First look production images have been released for the world premiere of Trainspotting The Musical, offering audiences an early look at Irvine Welsh’s new stage adaptation ahead of its West End opening next week.
The newly released photographs showcase the company in action at Theatre Royal Haymarket, where the production begins performances on 15 July.
Based on Welsh’s bestselling debut novel and the iconic 1996 film adaptation, Trainspotting The Musical reunites audiences with Renton, Sick Boy, Begbie, Spud, Tommy and Kelly in a bold new musical retelling featuring both iconic tracks from the film and original songs.
The production is written by Irvine Welsh, adapted from his novel, and directed and developed by Caroline Jay Ranger, with music and lyrics by Stephen McGuinness and Irvine Welsh.
The first production images also reveal Lewis Kidd in the role of Renton. The character was famously portrayed by Ewan McGregor in the film and remains at the centre of Welsh’s story of friendship, addiction and rebellion in 1990s Scotland.
Speaking previously about the musical, 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.”
Described as a radical and life-affirming theatrical experience, the production aims to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most influential stories in modern British popular culture.
Trainspotting The Musical opens at Theatre Royal Haymarket on 15 July, with a press night scheduled for 22 July.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
