Trainspotting The Musical: Everything we know about the new Irvine Welsh adaptation - including how to get tickets

It came three years after Irvine Welsh’s novel became a publishing phenomemon, introducing the world to the streets (and language) of Leith and a cast of colourful characters including Renton, Begbie, Spud and Sick Boy.

Read more: Trainspotting Quotes: Here are 11 of the best lines from Danny Boyle’s cult 1996 Scottish film

Since then the tale of heroin addiction in Scotland’s Capital has gone on to spawn a second film, numerous novel sequels, several stage plays, a computer game and even a song by Primal Scream.

And now it is being turned into an unlikely-sounding stage musical featuring original songs, along with some of the music that made the film such a propulsive hit (lager, lager lager...).

Here’s everything we know about it so far.

Who is behind Trainspotting The Musical?

We’re in safe hands as Irvine Welsh himself has written the musical and contributed to the songs alongside composer Stephen McGuinness.

Caroline Jay Ranger, who has previously helmed the likes of Fawlty Towers Live, The Commitments Musical and Early Doors Live, has been involved in the development and will direct the musical along with with associate director Denise Ranger.

Set and costume design is by Colin Richmond, with lighting design by Ian Scott, video design by Douglas O’Connell, and sound design by Rory Madden for Sonalyst.

Stuart Morley is musical supervisor, orchestrator and music director, Christina Andrea is choreographer and additional movement director, and Anne Vosser is casting director.

What songs will be featured in the musical version of Trainspotting?

The original songs are still a closely guarded secret, although it’s been revealed that some of the songs from the original film will make an appearance, so expect to hear the likes of Underworld’s Born Slippy, Iggy Pop’s Lust For Life and New Order’s Temptation.

Where is Trainspotting The Musical playing?

The show will be staged at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in the heart of the London’s theatre-packed West End.

When will Trainspotting The Musical premiere?

The first performance of Trainspotting The Musical will take place on Wednesday, July 15. It will then have a limited run until Saturday, September 5.

If it’s successful the run will no doubt be extended, while a touring version could also be on the horizon.

Who is in the cast of Trainspotting The Musical?

The cast is currently under wraps but we do know that West End newcomer Robbie Scott will play the part of Renton, made famous by Ewan McGregor. Hailing from the North East of Scotland, Scott’s previous work includes several plays at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre and Edinburgh’s Lyceum Theatre, including playing Davy in musical Sunshine on Leith.

Can I buy tickets for Trainspotting The Musical?

Tickets are now on sale for the show here, priced from just £15.

How have the makers of Trainspotting The Musical described it?

The promotional material for the show explains: “Thirty years on from the film that changed everything, Trainspotting The Musical storms the stage. Written by Irvine Welsh with Music & Lyrics by Stephen McGuinness & Irvine Welsh and Directed & Developed by Caroline Jay Ranger, this is the story of the outsiders, the rebels, a brand-new, expectation defying musical, pumping in live and loud defiance across the West End stage.

“Cult heroes of youth culture; Renton, Sick Boy, Begbie, Spud, Tommy, and Kelly are back, alongside an ensemble cast and a live band. Featuring some of the electrifying tracks from the film that defined a generation, together with catchy, confrontational and celebratory original songs, set to become singalong, dance-along classics, this is more than nostalgia amplified, it’s a genre-defying new musical that speaks to our contemporary malaise of defiance in the face of an uncertain future.

“Radical, invigorating and life-affirming, this provocative, unforgettable experience will have even the most sceptical leave on a consciousness-altering high.

“Trainspotting is not just a show. It’s a moment. It’s a manifesto. It’s who we are.

“CHOOSE LIFE.”

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