See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy PATRICK MARMION Published: 23:54 BST, 22 July 2026 | Updated: 23:55 BST, 22 July 2026
Trainspotting: The Musical at the Theatre Royal HaymarketRating: Two out of five starsAnyone hoping to relive the hedonistic glory days of Cool Britannia may want to approach this strangely awkward resuscitation of Irvine Welsh's cult novel with caution.Danny Boyle's hallucinogenic film version, starring Ewan McGregor, was a shocking but brilliant poke in the eye back in 1996. But it has since dwindled into anxious, middle-aged moralising.Welsh's tale about junkies in 1990s Edinburgh has been expanded to feature elements of his later work, Skagboys, and cut with new music (mostly by author and DJ Stephen McGuinness).And those (like my daughter) unable to decipher Welsh's pungent Edinburger profanities may wish for surtitles – although any transcription of the dialogue would be 'mostly f*****' asterisks, pal'.Much of the soundtrack has been replaced with remorseful, less trippy numbers, such as Tears For Fears' Mad World and The Verve's Bitter Sweet Symphony. These are performed with generic rave dancing, while Welsh and McGuinness's more lethargic recitatives are typically sung seated or lying down.The most popular song for the company appears to be C***s From The Country, which earns a reprise.Following McGregor and Robert Carlyle in the film, Lewis Kidd and Frankie O'Connor appear to be cast as clones – with Sheridan Townsley as Sick Boy, and Kieran Andrew as Spud. Following McGregor and Robert Carlyle in the film, Lewis Kidd and Frankie O'Connor appear to be cast as clones – with Sheridan Townsley as Sick Boy, and Kieran Andrew as Spud The cast pose backstage following the press night performance of 'Trainspotting: The Musical' at the Theatre Royal Haymarket Rebecca McKinnis, Gordon Cooper and Ashley J. Russell during the curtain call 'Trainspotting The Musical' press nightKidd misses McGregor's pretty boy charm as Renton, while O'Connor remains a mindless vigilante as Begbie. Newcomer Rosie Dignan has the toughest job, handling the story's most horrible moment when she loses her baby to neglect.Serious ethical questions are, however, beyond the reach of Caroline Jay Ranger's budget West End production. Practically staged for touring, with a few sooty arches, a rickety balcony and projections of city views, it all looks a bit flimsy.How many hits can they get out of this over-used syringe?Trainspotting, The Musical runs at the Haymarket until September 5. Touring from October 19, in Edinburgh.
