossing UK film of the year, earning over $76 million worldwide. It won multiple awards, including a BAFTA for Best Screenplay, and in 1999 was ranked 10th in the British Film Institute's 'Top 100 Greatest British Films of the 20th Century'.
A Bigger Heart than the Book or Film
Ahead of the launch, Irvine Welsh said: 'This musical has a bigger, loudly beating human heart than either the book or the film. The various stage adaptations of Trainspotting have become acclaimed and moving theatrical experiences and the soundtrack to the movie is obviously iconic. So it made sense to put the music and words together to create an explosive, provocative and entertaining show. People need to think about the world we’re living in, and we offer that inspection, but they also really need to sing their hearts out and laugh their heads off - it’s what being human is all about - and they’ll be well served with this too.'
Cast and Creative Team
Robbie Scott, a Scottish actor, takes on the role of Renton, originally played by Ewan McGregor in the film. He is joined by a cast of fellow Scottish actors: Sheridan Townsley as Sick Boy, Kieran Andrew as Spud, Frankie O’Connor as Begbie, Finlay Paul as Tommy, Rebecca McKinnis as Cathy Renton, Gordon Cooper as Davie Renton, Ashley J. Russell as Colleen, Rosie Dignan as Alison, Yana Harris as Kelly, and Sophie Hutchinson as Lizzie.
Trainspotting The Musical opens at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on 15 July and then tours the UK from 19 October. Tickets are available at TrainspottingTheMusical.co.uk.
