Gavin Ross plays the lead role of ‘Renton’ in Trainspotting.  The show, from ‘In Your Face Theatre’ has been delighting (and shocking) audiences across the UK and, in particular, at The Edinburgh Fringe for the last two years. As the show prepares to open its second London run at The Vaults, we speak to Gavin about the demanding role he plays.
How did you feel when you first found out you would be playing an iconic role like Renton?
I couldn’t believe it at first! I was extremely grateful for the opportunity to portray such an amazing and much-beloved character. Everything kind of just blew up; I had folks I went to school with who I hadn’t spoken to in years get in touch just to congratulate me. Three years down the road I can safely say my life takes a completely different fork without that phone call telling me I had the role.
Had you read the book or seen the film?
Yes to both, although I read the book first. I’ve read everything Irvine Welsh has ever written. The guy is a genius, and that’s putting it mildly. The film is fantastic as well, with an amazing soundtrack and great visuals. Can’t wait for the sequel either, we’re all going to go along as a cast and see it.
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You need to do some pretty crazy things in the show, how did you first react when you found out what would be expected of you?
I knew what I was in for to some degree, having been in immersive shows with In Your Face pre-Trainspotting. But nothing this mental. You just have to go for it, be as bold as you can and take risks. You build an armour after a while where you are prepared for any eventuality. Also, I just remind myself that I might never get an opportunity to perform in a show quite like this one, so that helps.
It’s also quite graphic in its portrayal of drug use, and the audience are right in the middle of it, what’s the worst reaction an audience member has had?
We’ve had a lot of people collapse or faint, always citing the heat or the long day they’ve had. Coincidence that it always happens in the scenes involving the injection of heroin. People just don’t like needles I guess. We are more than prepared for that scenario should it occur. We also have people who are in recovery or were close to someone who had an overdose and their reactions leave me lost for words. We’ve had people who have had to leave because it was just too much for them. It’s that thought that keeps me grounded, forever aware that this is life for some people.
You’ve performed the show in London before, how does a London audience compare to an Edinburgh audience, can they understand the accent?
For us, it was very important to remain authentic and true to the text and story, so where we perform whether it be London, Edinburgh, Bristol or beyond, it’s the same voices you’re hearing. It is interesting, though. Obviously in Edinburgh, we have the locals, but because of the Festival, it’s probably the place where we have the most culturally diverse audiences. Some words may sound strange to a Southern Ear, but the performances and writing of Irvine Welsh will guide you.
What does a show day look like for you, how do you prepare for such an intense performance?
Two things, a good breakfast and my Spotify account. I’ll get to the venue maybe an hour before call time and warm up with my headphones on. Depends on my general mood what I listen to, but mostly it’s Punk Rock. One of the few similarities myself and Renton share is music taste I believe. Can’t start a day without The Clash, Green Day or Operation Ivy.
Apart from Renton, which character in the show is your favourite and why?
I’m almost on stage for the entire performance, so I’m in a lucky position where I get to see these characters every day. I personally love the minor characters, like the “speccy gadge” who Begbie picks on or the job interviewers. The versatility from my cast mates blows me away every time. The guy who plays Tommy (Greg Esplin, who also co-directs the show) is alright as well I suppose.
You’ve been performing and travelling with the cast for a while now, do you spend time together outside of the theatre as well?
We’re a family, if not closer than that. Our fraternity is what makes this show work. We make the most of our time away from the show to spend time with our families and friends, as we’ve all sacrificed so much to get to where we are we never take our time at home for granted. We do meet up for food and drink on occasion. We’re all going to Greg’s parent’s place in Falkirk for a meal and some games before we shoot off to The Big Smoke.
You’re in London for 11 weeks, will there be any time for sightseeing?
Doing up to fourteen shows a week takes up a lot of time so I’ll have to choose wisely! I’m familiar with most of London by this stage, so I’ll probably just try and get lost and see what I can find.
Trainspotting is at The Vaults from 3rd November 2016 – 15th January 2017
