Trainspotting Live
★★★★★ Visceral
Pleasance at EICC (Venue 150): Thurs 1 – Sun 25 August
Review by Cyril Langston
Overstimulating, intense, shocking, and emotional, Trainspotting Live at Pleasance at EICC isn’t afraid to take it too far – and has become a sensation by doing just that.
This immersive version of Harry Gibson’s adaptation of Irvine Welsh’s acclaimed novel, first staged by Edinburgh’s In Your Face Theatre but now taken over by Seabright Live, takes a visceral look at the realities of addiction and youth.
Craig McDougall (Sick Boy) & Andrew Barrett (Renton). Pic: Rod Penn
Following the chaotic, violent, and tragic lives of five drug-addicted young people, Trainspotting Live is 75 minutes of nonstop action performed by an electrifying ensemble cast made up of Andrew Barrett (Renton), Lauren Downie (June and Allison), Greg Esplin (Tommy), Craig McDougall (Sick Boy), and Olivier Sublet (Begbie).
The experience begins right away as the audience files in to take their seats amidst a crazy-eyed rave, and the cast barrels right through the story of their lives, from dynamic relationships to overdoses.
shockingly intimate
The long stage, flanked on two sides by rows of audience seating with one mattress on either end, gives the cast a blank canvas on which to bring the story to life. And there’s no doubt that the space is utilised to its fullest potential – no seat in the house is safe from discarded soiled towels, Begbie’s mean spirited wit, or mystery liquids.
The infamous toilet is anchored amongst the rows of seats, so a handful of viewers are treated to a shockingly intimate view, and – yes – some even get a bit wet. Screams of shock and squeamishness punctuate the 75-minute performance, functioning in notable juxtaposition to the complete silence that accompanies the last scenes of the performance.
Greg Esplin (Tommy) & Andrew Barrett (Renton). Pic: Rod Penn
Balancing the production’s shock factor is deep emotional intensity. Andrew Barrett’s Renton anchors much of the show; he’s captivating in the role, and it’s difficult to look away when he’s on stage. His humanity balances the intensity of the story. Co-director Greg Eslpin’s Tommy’s gentleness is absorbing, with Begbie, Sick Boy, June, and Allison bringing the grime that Trainspotting couldn’t exist without.
stomach-churning and exhilarating
The experience is both stomach-churning and exhilarating from start to finish, with everything from the use of glow stick bracelets in place of tickets to the threat of Begbie insulting the look on your face commanding everyone to stay locked into the action. The direction by Adam Spreadbury-Maher, co-direction by Ben Anderson, lighting design by Clancy Flynn, and sound design by Tom Lishman are airtight.
Trainspotting Live pushes the boundaries of the stage to present a truly immersive and powerful piece. Far from a gimmick, audience interaction and shock factor are expertly leveraged to increase the emotional impact of the violent and sad aspects of the story. This production is a testament to the powerful ability of live performance to both entertain and challenge.
Running time: One hour and 15 minutes (no interval)
Pleasance at EICC (Cromdale Tunnel), 150 Morrison Street, EH3 8EE (Venue 150)
Thursday 1 – Sunday 25 August 2024
Daily (not 12, 19): 4.15pm & 6.30pm
Details and tickets at: Book here
Website: www.trainspottinglive.com
Facebook: @TrainspotLive
Instagram: @trainspotlive
X: @TrainspotLive
Olivier Sublet (Begbie). Pic: Rod Penn.
ENDS
