Why there's still life in Trainspotting the Musical yet
Trainspotting the Musical could still turn out to be a slow-burn, underground hit
Speaking in April, Irvine Welsh said he believed Trainspotting the Musical had a “bigger, loudly beating human heart than either the book or the film”, which is quite a claim. “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,” he added.
However, the author has now admitted that it faces an “uncertain future” after the UK tour was called off due to low ticket sales following some poor reviews of the show in London. Would it have fared better with an Edinburgh audience from the outset?
For all the characters’ failings, Trainspotting is much loved in Scotland and a more positive reaction could have influenced the take of even the most sceptical of reviewers. And at least one gave this “big, beautiful” show – which can be seen at London’s Theatre Royal Haymarket until September 5 – four stars, so it still has a chance to be a slow-burn, underground hit.
Would Welsh really want it any other way?
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