Acclaimed immersive adaptation of Irvine Welsh’s classic novel, staged in a bespoke venue unique to the show. The audience are literally part of the action, including the notorious “worst toilet in Scotland” scene. Seven sell-out Fringe seasons – early booking recommended! Choose life. ‘The most uncompromising and controversial show you are likely to see anywhere’ ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). ’75 of the most intense, funny and moving minutes of theatre I have ever experienced’ ***** (BoxDust.com). ‘The cast are incredible’ ***** (TheatreScotland.co.uk). ‘Better than either the book or film in my opinion’ (Irvine Welsh). ‘A big fat hit’ (NME).

If you’re a regular fringe-goer there is absolutely no doubt that you have either heard/been told about/seen Trainspotting Live. Based on the novel by Irvine Welsh, this intense 75 minutes of laughter, pain, chaos and shock has been at the Fringe for years as well as touring the company due to its raging success. Making you question your existence, your upbringing, the life you lead, this immersive performance is captivating and engaging.

I’m going to preface this by saying it is so so important to read the triggers for this show – it can be a lot for some people and that is absolutely okay, but once you leave the performance there is no way of getting back in.

This show contains strobe lighting, audience participation, nudity, scenes of sexual violence, violence, strong language and triggering themes.

4 people sitting on steps drinking in the show Transporting Live

Photo taken from Trainspotting Live Website

A Rave-Fueled, Nudity-Filled Journey

Walking into the show you are greeted by what appears to be a rave with members of the cast, very smartly, guiding you to your seat in character whilst also jumping around you amidst the rave of the show. Once everyone is in the show, it really gets started. Whilst not wanting to spoil anything for those who haven’t seen it, I do want to make it very clear that the nudity part of the triggers is a huge part of it and happens quite frequently throughout. Also if you’re not one for audience participation or being touched by members of the cast then you may want to avoid it as no seat is a safe no-touch zone.

A Masterclass in Acting

The cast are absolutely incredible, you quite frankly couldn’t single one of them out as being the best because of how flawless the talent is throughout. The range of emotion and understanding displayed is outstanding and to tell a story this difficult is truly a piece of art. I found myself hysterically laughing whilst also wanting to cry throughout the performance as well as watching the emotions of those around me fluctuate as well. The choice of music throughout was a 10/10 from me and really brightened the mood in darker sections of the show. The lighting design was also incredible across the traverse design of the stage. A particular highlight of the lighting for me was the final scene incorporating the strobe lighting and the flashes of the actors being dragged through the stage left the lingering feeling of hopelessness, hurt and betrayal for long after the performance had finished.

Is Trainspotting for you?

This show isn’t for everyone – personally I absolutely loved it and this was my second time seeing it but I took my boyfriend along to this one and he really wasn’t the biggest fan. It was nothing to do with the calibre of performance more just the triggers and chaoticness of the show really wasn’t for him and that is absolutely fine. If you don’t get too bothered by the triggers listed I would 100% make sure you get a ticket for this as soon as you can!