Trainspotting Live comes to the Curve

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Anyone with a lust for life in the 1990s will look fondly back on that moment when they heard about Irvine Welsh’s seminal book Trainspotting coming to the big screen.

Riding on the wave of Britpop, it was the moment when British film punched it’s way into the maintstream.

As Empire magazine said at the time, “Hollywood come in, please, your time is up. Not only can we compete, we can knock you straight into the ground.”

Now a visceral adapatation of life on the streets of Leith lands on the stage here in Leicester at the Curve theatre from next Tuesday (June 20).

This punchy production directed by Adam Spreadbury-Maher recaptures the passion and controversy of the famous novel and globally successful film.

Repackaged it into an immersive production, the audience are literally part of the show, including the notorious “Worst Toilet in Scotland” scene. A warning to those sat near the facilities, things do get very messy.

Trainspotting is the story of Mark Renton (here played by Gavin Ross, originally played by Ewan McGregor) and his friends - Tommy (Greg Esplin, also the co-director), Sick Boy (Michael Lockerbie), and psychopath Begbie (Chris Dennis playing the role scarily brought to life by Robert Carlyle) as they live through the Edinburgh heroin scene of the 80s.

While drug counter-culture is a big theme in the show, issues such as youth, unemployment and the emptiness of modern life also bubble up on stage.

Harry Gibson’s controversial stage adaptation has won the Sunday Times Award for Best New Play and now runs unitl Saturday June 24.

For this 21st anniversary production, In Your Face Theatre’s Scottish cast have created a snappy and vibrant affirmation of the power and humour of the piece.

Not for the faint-hearted, this noholds-barred, “in-yer-face” theatre production is obviously for over 16’s only. Expect nudity, strong language, sex, violence, drug/needle use, and lots of mess. Certain scenes may induce claustrophobia.

Running time is 75 minutes with no interval, and don’t even think of using that toilet.

For tickets and prices visit curve. co.uk or call 0116 242 3595.